Caring for your bronze sculpture.

How to keep a bronze sculpture looking new.

It is necessary to clean your bronze piece of art regularly and not to let your sculpture accumulate dust, oxidise or corrode. Bronze is an extremely hard, durable metal itself, which can last for centuries. The patina is the most delicate part of your sculpture. Knowing how to make a bronze sculpture looking like new will immediately increase its overall appearance.

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Cleaning

The bronze sculpture should be dusted with a soft clean cloth or soft brush (such as a shoe brush, or paintbrush) quite gently without damaging the layer of wax. If required to remove heavy dust, use a damp cloth. Commercial products must never be used, as chemicals and even water will react with the bronze and damage the patina. Care should be taken, though, not to rub the parts of the sculpture, which protrude, such as noses and ears.

Polishing

The only material that should be used is a good quality beeswax-based polish, with no added chemicals. It can be used quite occasionally if you want, but it is not necessary to use on a bronze sculpture positioned indoors. Bronze sculptures exposed to the weather will benefit from yearly waxing and polishing, and this will help to preserve the patina from weathering. Without this basic care, the dampness and sun’s UV light will eventually result in changes of the patina.
It is recommended to use Antiquax. This product can be found in home goods, hardware, or building supply stores. You can get it in two forms: as a spray and as a paste.

Spray.
-Shake can well before use.
-Make sure the sculpture’s surface is clean and dry.
-Spray a thin layer onto the surface of the sculpture keeping the can approximately 15 cm away.
-Allow it to dry (check can guidelines for appropriate drying time).
-Buff using a soft cloth to the preferred shine.
-Repeat a few times for extra protection.

Paste.
-Make sure the sculpture’s surface is clean and dry.
-Sweep brush back and forth in the can 3 or 4 times trying not to overload the brush.
-Apply a thin layer to the surface of the sculpture in a circular motion.
-The covering area will become dull, not shiny.
-Allow the wax to dry (check paste guidelines for appropriate drying time).
-Buff gently using a soft cotton cloth.
-Repeat up to 3 times for extra protection using less wax each time.

When this is finished, the sculpture can be polished quite briskly with a clean soft cloth, to reach a shiny finish, or with the soft brush (such as a shoe brush or soft toothbrush) being best for textured areas.
And again, DO NOT use a car wax that might have abrasive chemicals in it or any other wax which is not recommended for bronze.
If damage occurred to your sculpture, it can almost always be repaired. Please CONTACT US for advice.
It is normal for the patina of the bronze sculpture to change colour over the years and it will be part of the "history" of that piece of art. The patina, as it matures, can be an amazing addition to the sculpture and will only add to the brilliance of the piece.