Raw Brass Artistic Etching | Custom Brass Signage & Memorial Walls

Scope of Work

Sandblast etch multiple raw brass panels to form a seamless etching across multiple panels.

The National Emergency Services Memorial Wall in Canberra required a complete reconstruction after the original installation began to deteriorate. The initial brass panels had been plated and patinaed, but over time, the plating started to peel, compromising both the appearance and longevity of the memorial. To ensure a more authentic and enduring finish, the new design specified raw brass that would be surface etched, patinaed, and then allowed to age naturally within the environment, eliminating the need for plated surfaces.

Premier Awards was commissioned to undertake the specialised etching of over a ton of raw brass sheeting in varying sizes. Each panel required precision alignment of intricate graphic files to ensure the artwork flowed seamlessly across the entire wall, forming a unified and powerful montage. This meticulous process combined technical skill with artistic sensitivity, resulting in a memorial wall that not only restored the original intent but also created a more robust and timeless tribute to Australia’s emergency services.

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Production

Produce large-format photopolymer masks, apply to raw brass, and sandblast etch an abstract pattern to form a continuous artistic pattern across many panels.

To achieve the required finish, enormous photopolymer stencils were produced to mask each raw brass panel. The artwork itself was highly abstract, featuring numerous join points and intricate fine details, which demanded precision at every stage. Each stencil was meticulously aligned and applied to the brass surface, then carefully inspected to ensure flawless accuracy across the entire montage.

Once prepared, every panel was systematically etched using our CNC AutoBlaster, an advanced automatic sandblasting machine. An aggressive abrasive was selected to cut into the brass, producing a crisp contrast between the etched and non-etched areas while capturing the design’s depth and complexity. Extreme care was taken to preserve the unetched surfaces, ensuring they remained pristine and unmarked throughout the process.

After etching, each brass sheet underwent a thorough cleaning process, followed by the application of a protective coating. The finished panels were then packaged and shipped to Canberra, ready for installation as part of the reconstructed National Emergency Services Memorial Wall.

Capability

At Premier Awards, we combine advanced large-format equipment with specialist techniques such as photopolymer and vinyl masking to deliver precision engraving and etching onto almost any surface. From intricate fine detail to expansive large-scale artworks, our technology and processes achieve outstanding results across a diverse range of projects.

What sets us apart is not just the equipment, but the expertise behind it. With decades of experience, our team is recognised for its problem-solving expertise, innovation, and ability to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Projects that others may consider too complex or too challenging are the ones we thrive on. Our craftspeople approach every job with creativity and precision, ensuring both artistic integrity and technical excellence.

Premier Awards is trusted with high-profile and large-scale commissions, where attention to detail and reliability are essential. We never compromise quality for expedience — every surface and every detail is carefully prepared, executed, and finished to the highest standard. This dedication, combined with a passion for creative outcomes, ensures we consistently deliver work that endures, inspires, and exceeds expectations.