Care of Your Bronze Sculpture
2008-08-15

Care of Your Bronze Sculpture

Background
Your bronze piece has been treated with a "patina" – a chemical process that gives each piece its distinctive color. The patina has been protected with a coat of special wax that is applied while the piece is still quite hot – sealing the color and giving the work a luster.

After the sculpture leaves the Foundry, the environment in which it is displayed may affect the patina. Poorly ventilated places, such as attics and basements, which hold heat and humidity should be avoided. The best environment will be ventilated and away from direct sunlight. Like all metals, bronze will oxidize over time. Because of the amount of copper in bronze, it will tend toward a greenish hue instead of a rusty red. Proper care and maintenance of the piece can prevent this natural process.

Care
Usually the only basic maintenance required is a good dusting with a clean, dry cotton cloth, to remove dust and fingerprints. Never use spray or liquid polishes to clean or dust a bronze sculpture. These products may contain oils or chemicals which could damage the original patina finish.

Some experts even suggest using "distilled" water in this mix, rather than tap water. Never use a solvent or cleaning chemical on the bronze. Corrosive chemicals (such as those used to clean silver and other metals) could damage or strip away the patina. After wiping the sculpture clean, allow it to dry completely before handling. Most bronze sculptures, today, have been sealed with a synthetic lacquer finish and/or a coat of wax giving a shiny finish.

And another thing you should concern about is the climate. In regions with higher humidity, or where there are higher concentrations of airborne pollutants, cleaning and re-waxing with a super thin coat of Trewax brand paste wax may be needed twice a year.

In relatively dry climates, low in pollutants, a super thin coat of Trewax brand paste wax should be applied once a year, or even every other year is recommended.

Cleaning
Once or twice a year – depending upon where the sculpture is located, outdoors or inside – you can apply a coat of wax that renews the beauty and depth of the piece. Outdoor work may be treated more often than indoor. Experts suggest using a variety of waxes that contain "carnauba" – a hard wax made from the leaves of the Brazilian carnauba palm tree. Some of the brand names include Johnson's Traffic Wax, Mohawk Blue Label Paste Wax or Renaissance Wax – the latter is inert and will not yellow over time. Some foundries recommend against using Johnson's wax for multi-colored patinas.

Apply the wax with a brush – such as a pastry brush – in a "stippling" fashion to reach any crevices. You can gently wipe away any visible excess of wax but wait until the piece is completely dry (several hours) before polishing with a clean, soft cloth. There is no danger in applying yet another coat to further protect the piece over time.

The goal is preserve the patina and luster of the original work. Although bronze is extremely hard and lasts for centuries, the patina is the most delicate element. Its long-term beauty depends upon proper placement and care.

Cleaning and Care Cautions
If, in the cleaning process you find special coatings or unusual varied patinas, take care to not alter the surface or remove coloring that could damage the future value of the bronze sculpture. Don't use abrasive polishes, brushes or chemicals which could scratch the metal surface.

Some bronze owners prefer to let the wax coating wear thin and enjoy the natural reaction and aging process of the patina.

Bronze is an extremely hardy, durable metal, lasting for centuries! The patina is the most delicate part of your bronze. Contact a reputable gallery, foundry or professional conservator concerning significant changes to your bronze's patina. In the meantime, enjoy your bronze as a beautiful work of art.