Skull Metallizing
Due to a backlog of projects, we’re currently unable to offer skull metallizing but hope to be able to offer this service again soon.
Metals available are: Nickel-Silver, Bronze, Brass, Copper, and Pewter.
Six Metals | Two Finishes
Each of our metals can be brought to a high gleaming polish or given black, brown, or green patinas. Patina is essentially “staining” metal with strong acids. Once the acid patina is applied to the metal surface, the entire surface is colored (black, brown or green). The piece is then polished to remove the patina over the majority of the skull exposing the metal underneath. The remaining patina is left in the low spots and places of the skull that cannot be reached by polishing tools. How much patina is removed, and the degree of polish given to the exposed metal can vary depending on what “look” you prefer. We use our best judgement on the color and degree of patina that best fits the skull. Some historical bronzed sculptures are almost entirely covered in patina, and only the prominent high spots are polished exposing the bronze. In general, patina pieces (skulls) have a more elegant, antique look to them, while high polished pieces have a modern, bright, futuristic look.
Some people prefer a polished metal finish. When this option is chosen, the skull goes through 6 polishing stages to achieve the highest degree of polish possible. The last stage entails a flannel polishing wheel used in conjunction with a high quality wax. You then have the option of sealing the finish with our clear coat, or leaving the piece sealed only in wax which will require periodic polishing. If you prefer your skull NOT be sealed in our clear-coat, please specify with shipment.
Metallized Skull Clear coat
We use a ceramic crystal clear coating which is extremely durable, long lasting and “locks” the skulls metallic finish. Once this clear coat is added, there is no need for future polishing of the skull. Our Clear coat has the ability to seal in the metal coating without the detection of a clear coat being present on the surface. Many clear coats that we have tried, have a very thick film, which gives the appearance of a plastic look over the metal. This “plastic” look of most varnishes is unacceptable, and we are extremely happy with this new patented ceramic clear coat.
Metallized Skull Price List
Our metallizing process is a patented cold metal application which preserves 100% of the skulls features. Our coatings are up to 95% real metal with the remainder being a polymer binder that reacts with the metal forming a metal composite. The finished metal will tarnish with age as all metals do. If you prefer a natural metal look, our last stage polishing wax will help preserve your skull, but still enable it to age naturally. We do offer a clear ceramic coating that preserves the finished look of each skull eliminating the need for periodic cleaning/buffing. Metal coated skulls look, act and feel like hot-cast metal.
We can repair virtually any damaged skull before we metallize. We have a LOT of experience sculpting damaged skulls and have a large supply of “donor” skulls from which we borrow parts to completely repair your skull before metallizing. Missing teeth are also no problem, as we have a huge assortment of extra teeth. Accurate pricing on repair work is quoted after we receive the skulls, but we can usually give you a ball-park figure over the phone.
All services require a $50.00 deposit. Checks or money orders can be included in shipment, or phone in your credit card information. Unpaid balance (including return shipping) will be due once the job is finished. We will call or e-mail with the final balance.