Resources

Important Warnings

• Never use cleaning solvents or cleaners to remove contaminants from a Bronze surface, such as porcelain cleaners, furniture polish, Armor All, glass cleaners, vinegar, etc.

• Don’t use wire brushes, steel wool, or 3M Scotch-Brite pads (these can rub through the patina’s thin layer and expose the metal).

• It is best to place a bronze sculpture away from direct sunlight and sources of water, such as fish aquariums and bathrooms.

Indoor Bronze Care

SURFACE CLEANING (recommended once/month)

• Gently clean off dust and debris with a DRY soft cotton cloth periodically. Never use furniture cleaner.

CLEANING & RE-WAXING (recommended once/year)

• Clean off dust and debris with a DRY soft cotton cloth and a soft bristle brush to clean out the crevasses.

• Check patina for other contaminants, such as fly spots or fingerprints. Use a damp cloth to remove these, and then dry it off.

• Brush wax onto the sculpture. Don’t put a heavy coat of wax on because this can leave unwanted residue in the recesses that will have to be removed by picking it out with a toothpick (don’t use any type of sharp metal tool to do this).

• Once the wax is dry, buff it out with a soft cotton or flannel cloth. If desired, you can apply a second coat of wax and buff it out for better protection.

Outdoor Bronze Care

TOOLS NEEDED

• A couple of brushes: nylon or natural hair bristles (one for cleaning and one for putting the wax on). As a precaution against possible scratches while cleaning and waxing, it is a good idea to wrap the metal ferrule on the brush with some masking tape.

• Wax (Tree wax or Johnson paste wax).

• Clean dry clothes for cleaning and buffing (cotton or flannel).

• For outdoor use: plastic bucket, large nylon, or natural hair bristle brush.

CLEANING & RE-WAXING (recommended once/year)

• Remove loose dirt from the sculpture using running water. You can use a nozzle on your hose but keep the pressure turned down.

• Mix in a plastic bucket a mild, neutral, or non-ionic detergent with water. Dip a fiber (nonmetallic) or plastic bristle brush into the soapy water and gently scrub the bronze surface ringing as you go along, working one area at a time until you complete the sculpture.

• You can either allow the bronze to dry off naturally or dab the surface dry. Any pockets or pools of water must be dried by soaking up the water with a clean towel; otherwise, mineral deposits can form on the surface.

• Brush wax on the entire surface then buff it out. A second coat of wax can be applied if desired. Do not apply wax on the sculpture unless it is completely dry. A warm sunny day is the best time to clean and wax the sculpture.