What Is The Best Metal for Outdoor Sculptures?

More and more people will choose metal as the raw material to make handicrafts, because the handicrafts can remain strong under the wind and sun. Then many friends will ask: Which metal is best for outdoor use?

As you can probably imagine, the answer depends on a variety of factors. Here are some of the most common outdoor metals and individual cases where they are the best metals for outdoor use.

Aluminum

Aluminum has strong applicability as an outdoor metal. It has excellent functional properties such as plasticity, light weight and relatively good corrosion resistance. Specifically, aluminum will not rust, but it will oxidize and corrode over time.

Mirror aluminum and satin aluminum are popular in various outdoor applications. Mirror aluminum is most often used for decorative purposes, while satin aluminum is ideal for functional parts of the exterior of buildings or small structures such as awnings.

Although aluminum's corrosion resistance is not the best, it is still widely used in outdoor projects considering its overall durability and affordability.

Stainless steel

Steel, concrete and glass - these are usually the main materials of most skyscrapers in major cities in the West. Stainless steel, a close cousin of steel, is particularly favored for its greater corrosion resistance, but is more expensive due to its more complex manufacturing process, which requires the addition of chromium.

However, chromium is one of the main reasons why stainless steel performs so well as an exterior metal. Chromium gives stainless steel the unique ability to form a protective oxide layer that helps prevent the metal from corroding. While this protective coating helps increase stainless steel's already incredible durability, it can be difficult to maintain the pristine beauty of newly polished stainless steel without damaging the oxide layer that protects it. Additionally, while stainless steel has a corrosion-resistant design, it still contains iron, which can rust in certain circumstances.

Overall, stainless steel makes a lot of sense as an exterior metal. It's generally more durable than aluminum and, depending on the finish, can provide the same look due to its similar color. However, it's generally more expensive, so designers and engineers should take this into account when planning their projects.

Copper Alloys (Brass, Bronze)

In terms of pure durability and corrosion resistance, copper alloys (sometimes called "red metals") are generally king.

The case for copper alloys is strong. They never rust and are highly corrosion-resistant.
While copper will develop a patina as it ages, most people who choose to use copper and its alloys do so with this in mind when designing. For example, the green patina of copper is iconic – think of the Statue of Liberty!

However, copper alloys cannot compare to metals like aluminum and stainless steel in terms of cost. In most cases, brass, bronze, and especially copper cost more than their silver counterparts. So while copper metal alloys are best protected from the elements when used outdoors, they are more often used as decorative accents rather than covering entire buildings.

Polished Metal: The Best Metal Finish for Outdoor Use

If you are planning a metal art project, Polished Metal is your go-to partner for all of your metal finishing needs. We are able to meet the large and demanding timelines that are common on these projects. With our industry expertise, we can also advise you on which metal type and finish will best suit your project’s individual needs, especially when it comes to protecting against the elements.