Materials library

Read the material before the finish

Eight concise notes on properties, uses, limits and care. Exact alloy, grade, source and exposure must still be verified for a real object.

Copper alloy

Bronze

A broad family of copper-based alloys valued in sculpture for castability, strength and varied surface color.

Copper–zinc alloy

Often chosen for warm color, machinability and decorative sheet or cast work.

Elemental metal

Ductile and visually responsive to forming, hammering and changing surface color.

Ferrous metal

Central to forging traditions and capable of strong, expressive transitions in section and texture.

Iron–carbon alloy family

Available in many grades with different forming, welding and corrosion behavior.

Natural material

A varied category whose grain, porosity and fracture behavior shape carving and installation choices.

Process material

A model material that can record hand work, assemble sections and support lost-wax workflows.

Finish system

Clear or pigmented layers used to moderate exposure and establish a maintainable surface.