How to Distinguish Genuine Bronze Sculptures From Faux?

One concern you might encounter when finding bronze sculptures involves faux bronze materials. It’s easy for people to make something that looks like bronze.

Some companies can make fake bronze statues and pass them off as actual bronze items. Those groups would charge the same as one would for an actual bronze statue. In short, you’re spending more money on something you think is bronze but isn’t.

So, how can you distinguish genuine bronze from faux bronze? You can look at a few points to see what makes these two different. Understanding these points can help keep you from being ripped off.

What Is a Faux Bronze Statue Made Of?

First, let’s look at how a faux bronze statue is made. A true bronze statue will feature a mix of copper, tin, and other assorted alloys and metals, while a faux bronze statue will feature a resin or epoxy material.

A manufacturer will add a resin material into a mold and shape it to look like a statue. A metallic powder material can be applied over the resin, plus a corrosive material can work on the surface to support the development of an artificial patina.

Cast iron can also be used in some faux bronze statues. Cast iron is cheaper than authentic bronze. It can still be shaped into a distinct design, but that effort requires a traditional carving process.

Check the Color and Tone

One way to distinguish natural bronze from faux bronze is to look at the color and tone of the statue. The natural red-gold color of bronze is alluring, although it can look yellowish depending on the alloys added.

A fake bronze statue may have a similar color, but it will appear either very shiny or matted. Natural bronze has a neutral tone to it, while fake bronze may go to one of those two extremes.

Fake bronze can also have a slightly darker tone than natural bronze. There might be little variation around the entire statute if the bronze is fake. But a true bronze statue can feature some shifts in color, what with the mixture of metals often producing an uneven series of tones on the statue.

How Hard Is the Metal?

The next way to separate natural bronze from fake stuff is that actual bronze is a hard material. Bronze is harder than brass and most other metals based on Brinell hardness tests. The test reviews how much of an indentation is produced when a ball hits the metal. Bronze has a higher Brinell hardness score than aluminum, lead, copper, and most mild steel materials, meaning it does not dent or break as easily as other metals.

A fake bronze statue is easier to bend and crack because the materials aren’t as sturdy as bronze. You can tell a statue is fake if you squeeze a portion of it and see it’s slightly flexible.

What Does It Sound Like?

While testing how a statue feels, you can also pay attention to the sound it makes when touching it. You’ll hear a slight ringing sound coming from a bronze statue after you touch it.

A fake bronze statue won’t produce such a sound. The fake material is often too hollow to create a ringing noise after touching it.

In cases where the statue is made of cast iron, the material would be too thick to create a ringing sound.

General Detail

One fascinating part of bronze statues involves how easy it is to prepare them in different shapes. A manufacturer can add a mixture of melted metals into a mold and use that to dictate the shape.

A fake bronze statue won’t feature as many details, as the resin or other material won’t adhere to a mold as well as other metals. Cast iron statues especially don’t have as many details, as it’s harder to shape them.

Heat Test

If you want to dig deeper, a heat test can help you learn more about the sculpture’s materials. When exposed to heat, bronze and other metals react differently, giving you clues about their composition. Let me show you how it works.

Find a small, inconspicuous spot on your sculpture. Using a heat source like a hair dryer on low or warm cloth, apply gentle heat for a short time. Natural bronze doesn’t change color or texture under mild heat, so if the sculpture looks the same after warmth, that’s a good sign. However, if the surface starts to soften, change color, or show signs of melting, this indicates the presence of cheaper, non-bronze materials underneath.

But avoid using too much heat, as extreme temperatures damage or alter even authentic bronze. The goal is to observe how the material reacts, so keep it mild and brief.

Magnet Test

A magnet test is another quick way to determine authenticity. Bronze is non-magnetic, which means a magnet shouldn’t stick to it. To try this test, simply take a small magnet and hold it against your sculpture. If the magnet clings or even lightly sticks, it’s likely that your piece contains iron or other magnetic metals. That is a clear sign that it’s not pure bronze.

Patina

 You can also examine the sculpture for a patina. It is a natural oxidized layer developed over time. Genuine bronze shows a unique, often green or brown patina. It indicates age and exposure to the elements. This aging effect enhances visual appeal, adding depth and character.

Scratch Test

 Choose an inconspicuous spot of the sculpture and lightly scratch the surface. Authentic bronze will reveal a lighter, golden shade below the surface layer. This method can help distinguish bronze from brass or other alloys. They usually have a different subsurface color.

Signature and Markings

 Inspect the piece for any artist signatures or markings. These inscriptions often provide insights into the sculpture’s origin, production date, and authenticity. Researching the signature can also validate its artistic value.

Visual Inspection for Casting Marks

A visual inspection is often the best place to start. Bronze sculptures are generally made 

using “lost-wax casting,” which leaves unique markings and seams that are hard to fake. When you closely examine an authentic bronze sculpture, you notice fine lines or slight irregularities where different parts of the piece were joined during casting. These aren’t flaws but rather signs of genuine craftsmanship.

Look for fine details, too. Natural bronze holds intricate shapes and small details that cheaper metals or resin cannot. So, if the piece you’re inspecting has sharp, precise details, it is a good sign.

What Does It Weigh?

Bronze is dense and heavier than resin or epoxy materials. Any statue that looks bronze but is lightweight is likely a fake one.

Meanwhile, bronze is lighter than cast iron. A cast iron statue will be hard to lift and tote around when compared with a bronze one.

A Final Note – Make Sure You Check Around

You’ve got many great bronze statues to find for sale today, but be careful when looking around. It’s easy for companies to make fake bronze statues and charge the same as a real one.

Check carefully when finding a statue, and inspect it well to see what it is like and if it might be fake. Don’t forget to perform some physical tests to see how it weighs and what the coloring is like. You might find that something that looks alluring might actually be fake.