CARING FOR YOUR BRONZE
Most bronze sculptures are patinated after
fettling; this gives the bronze various colours and stabilizes
the bronze in terms of the final colour
and oxidation. Once this is done, a special hard wax is
applied to protect and seal the patinated bronze from oxidizing
further.
Nickel coated bronze: Although my
nickel patina is approximately six times harder than bronze or
any other patina, it still needs to be looked after and sealed
with wax to maintain its luster and protect it from the elements
like salty sea air or acid rain
that could make it go yellowish colour.
Bronzes that are outside in the elements
will need a warm water wash and waxing more often depending on
where they are. Near the coast or where acid rain is
experienced, you may need to wax about 2-3 times per year. Where
conditions are mild, this process will be necessary only once a
year. If the sculpture is indoors, this process will need to be
completed only once every five years.
DO NOT use regular indoor furniture
spray polish, as this will affect the patina and protective
carnuba wax which is already on the sculpture.
To Apply sealing wax: Apply the wax with a
soft paint brush; allow to dry for at least 30 minutes, then
buff by hand with a soft, cotton cloth. Wax is available from us.
If your bronze is dusty, just use a soft,
damp cloth to wipe off dust, then buff lightly with a dry, soft
cloth. DO NOT use any detergents on the sculpture.
Most patinas will darken slightly over many
years.
Thank you for caring for your sculpture- we
hope it will bring you pleasure for years to come.
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