Frequently Asked Questions/Answers
Cast bronze plaques do not rust when exposed to the elements, but they will naturally oxidize over time, rendering a natural patina as seen on older copper objects.
Bronze and aluminum plaques are well suited for a wide variety of uses, including but not limited to:
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The possibilities are endless…
Overall plaque size is determined by several factors, including the amount of text to be included, as well as any images/logos/graphics to be added. There are several general guidelines to consider:
Minimum text height is .25” all upper case to ensure a clear casting that will survive the finishing process. Adjust the minimum text height to .375” if using mixed (upper / lower) case text. Individual letters become wider as the surface is sanded during the finishing process, so undersized text creates the potential for letters to fill in and run together, becoming unreadable.
Adding images/logos/graphics generally increases the overall minimum size required to accommodate all the necessary elements. Our graphics department is happy to determine the minimum size necessary for logos/seals/graphics to be readable.
In order to determine a general overall size, count the total characters and spaces in the proposed text and divide by (4). This will give an estimated required size in square inches. Our graphics department may be able to work with your text to adjust the overall size and meet any specific requirements you might have.
Overall, image sizes are based on the size of the plaque and the text to be included. Allowing approximately one-third of the overall plaque space to accommodate an image generally ensures that faces are large enough to be recognized. Our graphics department will work with all your elements to design the perfect layout.
Text files should be sent as Word documents, if possible. Images are best received as PDF or JPG files, preferably at a minimum 300 dpi. Any blurriness, fuzziness or pixilation in the provided file will directly impact the quality of the finished image. Graphics and logos should be sent as JPG, AI, or EPS files when possible.
Although not required, specific artwork provided by customers is very helpful for our graphics department, reducing the amount of time it takes to complete and forward your layout. Please send logo or graphic files as vector art in AI, EPS, or CDR files whenever possible. These file types are generally compatible and do not require additional work from our graphic artists. If these file types are not available, high-resolution black and white line art is generally usable.
We will determine if graphic fees are necessary to convert the artwork for use in the casting process and include those charges on the estimate. Until layouts are approved and payment arrangements are provided, the basic file received will be used to show size and placement. The actual manipulation will be done prior to making the pattern.
Please send logo files as separate attachments via e-mail in vector format whenever possible. You can attach files to a request being submitted directly from our website or you can e-mail to Info@FranklinBronzePlaques.com or Sales@FranklinBronzePlaques.com.
It’s always better to send as separate files instead of embedding them in the body of an e-mail to avoid the quality being degraded.
The estimate will trigger the layout in our graphics department, which will be sent in a separate e-mail within approximately five to six business days after receipt of the estimate. Both are provided at no cost or obligation, and you may contact us at any time during the process with questions or concerns you might have.
Each layout goes through a multi-phase in-house proofreading process to ensure accuracy, but customers are ultimately responsible for proofreading layouts prior to approving for production. And after all that, Franklin Bronze Plaques passes each layout through one final review prior to beginning the pattern process, just to be sure nothing has been missed.
Production does not begin until we’ve received written layout approval and payment arrangements. If revisions are requested after a layout has been approved for production, additional charges will apply for the work already completed prior to the requested changes.
Payment is due at time of layout approval, unless previous open account status or other arrangements have been made. We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express or you may submit payment via check. If paying by credit card, full payment is due up front on orders totaling less than $1500. For orders over $1500, you may choose to make a 50% deposit with the balance being processed at time of shipment. If payment is made via check, full payment is required in our office prior to production, eliminating the possibility of orders being held in our shipping department.
We’ll then begin the pattern process, followed by pouring the molten metal into sand molds and moving the raw castings into the finishing department, which is the longest part of the entire process. Production schedules depend on the overall size and complexity of each plaque but generally run approximately 5 – 7 weeks after final layout approval and payment arrangements are received, plus time in transit for smaller pieces. Larger pieces and pieces with images run a little longer, and an approximate production schedule is included on each estimate.
Each order is packaged with extreme care to protect the final finish. When your order is shipped, you will receive an automatic e-mail from UPS referencing the tracking number. You may also contact our office at any time to request status updates during the manufacturing process.
Production is based on the size and complexity of each plaque and is scheduled once final layout approval and payment arrangements have been received. For smaller plaques without images, delivery is generally approximately 5 – 7 weeks after receipt of layout approval and payment arrangements, plus time in transit.
Plaques with bas relief portraits, no matter the overall size of the plaque, require a minimum 10 to 14 weeks for completion after layout approval has been received. These pieces require extra time for our sculptor to complete the image in clay prior to creating the pattern for casting.
Orders are generally shipped via UPS ground service unless other arrangements are made. Time in transit can vary anywhere from one to five business days, depending on the shipping address provided.
All plaques will naturally oxidize over time, changing the appearance of your finished piece. While we can slow down and impede that process, we can’t say exactly how much time will pass before you begin to notice a change. However, you can take steps to maintain your plaque’s finish. Periodic cleaning with warm water, a soft cloth and mild dish soap will keep the daily dirt and grime at bay. Never use anything abrasive to clean your plaque, including but not limited to scrubbie pads and/or brass and bronze cleaners. This will strip the remaining finish and speed the oxidation process.
If you decide your plaque needs a facelift, we offer refinishing services to bring its appearance back to new. Please contact us to discuss those options and any potential costs that might be incurred.
Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, except holidays.
You may contact us via our toll-free, local, or fax numbers listed below. For those outside the Eastern time zone, our sales staff makes every effort to be available at your convenience. You may also e-mail us at Info@FranklinBronzePlaques.com or Sales@FranklinBronzePlaques.com.
For a more immediate response, try our website chat feature to get answers to questions, preliminary pricing, or to place an order. If we don’t happen to be online when you visit our site, simply “leave a message” with your name, e-mail address, phone number, and a short description of your request.
Phone: 814.346.7205
Toll-Free: 866.405.6623
Fax: 814.346.7047