![]() With a little patience, you can observe the buildup of a natural patina within a few months, especially when it comes to garden statues. The danger of getting a patchy result and thus destroying the look of the sculpture for a long time would just be too big. Even though there are some methods that can be applied by handymen, it is not recommended for high-quality statues. Thus, some collectors even decide to artificially expedite the patination process. Additionally, the patina builds a natural protective layer that can immensely extend the lifespan of exterior sculptures. Clearly, a lot of historical bronze sculptures get a part of their special allure from being exposed to the “ravages of time”. Whether you want to let a patina grow on your sculpture or whether you want to limit this process by regularly polishing it is a question of personal preference. The combination of copper and tin is the first metallic alloy in human history, which gave a whole period its name: the bronze age, which began roughly 2,200 years bevor our calendar. Usually, tin is mainly used for this alloy. Besides copper, some other metals can also be used as bronze components. However, this is not the scientific term for it. Colloquially, this coating is also called verdigris. Additionally, alkaline copper compounds are formed during this process, which evolve into a green coating after some time. Copper has a special property: when it encounters oxygen, it oxidises and takes on a darker colour. An exception to this rule is the copper-zinc-alloy that is known as brass. The reason for this material property is found in the alloy, as the name bronze denotes a metal that consists of at least 60 percent copper. The natural darkening of bronze is unavoidable. In this case, a good maintenance is nonetheless advisable, especially if the patina already reached the desired hue. Many collectors also consciously decide to let the sculpture form a beautiful green patina that gives the figurine a particularly graceful look. This way, they always give off a brilliant, unclouded shine. In general, it is advised to thoroughly clean bronze sculptures three to four times a year. Make sure you wipe your bronze jewelry dry before storing it: Leaving it to dry in contact with the air makes it easier for patina to form.Care of your bronze sculptures and figuresĭepending on whether the item is displayed indoors or if it is exposed to wind and weather on a regular basis, there are different maintenance options, which we want to present to you in more detail below. You can also put an anti-tarnishing strip in the bag.Ĭlick here to see a jewelry box model that has a lot of compartments for storing jewelry pieces separately in order to avoid scratching. Since the tarnishing process is facilitated by the oxygen in the air, it is advisable to keep your bronze jewelry in a plastic bag to slow down the formation of patina. This should be done to remove any traces of oils from your skin as they may speed up the tarnishing of bronze. When taking off your bronze jewelry after wearing it, wipe the pieces clean with a soft cloth before storing them. You can also try soaking the piece in some vinegar for about an hour before scrubbing it with a toothbrush. If the patina is persistent, you might need to repeat the entire process until the tarnish goes away. Then leave the item with the paste on for about half an hour before rinsing the jewelry and drying it with a cloth. Rub the paste onto your bronze jewelry, and keep rubbing until the item is clean you can use a toothbrush or a cloth. SALE ALERT: Get up to 30% OFF on jewelry from Blue Nile! ![]() Pour a little lemon juice, and mix it with the soda until you make a paste. Take a small bowl, and put 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda in it. To clean the patina on your bronze jewelry, start by washing it with warm water to remove any dirt, and then dry the piece. ![]() Apply a thin layer of paste wax on the surface of the piece (you can use a clean paintbrush).Īfter covering the item with wax, let it dry, and then buff your jewelry with a soft cloth. Just use a dry cloth to wipe gently the dirt off the item, and then clean the hard-to-reach spots with a soft brush.īefore polishing your bronze jewelry, make sure it is completely dry. If you want to keep the patina on your bronze jewelry, do not clean it with any household cleaners. Once formed, this layer can actually protect bronze from corrosion. Some people like the patina that accumulates on bronze. Polishing Bronze While Preserving Its Patina ![]() After the item is cleaned, rinse it with water, and dry it using a towel. ![]()
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