Contact

We will endeavour to get back to you with a no-obligation quote and mock-up within 24 hours, Please check your Junk Mail.
Plaque size is required for a quote.
You can (optional) request colour, font, frame, shape, motifs, emblems, etc or just let us know what you’d like the plaque to say and we’ll do our best.

You’re also welcome to email directly to bronzetide@gmail.com if you’d like to send attachments or reference material which may help with your request.

Call 027 4389325 for any enquiries.

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FAQs

Why buy from Bronze Tide?

We’re a small company and have time to focus on every plaque from conception to delivery.
Our prices are very competitive
We can email you a no-obligation mock-up and quote based on a simple description.
We love what we do.

Approximately 5 weeks. We also offer a fast turnaround option of 12 working days for an extra fee.

A description that includes the plaque size and desired text is a good start.
You’re welcome to send a sketch, photo or reference picture(s) directly to bronzetide@gmail.com
We’re flexible enough to work with you in any way that you’re most comfortable with.

Absolutely! We offer a variety of ways to incorporate a photo into your plaque:
Color Ceramic or Metal Attachments – For the best results, we recommend high-quality (300 DPI) images that are clear and well-lit. While we can make some edits and change backgrounds. Sharper photos ensure a vibrant and lasting tribute.
Cast Bronze Photos – We can also cast your photo directly onto the plaque for a stunning, permanent finish. For the best outcome, neutral lighting is key, passport-style photos work well. This option requires additional time and craftsmanship, making it a premium choice for a truly timeless memorial.

A courier will come to your door and can leave it in a specified area or somewhere they consider safe. We can also email you a tracking code when its on the way.

Brass is generally more of a gold colour and more suited to decorative items because it is also more malleable. Bronze is more durable than brass and will last longer.

The thickness of a bronze plaque will be calculated depending on the size. Smaller plaques will be 3mm thick whereas large plaques would be 8mm thick.

Yes, the first proof (mock-up) is free and carries no obligation. This is usually a good starting point to help visualise the plaque. Changes to the mock-up also carry no extra charge once payment has been made. If the plaque requires detailed custom artwork we may charge extra, in most cases we enjoy the challenge.

A bronze memorial plaque is a beautiful, practical and budget friendly alternative to a headstone. It can even be attached to a headstone, a rock, wall or any solid surface indoors or out.

According to a 2023 report from funeraldirectors.co.nz,  cost and convenience are major factors in NZ contributing to the increasing popularity of cremations and more personalised methods of memorialisation.

  1. Plaque Design – The layout of the inscription, motifs and other design features are keyed up in computer programs from information provided by our customer.
  2. Negative Production – The requested plaque designs are transferred to a photographic negative in an image setter.
  3. Moulding – The patterns are placed in a mould box and covered with a thin layer of a blend of selected virgin sands. The remainder of the box is filled with a mix of silica sand and binder which hardens the sand after a short time interval. This mould is stripped from the box and assembled with other sections ready to receive the molten bronze.
  4. Pouring – Bronze ingots are melted in a gas-fired or induction crucible furnace to a temperature of around 1200°C. The molten bronze is poured into the mould and solidifies in the form of the finished plaque. On cooling, the mould is broken and the casting recovered.
  5. Fettling – This stage of the process involves cutting off excess bronze from around the plaque, water and sand blasting and edge linishing to prepare the plaque for further processing.
  6. Detailing – Appropriate fittings are attached and any irregularities are eliminated.
  7. Linishing and Painting – The plaque is painted with background colour in a spray booth. The surface of the plaque containing the inscription is then ground with a belt linishing machine to bring up the bronze metallic colour on the raised inscription and other design features. A clear protective layer of paint is then sprayed on and the plaque baked in an oven to harden this protective layer.
  8. Inspection and Packing – The plaques then undergo a final quality inspection and are packed ready for dispatch.

about

Marco Jansen, owner.

I come from a graphic design background with more than 20 years experience. For the past 7 years I’ve specialised in memorial design and worked in Perth where I designed headstones, full monuments and plaques (bronze, stainless steel, granite and vitreous enamel). I formed a good relationship with Phoenix Foundry in NSW and started my own company which I finally decided to start again back home in NZ. As an agent for Phoenix, I’m able to share competitive pricing plus the confidence that my design work will translate very well to bronze.