Chemically etched nameplates and plaques are manufactured by masking certain areas of metal with an acid resistant material. The unmasked area is dissolved away with acid, resulting in the masked areas remaining in relief. The depth of commercial nameplate etching varies depending on the type of metal or alloy and the length of time the acid is applied.

Chemically etched plaques are an alternative to traditional cast plaques when detailed graphics or photographs need to be used. Color and dot matrix patterns can also be successfully applied to etched metal. Bay Bronze offers a large variety of metal etched products depending upon the application and usage. Bronze, stainless steel, zinc, aluminum and brass are the most common metals used. We also offer magnesium which is cost-effective and ideal for indoor use. 

When extremely fine detail is needed or old photographs are needed for reproduction, a metalphoto process is used. This involves reproducing the image by exposing a piece of film onto a photosensitive metal plate.

Commercial bronze is a close color match to our cast bronze alloy. If etchings and castings are being used together on the same project, specify Commercial Bronze. Muntz Metal, Yellow Brass and Commercial Bronze are all sheet alloys of brass and are suitable for exterior use when a clear coating is applied. Stainless steel etchings are not protected by a clear coating and are suitable for exterior use.

Muntz Metal Copper Development Association Alloy C28000; 60% Copper, 40% Zinc. Available thickness   .0625"  .125"  .250"	Yellow Brass Copper Development Association Alloy C26000; 70% Copper, 30% Zinc. Available thickness   .0625"  .125"  .250"
Commercial Bronze   Copper Association Alloy C65500, Silicon bronze; 95% Copper, 3% Silicone, 2% Zinc. Available thickness   .0625"  .125"  .250"	Stainless Steel Conforms to Alloy 304, stainless steel. Available thickness .050"  .0625" .125"

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