WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT A BMA FINISH?

A BMA finish can be applied to any copper alloy so brass and bronze are possible substraits but not ferrous metals.

A BMA finish is a hand applied finish and is the result of a chemical reaction rather than a coating such as paint. This means that even the environment it is undertaken in can influence the outcome of the shade. Therefore, your sample undertaken in our studio in July may differ from the finished item patinated outdoors in October.

A BMA finish is unlikely to be uniform in shade. It will have variation. If you want a totally even shade then BMA is not what you are looking for.

A BMA finish can be waxed or lacquer finished. (See Which Protective Coating is Most Suitable For My Bronze Feature?)

A BMA finish will change after it is installed if it is wax finished. The feature that enables us to colour brass or bronze also means that it is sensitive to its environment. This means that it will change as the air gets to it. If it is outside, the acidic nature of rain will also alter it and even more so if it is handled, washed or splashed by liquids. Don’t panic! Often the change is beautiful and a mature patina is highly prized.  If you are installing a new bronze feature you should always discuss with your client the need for maintenance visits as this will keep your BMA finish looking good for longer.

If you are a manufacturer, you should always handle a BMA finish with textile gloves otherwise you will cause imprints on the finish.

You should never wrap a BMA finish in plastic directly even to protect it. There should always be a primary layer of acid-free paper and if storing a feature with this finish, try not to leave it in plastic for any significant duration of time and never outdoors in plastic.