Metal Art - Decorative Uses of Iron, Tin and Lead

Of all known metals, iron is the most abundant of all. Iron can be found in almost all elements; water, soil and rocks, and is known to be a prized material from ancient times. Iron objects have been discovered in Nineveh, Egypt, Roman Britain and ancient China.

Iron isn't exactly pure and contains some silicon, sulphur, carbon, and phosphorous, with the three principal varieties of commercial iron, cast iron (pig iron), and wrought iron and steel containing various degrees of carbon compound.

All artwork and indeed all iron objects are likely to rust if exposed to damp air, moisture or water, however rusting does not occur if iron is protected from the elements. Rust can be prevented if iron is coated with non-oxidising materials such as tin, brass or zinc.

The amount of carbon in cast iron, wrought iron and steel is what determines their character, strength and working qualities. Wrought iron contains the least amount of carbon while cast iron contains the most.

Cast Iron

Cast iron contains a good amount of carbon and this gives it a brittle quality. It cracks easily if hit hard, extremely coarse, and cannot be stretched or bent.

Cast iron isn't really used in the decorative arts because of its roughness and is mainly used for ornamental firebacks and facings, fireplace accessories and traditional stoves.

Steel

Steel has a hardness that is a mid-way between wrought and cast iron with characteristics of both iron materials. This variety of iron has a finer grade, and is lighter.

Steel is malleable if exposed to very high temperatures and will become extremely hard with sudden coldness. It is elastic because it can be tempered and when bent will spring back in place.

Steel is subject to a high shine and even though it is used majorly for structural works and reinforcement materials, it is also used for contemporary art work and can be used for most of the metal art designs as wrought iron.

The alloying of chromium with steel helps to prevent it from rusting and retain its lustre. Stainless steel is alloyed with 10% to 20% of chromium, and its beauty makes it suitable for cutlery and the likes.

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron has less carbon impurities than cast iron and is softer in nature. It is easily rolled into plates, hammered into bars and drawn into wires.

Wrought iron is a malleable material that can be bent into any shape, welded and holds any shape to which it is hammered or bent.

The iron's use in the decorative metal arts is many and metal works meant for decor includes:

• Metal ornaments

• Furniture
• Decorative lighting fixtures
• Hardware
• Braces and brackets
• Grilles
• Railings
• Gates

Wrought iron items can be painted with brass and various thickness's of the iron can be used for cheaper hardware, fireplace linings, and affordable light fittings.

Lead and tin are metals that's used in alloys because of their soft nature that makes them unsuitable to be used alone. Tin is used for art objects, and lead used for the manufacture of garden ornaments and statues.

Both metals are non-rusting.

Metal Art and the History of Decorative Metal Works

Decorative Metal Art - Copper, Brass and Bronze

There are a number of metal objects of art that are greatly valued for their craftsmanship and designs. They are not necessarily valuable metals but they possess great decorative value. These metals include antique silver, pewter, classic Sheffield plate, brass and copper.

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