Sculpture: Tips for maintenance and care

Basic care:

• Keep your sculptures looking as clean as possible by dusting regularly with a soft cloth; accumulations of dust and dirt can eat into the metal surface
• Do not rub too strongly, especially on protruding parts
• Applying a soft rag to a sculpture once a week prevents dust buildup and allows your piece to age naturally without any chemical solutions that may alter its look
• Remember that it is natural for metal to age over time and colors to change slightly, i.e. the greenish color of aged bronze and copper. A natural coloration gives sculpture character and can add to the aesthetic value to a piece
• To remove excess green patina, apply a rag doused in coconut oil. Coconut oil is natural and will help restore the sculpture to its most natural state

General Purpose Bronze Cleaner:

1. Dissolve 1 teaspoon salt in 1 cup white vinegar
2. Add flour until a paste is formed
3. Apply paste to bronze and let stand for 15 minutes
4. Rinse with clean, warm water, and polish dry

Intensive Cleaning:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of salt with 3 ½ quarts of water and rinse the piece thoroughly.
• Use copper polish followed by glass wax
• For those who desire a high polish, dip cloth into liquid wax and apply lightly to the piece
• When dry, buff carefully to a high gloss

Take care and enjoy your work of sculpted art!