Maintenance Guide

Maintenance and Restoration of Bronze Sculptures

A bronze sculpture is durable, yet it remains a living material that evolves under the influence of its environment and time. With proper maintenance, you can preserve its quality and appearance. We guide not only the creation process but also the maintenance and restoration — for both indoor and outdoor display.

Maintenance of Indoor Sculptures

Regular Cleaning
For patinated bronze sculptures, regularly removing dust with a soft, dry cloth is sufficient. More stubborn dirt can be carefully wiped away with a slightly damp cloth. Do not use soap or cleaning agents, as these can damage the protective wax layer and the patina. Always avoid abrasive products. With polished bronze, extra caution is important. Avoid touching the surface with bare hands as much as possible to prevent discoloration and micro-scratches. Dust is best removed with a feather duster. For cleaning, a special copper or bronze cleaning product such as Eres Sapoli or HG can be used, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Protective Wax Layer
Patinated bronze sculptures should ideally be re-waxed once a year. For this, it is best to use a transparent wax. We recommend Renaissance microcrystalline wax, a product also used by leading museums. Apply a thin layer with a soft cloth or a new brush to reach fine details. After 30 to 60 minutes of drying time, the wax can be buffed with a clean cotton cloth. A wax layer is not recommended for polished bronze, as it can dull the surface. Always place indoor bronze sculptures away from heat sources.

Maintenance of Outdoor Sculptures

Regular Cleaning
Outdoor bronze sculptures are exposed to rain, wind, dust, and organic matter such as leaves. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth or sponge and lukewarm water is usually sufficient. Do not use soap or aggressive products. Bird droppings require extra attention: remove them as quickly as possible with water and a soft sponge, and rinse thoroughly. In autumn and winter, it is important to timely remove accumulated leaves or greenery.
Annual Wax Treatment
For outdoor sculptures, an annual wax layer is essential to protect the bronze from weather influences. The ideal time is a sunny day in spring, when the sculpture has been slightly warmed by the sun. Apply a thin layer of wax, let it dry, and then buff it.

Restoration of Bronze Sculptures

If a bronze sculpture is damaged, heavily corroded, or undesirably aged, professional restoration is advisable. At Van Geert Art Foundry, we possess the expertise to repair damage, stabilize or rebuild patinas, and prevent further deterioration.
Restoration may include:
repair of cracks or breaks
removal of active corrosion
re-patinating or touching up existing patina
structural reinforcement
protection for long-term indoor or outdoor display
Every restoration is undertaken with respect for the original work and the artist's intention.

Tailored Advice

Are you unsure about the correct maintenance or the condition of a bronze sculpture? We assess each work individually and are happy to advise you on maintenance, restoration, or protection.

Request Advice