Bronze Care

Two Circles

Bronze can last forever outdoors.. but to look its best some tender loving care is sometimes required.

To retain the existing patina, it is advised that the sculpture should be lightly washed if there is a build-up of dust, soil or bird lime and re-waxed annually.  If the sculpture is located in coastal conditions, it could be needed once every six-twelve months.

  1. Wash down with a non-ionic detergent in cold water, using a soft natural bristle brush to clean any deep texture.
  2. Rinse off with clean water and dry with a clean cotton towel.
  3. Once clean and dry apply a thin even coat of ‘Liberon Black Bison Wax – Clear‘. Apply this with a soft 2” natural bristle brush (it may be necessary to wrap the ferrule with tape to avoid scratching the bronze).  To load the brush with wax drag it backwards and forwards across the surface of the wax several times and remove any excess by wiping on the side of the tin, then rub the wax onto the surface of the sculpture  moving the brush in a circular motion and spreading it around as thinly as possible.
  4. Once the whole piece is waxed it can be buffed back. It should take around 20 minutes for the wax to set hard. Buff with a clean, soft cotton cloth.
  5. Once the whole piece is buffed another coat of wax can be applied in the same way.

A minimum of two coats should be applied and buffed back each time the piece is cleaned.  As well as giving the wax a shine buffing back the wax compacts it, and the aim is to create a hard surface to protect the sculpture.

Caution – brushing the wax on too thick means that it will not harden properly and will not polish.

Any graffiti – such as permanent marker or spray paint – should be removed with Methylated Spirit prior to washing.  If this does not remove the marks acetone could be used but use sparingly as this will also remove the wax and possibly affect the patina.

Non-ionic detergent – a class of synthetic detergents in which the molecules do not ionize in aqueous solutions. These detergents do not leave salt traces on the bronze.  For example, Simoniz Protection Car Wash is a suitable product.

Liberon Black Bison Wax Clear – Liberon is the brand name of the product.