An artist that decides to make a metal sculpture has to carefully think about the type of material that he would use. He might even feel the need to describe it in detail in case he would sell the artwork or have it insured. This kind of material description is also necessary when the sculpture is damaged and it needs to be restores. The conservator has to know what kind of material the artwork is made of to give a quick quote about the cost of restoring it.
Most people automatically assume that a metal sculpture is always made of bronze. However, this is not entirely false because most sculptures use bronze. However, this artwork may also be made out of zinc, iron, gold, lead or silver. There are some signs that can help you tell what a metal sculpture is mainly made of. But the most common metals used in sculpting are bronze, gold, zinc, lead, cast iron, and silver.

Bronze
European bronzes are usually called red brass, which is composed of 85% copper, 5% lead, 5% tin and 5% zinc. This kind of combination can help improve the way metal works in the pouring, finishing and pastination stages. When bronze corrodes, this will show it though a light greenish cast and patches of green and unusually black areas.

Bronze also has a beautiful attribute to its colour when it becomes quite golden, with a slightly reddish touch. This happens when the metal is broken. If it is scratched by a sharp object, the scratching will not affect the appearance of the inner part of the artwork that much.

Gold
This is rarely used in sculptures except may be for pure gold used in many Egyptian and pre-Columbian artworks. Instead of pure gold, artists usually use plated bronze with a gold coating. The good thing about gold is it is tarnish resistant though it might grow discoloured when it is not cleaned well. This discolouration is brought about by dust and grime.

Zinc
This is a common metal that is used in sculpting. Its melting temperature is lower, which requires lower heat. Its usual colour is gray silver. If it experiences corrosion, it becomes white. Most sculptures made of zinc are copper plated, patinated and sealed. As time passes by, the patina and plating get tested by the elements that they would disappear altogether.

When broken, this will look bright and appear to have a crystalline structure. The other parts of the zinc sculpture become shiny especially after it got broken. The inner surface of the sculpture looks soft. It can be easily scratched as well.

Lead
This is a rare material used in sculptures because it is heavy and not corrosion resistant.

Cast Iron
This is most notable for its magnetic property. If you put a magnet near its surface, it stays attracted to the sculpture.

Silver
This is also rarely used as a sculpture material especially in its pure form. When used, it is to coat zinc and bronze sculptures. This will easily tarnish when not polished regularly.

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