Caring for your bronze

Every piece ships with a beautiful finish — most commonly antique brown or black, multi-patina (layered browns), verdigris, polychrome, silver, or gold. With light, routine care it will hold that finish for decades and decades.

Bronze exposed to enough moisture and oxygen, usually outdoors, can develop verdigris over time: a green-to-blue surface layer that forms as the metal reacts with the air. It starts as green spots and gradually spreads across the piece.

On a brown bronze, that may or may not be something you want. Some collectors prize the verdigris transition and some prefer a brown bronze — and the care comes down to that one choice.

If you want the verdigris

Leave the piece unwaxed and let it weather. Outdoor exposure speeds it along. Expect a patchy, spotted stage first; the green fills in across the whole surface over time.

If you want to maintain the original finish

Wax the piece. A thin coat of wax seals the surface so moisture and air can’t reach the metal, which is what stops verdigris from forming. Even, thorough coverage keeps the finish uniform.

• Indoor sculptures — wax at least once a year
• Outdoor sculptures — wax two to three times a year

Silver, gold, and polychrome finishes are more delicate and not recommended for outdoor display: dust them gently, skip solvents and abrasives, and use a clear paste wax rather than amber Trewax, which can tint a pale finish.

Here’s how to clean and wax:

Cleaning Indoor Sculptures

1. Dust the piece with a soft cloth or an old cotton t-shirt. For textured or detailed areas, use a soft-bristle paintbrush. If it’s heavily soiled, wipe gently with a damp cloth.

2. Once the surface is completely dry, apply a thick coat of Trewax with a soft-bristle brush. (Trewax is available at most hardware stores.) The patina may darken at first — this is normal, and the original color returns as the wax dries.

3. Let the wax set for 5 to 10 minutes, then buff gently with a soft rag or t-shirt.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you reach the finish you want.

Cleaning Outdoor Sculptures

1. Wash the piece with soapy water and a fiber brush until all debris is removed, then rinse well.
2. Dry it completely — with towels or in the sun — making sure no water remains.
3. With the sculpture cool to the touch (work in early morning, in the shade, or in the evening), apply Trewax. The patina may darken at first; the original color returns as the wax dries.
4. Let the wax set for 5 to 10 minutes, then buff gently with a soft rag or t-shirt.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you reach the finish you want.

Note: Bronze must be at room temperature or cooler before waxing. If the surface is too warm, the wax won’t set.

Restoring the Finish (Brown & Black Bronze and Brass Only)

To deepen or touch up a brown or black finish, a patina solution such as Black Antique for Brass and Bronze produces dark brown to black tones. Don’t use it on verdigris, polychrome, silver, or gold finishes.

• Dilution — Use full strength for a very dark or black finish, or mix with up to five parts water. The more water, the lighter the color.
• Temperature — 65–75°F
• Contact time — 10–60 seconds
• Container — Acid-resistant only (plastic, PVC, etc.)

How to apply:

1. Clean the surface thoroughly so it’s free of grease, acidity, and alkalinity.
2. Rinse with water if needed.
3. Apply with a brush, or dip the piece for 5 to 10 seconds. Brush over a few times for darker tones.
4. Rinse thoroughly with water or a sponge to stop the chemical reaction, then wipe dry or use a hair dryer.
5. Finish with paste wax.

Safety: This solution is mildly acidic and can be harmful if misused. Wear gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing, and avoid contact with skin and eyes. If contact occurs, flush the area with plenty of water and see a physician for any serious irritation. Do not ingest.

Recommended Waxes

For brown and black finishes: French Wax, Trewax, Johnson Wax, or Kiwi shoe polish.

For silver, gold, and polychrome pieces, use a clear paste wax such as Renaissance Wax to avoid tinting.