Brass letters suit firms whose printed identity leans traditional, such as law practices, accountants and heritage hotels. We match brass lettering to embossed letterheads and engraved plaques for a cohesive look. Boldmedia Print Zimbabwe can supply both together.
Brass letters are dimensional letters made from solid or fabricated brass, prized for their warm golden colour and traditional, established character. They are popular for heritage buildings, law and financial firms, boutique hotels, restaurants, churches and memorials. Brass can be polished to a bright shine, brushed to a softer satin, or allowed to darken naturally to an aged patina, depending on the look you want.
Brass is heavier and generally more costly than aluminium or stainless steel, and it changes colour over time unless it is lacquered or regularly polished. That ageing is part of its appeal for many clients, but it should be planned for. For a similar look at lower weight, gold-finish aluminium or stainless steel letters are an alternative, though they lack the depth of genuine brass.
Where it works well
- Heritage and period building façades
- Law, financial and professional firm entrances
- Boutique hotels and restaurants
- Churches and places of worship
- Memorial and dedication walls
- Upmarket residential estate entrances
Materials and finishes
- Solid flat-cut brass
- Fabricated brass with returns
- Polished brass, lacquered
- Brushed or satin brass
- Natural patina or chemically aged finish
Lighting options
- Non-illuminated
- Halo-lit fabricated brass
- External warm-white spotlighting
What affects the price
- Letter size and thickness
- Solid versus fabricated construction
- Polished, brushed or aged finish
- Lacquer or protective coating
- Number of characters
- Fixing into masonry or stone
- Illumination, if any
Supplying measurements
Send the size of the wall or stonework where the letters will go and photos showing the surface. For heritage buildings, mention any restrictions on fixing into original masonry.
Artwork requirements
Vector artwork (PDF, AI, EPS or SVG) with outlined fonts is required. Classic serif typefaces suit brass well; very thin lines may need thickening to keep the letters robust.
Survey and installation
Brass letters are usually pin-mounted or fixed on stand-offs from a template. Their weight and the need to protect historic surfaces may mean a site survey is needed before a formal quotation.
Maintenance
Lacquered brass only needs gentle washing with mild soapy water; avoid metal polish, which strips the lacquer. Unlacquered brass can be polished periodically or left to develop a natural patina.
Frequently asked questions
Will brass letters tarnish?
Unprotected brass darkens over time. A lacquer slows this, or you can choose to let it age naturally.
Is there a lighter alternative that looks like brass?
Gold-finish aluminium or stainless steel letters give a similar colour with less weight, though the finish differs from genuine brass.
Can brass letters be mounted on stone?
Yes, using pins or stand-offs set into the stone; we check the surface during a survey where needed.