Question

[mina5643]

Alright, I have a question (and I know the answer may be obvious): if I don't like the yellowy color of brass, but would rather use bronze or silver-colored metals/paints for accents to my items that I plan to make, is it "not done," or is it just a different twist? This also ties into my boyfriend's steampunk plans, as he has some experience with

Comments

[squirrelmadness]

Why on earth would it be "not done"? (I speak rhetorically, of course)

Brass is one of the many different kinds of metal available for use in steampunk fashion. Bronze is another, as is silver, as is gold, as are steel and aluminum (very cutting edge, of course), etc.

Similarly, I would like to anticipate what may eventually prove to be your next question: "If I don't like brown/black/white can I use color?"

Again, the answer is, of course, "yes." Steam age clothing was often far more colorful and detailed than modern clothes. Furthermore, given the more advanced weaving technology available to a steampunk setting, and in light of the increased likelihood of "modern" chemical dyes, steampunk clothing has the right (some might say the "duty") to be bright, colorful, detailed, and intricate.

Regards, etc.,
G. D. Falksen

[ornithoptercat]

The weaving technology has no need of being more advanced. Elaborate brocades were most definitely in use

[emilykin]

Amen.

[morgan303]

I get the feeling that people are very attached to browns because they associate Victoriana with sepia-toned photographs.

I actually really love the sepia aesthetic; I tend to wear faded, antique colours anyway, even when I had an office job, but I find it amusing in the same way I think it's funny that people also associate white marble with Classical art, without realising that the ancient Greeks painted their gorgeous white marble pediments in very gaudy colours.

[tisiphone]

I hope it's not "not done", because I do it all the time! Burnished tin and aluminium finishes are also fun, and I'm using silver for some pieces I'm working on right now. (I really don't like brass either.)

[buffpixie]

also: cast iron! i love, love, love the appearance of black cast iron. it's easy to mimic, too... a low textured gel + flat or satin black paint. add rust to taste. ^_^

[lady_giz]

It's been said before-- whatever you like, works. I'm an old school fool, myself, and quietly cringe whenever I see someone who has used brass or created the appearance of same, for a pistol. While it looks great, and of course will never actually be fired, anyone who has ever actually fired a brass pistol will tell you--- not again!! What a goofy prejudice, but I've never watched certain movies after spotting zippers on supposedly period costumes!! But such things really do not matter in a Steampunk universe!

[piraterogue]

Brass was used often in the voctorian era especially in outdoor settings for one reason and one reason only, It doesn't rust. It might tarnish but it doesn't disinigrate into piles of rust. I prefer copper, in fact most of my accessories are going to be copper and silver colored. The other metal I woll use alot od cast or wraught (however it's spelled) Iron.

So go for it, victorian stuff is known more for it's artistic embelishments than for it's particular metal.

I also find that "brushed" or antiqued brass looks and feels much different than the standard bright brass.

Have fun share lots of pictures.