Your Ultimate Guide to

Caring for and Cleaning Your Bronze Statue

Whether you recently acquired a new bronze statue or have one that has been in your possession for some time, keeping it looking its absolute best and learning how to clean bronze properly are important functions if you wish to show it off to others.

Knowing how to clean bronze statuettes properly will also aid in prolonging its original appearance. Here are some tips to help you learn how to remove oxidation from bronze so it retains its shine, how to clean bronze statuettes appropriately, and how to polish bronze like a pro.

It is essential to clean your bronze piece of art regularly, so the original sculpture does not suffer from dust accumulation, oxidation, or corrosion.

Many people do not know how to polish bronze statues and how to remove oxidation from bronze properly. The process can be done with household agents like lemon juice or baking soda that you most likely already have in your possession or products easily purchased from a nearby store. Alternately, you can use a commercial bronze cleaning agent along with dusting and vacuuming your indoor or outdoor bronze sculpture or bronze fountains to keep it looking its best.

How to Keep an Outdoor Bronze Statue Looking New

Outdoor statues tend to lose their shiny appearances as precipitation, the sun’s rays, and dust accumulation occur. Knowing how to make a bronze sculpture looking like new will boost its overall appearance instantly.

Apply a layer of clear wax to all bronze at least once or twice a year.

This type of product is found in home goods, hardware, or auto supply stores. Check the label to ensure the product has no chemical solvents included in the ingredients as this will alter the finish of the bronze. After application, your statue will gleam rather than appear bland. The application of this oil rubbed bronze finish will also keep the bronze piece well protected from the elements until another application is conducted.

How To Patina Bronze For An Aged Look

Many people enjoy the appearance of bronze that has a slightly aged look rather than one that shimmers. Patina is a greenish hue that accumulates on bronze over time. It is caused by oxidation. If you wish for your piece to have a patina finish, limit the cleaning sessions you perform. It is necessary to continue with dust removal and polishing, however, keeping your bronze piece in an area where there is no limit of oxygen is necessary.

How to Properly Clean a Bronze Statue

Romoving Dust or Loose Debris

A custom project requires payment for both the artist’s time and talent. You should draw comparisons from the artist’s standard rates, length of experience, and level of expertise. (An artist’s associated gallery may also help make suggestions on the required rates.) Big statues and more intricate sculptures may also increase pricing. Keep in mind that a foundry’s scheduling (existing projects or high-demand seasons) may also increase the price of a project.

Cleaning Process

Coconut oil is a natural food item that works well at removing tarnish and patina from a bronze sculpture or statue. It will not discolor the bronze and is not toxic to those who handle it. Use a dab of coconut oil on a piece of microfiber cloth for the best results. After this primer is applied, mix two cups of distilled water with one tablespoon of dish soap. Dip a clean cloth in the solution and use it to clean caked on grime from your bronze piece.

Remove Tarnish

Tarnished areas of a bronze statue or sculpture make it appear worn and lackluster. To remove tarnish effectively, make a paste with equal parts of salt, flour, and vinegar. Mix the ingredients well until they form a paste. Place this paste wherever tarnish is noticed and let it sit for at least five minutes before removing it with a clean, damp cloth. Afterward, polish the statue with a dry, clean cloth.

Finish and Shine

Many people wonder how to restore oil rubbed bronze finish. This is easily done by using a cut-up lemon and some salt. Dip half of a lemon in salt and rub it over all tarnished spots on your bronze sculpture or statue. Dry the piece with a clean piece of cloth. Use a circular motion when drying to buff the bronze. Afterward, a clear coat of wax will help to protect the finish from further tarnishing.

How to Properly Store a Bronze Statue

The way you store your bronze pieces will make an impact on their overall appearance. If you have a piece outdoors, position it in an area where it will not be subjected to an abundance of precipitation. Place your item in a shaded area or position it on a front porch to limit the exposure to moisture. A spot where the bronze piece is not in direct sunlight is also best.

Inside, a bronze statue or sculpture will fare well in an enclosed space. Shelves enclosed in a glass case will limit the amount of dust that accumulates on the piece. If you want to showcase your item, consider using small spotlights to illuminate it effectively. Limit the amount of time the bronze piece is illuminated, however. Enclosing bronze pieces will also aid in keeping them from being accidentally dropped or knocked off of a display area. They will also be protected from the potential of scratching or nicking due to everyday tasks in the home or office. Make sure to give your attention to one piece at a time when cleaning bronze as well.

Big Statue's Quick Guide to Cleaning Your Bronze Statue

Step 1 - Coconut Oil

Pour a small amount of coconut oil onto a soft clean cloth and wipe the entire bronze statue with it. This helps the statue return to or stay in its most natural state. Coconut oil will not discolor the statue.
Step 2 - Dish Soap

Dip a clean soft cloth in a solution of 2 cups distilled water and one tablespoon of a mild dish soap to clean grime away from the surface.
Step 3 - Dusting

Dust the statue regularly, at least once a week. Too much dust can damage the surface. Use a soft, clean, dry cloth and dust the statue thoroughly. For hard-to-reach areas, such as the gun on a military statue, use a soft bristle brush.
Step 4 - Vinegar

Mix a paste of 1 tbsp. salt, 1 tbsp. of flour and 1 tbsp. of vinegar until you have a thick paste. Apply the paste to the tarnished areas of the statue. Allow the paste to sit on the on the statue for five minutes and wipe it away with a clean damp cloth. Use a dry clean cloth to polish the statue.
Step 5 - Lemon

Cut a lemon in half and dip it in salt. Rub the lemon over the statue to eliminate tarnish. Use a dry, clean cloth to buff the shine back onto the statue.

Maintenance

Dust the custom bronze statue regularly, at least once a week, since too much dust can damage the bronze surface. Use a soft, clean, dry cloth and dust the metal statue thoroughly. If your figurine is kept outdoors, it is prone to losing its shiny appearance as precipitation, the sun rays, and dust accumulation occur on the metal surface. Knowing how to make a bronze sculpture look like new will boost its overall appearance instantly. Apply a thin layer of clear wax to all bronze at least once or twice a year. You can find these types of cleaning products in home goods, hardware, or auto supply stores. Check the label to ensure the product has no chemical solvents included in the ingredients, as this will alter the bronze’s finish. After the application of the bronze cleaner, your figurine will gleam rather than appear bland. The use of this oil rubbed bronze polish will also keep the bronze piece well protected from the elements until you apply another coat.

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