![]() Put simply, the most common copper oxide is green (yes, there are a few different kinds!).Ĭopper oxide is kind of like “rust”, although rust is the word that’s use to define iron oxide. How to Prevent Copper Oxide from Forming.Why Brass, Bronze and Copper Turn Green.Bronze is intended to have a dull patina and usually doesn't look as attractive when it's polished to a high shine. Save yourself some elbow grease: There's no need to keep outdoor ornament made of bronze squeaky clean and shiny. Remove stubborn marks with a little paint thinner on a soft cloth, and polish with a chamois cloth. If you notice the surface is still dirty, sponge lightly with soapy water, wipe dry, and polish with a chamois cloth. How to Clean Bronze - 2002 Consumer Reports Clean with a soft brush. The wax is not a permanent protection, but it is long-lasting." If a natural patina is desired, then the wax can be skipped. Allow the wax to dry and then buff with a soft brush like a shoe polish brush. ![]() Let dry.Ĥ) Apply Renaissance Wax (museum quality archival wax, available through and other internet suppliers). It takes off the dirt and oxidation (if desired), but does not bite the metal like a chemical polish would.ģ) Rinse well in distilled water, using a soft brush to clean the paste out of crevices. Some people recommend a little ethyl alcohol in the paste, but I just used distilled water and it worked great.Ģ) Use a soft cloth to rub the bronze with the chalk paste. "1) Make a soupy paste of pure calcium carbonate (marble dust, available at art supply stores) and distilled water. Please take a look at for more information. He also is the founder of Project Ganesh, a non profit foundation that raises money for the restoration of Ganesh temples in India. Mr Throne is a customer of Lotus Sculpture. How to Clean and Preserve Polished Bronze Statues from Lotus Sculptureīy P. Rinse with clean, warm water, and polish dry. Apply paste to bronze and let sit for 15 minutes to 1 hour. Dissolve 1teaspoon salt in 1 cup white vinegar. General Purpose Bronze Cleaner: Salt, Vinegar, and Flour. You may have to soak the object for a week or more in distilled water. If this does not help the piece you may want to try washing the piece in repeated changes of boiling hot, distilled water. ![]() "Bronze disease" usually can be stopped by going over the piece with a layer of natural oil. The disease takes the form of a sudden outbreak of small patches of corrosion and is distinguished by rough, light green spots. This disease, caused when chlorides and oxygen combine in a damp environment, also attacks brass and pewter. "Bronze disease" is one of the most serious hazards of bronze. Weathered bronze usually darkens however, this is natural and does not harm the piece.Ĭhola design of Turban Shiva with beautiful antique green patina. A wax treatment also may be given to bronze pieces that are kept outdoors. If you want a high polish, dip a cloth into liquid wax and apply to the piece. Polish with copper polish followed by glass wax. Remove all dust from crevices and notches and then lightly rub the entire surface with a soft cotton cloth.įor a more thorough cleaning, carefully wash with a solution of 1 tablespoon of salt and 3 1/2 quarts of water. If a bronze piece has been neglected for a long time and is covered with grime, thoroughly clean it with a soft brush. Do not rub too vigorously, especially on any protruding parts. Accumulations of dust and dirt can eat into the metal surface. In our opinion a natural coloration gives a sculpture character and thus adds to the esthetic value of a piece. It is natural for metal to color in time. ![]() Moisture alone will not damage bronze making bronze sculpture ideal for outdoor garden settings. Over time, bronze will deteriorate if exposed to moisture and chlorides or sulfides. The green patina is indicative of older pieces and is prized by collectors. Bronze forms a patina (green color) which is protective to the metal and is often seen on artwork. It is generally more expensive than brass and more corrosion resistant. Although it is not recommended to entirely remove the green patina coloring, natural oils will succeed in removing some of the excess green coloring on bronze statues.īronze is copper alloy. It returns the piece to it's most natural state. Natural oils will not chemically remove any of the original coloring of the piece. If you would like to make the statue shine use a rag with a natural oil, like olive oil. The most natural way to care for your Thai brass, south Indian and Bangladeshi bronze statues from Lotus Sculpture is to use a cotton cloth to wipe down the statue. How to Clean and Care for Bronze Sculptures ![]()
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