One of Selcraft’s favourite finishes applied to their products is “antiquing” where the base metal used in the manufacture of the badge: made in copper, brass, silver etc, is chemically aged by immersion into a sulphurous solution. This process subjects the piece in a matter of moments to the effects of long term exposure in the atmosphere; this is, of course, why you need to keep polishing your silver and brass items!
The beauty of this process is that it creates many tonal effects reflecting the base metal used in production that can be further contrasted by mechanically brushing the piece to create high and low lights. This process is ideally suited to designs that we know as “metal relief” whereby the item is reproduced within the stamping die (mould) at various levels of depths, details and effects to both enhance and flatter the badge.
In the initial stages, Selcraft consider how the images, received from their clients, can be converted and transformed into a metal product: all rests on this stage as the final item will be judged either a success or failure. Selcraft have great pride in their craft skills and workmanship by producing products that are second to none! The conversion of the “on-paper” design shown into an attractive metal badge at 20mm size is an “alchemy” of our designer’s and die-sinker’s imagination, creativity, geometry and, in this instance, aesthetics. Whilst it was necessary to subtly recompose the design provided due to the scale of reduction to 20mm size, they have nevertheless been both faithful in teir interpretation of that design and are certainly pleased with the outcome.
Selcraft’s clients enjoy the benefits of their market leading expertise since 1973 as medallists, insignia and badgemakers. Every special commission, and complexity, has a unique artwork created reflecting the appearance, dimensions and other relevant information of that product requiring client approval or comment before we proceed further to the submission of pre-production samples prior to main order production.
Carl and the team would be delighted to talk with you about your special commission, please contact him by calling +44 (0) 1886 833 444 or email: [email protected].