Bronze Sculpture - Finishing

Finishing
After final polishing, various corrosive materials may be applied to form a patina, a process that allows some control over the color and finish.
Another form of sculptural metal art to use bronze is ormolou. Ormolou is a finely cast soft bronze that is then gilded (coated with gold) which results in a matte gold finish. Ormolou was popularized in the 18th century in France and is typically found in such forms as wall sconces (wall mounted candle holders), inkstands, clocks and garnitures. Ormolou wares can be identified by their matte gold finish and clear ring when tapped, this indicating the underlying bronze as opposed to a cheaper metal alloy such as spelter or pewter