Today’s bronze art objects come from the foundry with a chemical patina (green film). This protective layer changes the outside metal structure to prevent corrosion. Foundries may also add wax, lacquer, or urethane coatings to protect the valued warm bronze color.
In direct sun, un-maintained and exposed to the weather, more than of 5-10 years (slightly shorter on the beach with salt water spray).
Placing your mascot or statue outdoors will naturally cause it to turn green, verd or verdigris (green patina). Many people find this antique patina of green desirable, and may want to quickly customize their bronze using a tinted finish. Today, many foundries actually acid-etch the metal, to give the effect of antique verdigris.
Simply paste wax your monument every year or coat with matte finish Permalac, urethane, or lacquer spray. What about white spots? When you first get your bronze, borax powder – used in casting – can look like crystals. The borax may be still in the metal, but not visible until it gets wet. If you see these crystals, simply wash them off, or clean with paste wax.
You may also see some white spots due to residual ceramic material from casting. Again, simply clean it up with paste wax, and touch up the color with Kiwi wax.
After bringing your bronze home, high calcium levels in the water often cause white spots, especially in fountains. This happens often in locations with heavy mineral content. Remove the spots using a good paste wax, and use de-mineralizing chemicals to treat the water. (Note: De-mineralizing agents can be found in most pool supply stores.)
Do not use automobile paste-waxes, as these will permanently damage bronze. Johnson’s, Boston, Butchers Past Wax or any non-abrasive, natural paste waxes are recommended.
For quick and shiny cleanups, use a spray-after-wash auto detailer that contains only wax.
Some foundries use Kiwi shoe paste, which comes in brown, black, cordovan, and oxblood, to create a reddish-brown tint and add depth. This can be done at home. However, it’s not advisable to use it where a heavy coat of wax has already been applied by the foundry.
Almost forever! Archeologists are still discovering Greek and Roman bronze from the Mediterranean Sea, dating thousands of years ago. Interestingly, the very word verdigris comes from the word “verd” (Old French: green) and “di gris” (Latin: of Greece). These artifacts are still in good and identifiable condition.
For minor touch ups to your bronze art, refinishing kits, metal chemical patinas, and color-solvent dyes are available on the Internet (search under “bronze refinishing kits”). If you have any questions about bronze care, contact us anytime Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm EST at (302) 738-2190.
