Taking Care of Your Bronze Statue

Congratulations on the purchase of your bronze statue. This Video contains tips on how to take care of your bronze statue once it's been installed. We'll spot clean a statue and go over how to fully clean a statue as well. You'll also see me wax a full statue and explain further tips and hints to keep your statue looking beautiful for a long time.
Here is a link to the Paste Wax I used
SC Johnson Fine Wood Paste Wax, 16 Oz-2 Pk
by Hearthshire
Learn more: www.amazon.com....
Here is a link to a wax brush similar to what I used.
Abimars 2 PCS Chalk Paint Wax Brush Set - 1" 2" Natural Bristle Round Wax Brush for Painting or Waxing Furniture Home Décor
by Abimars
Learn more: www.amazon.com....

[@70sfred1]

Thank you! Great tips which I will apply to an outdoor statue at our church!

[@okolonguissa]

I AM GLAD TO FIND YOU. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT TO TO CLEAN A PUBLIC STATUE WITH 2METERS HEIGHT

[@catherinewilson5120]

Todd - my bronze has the white powder from being near a fountain. How do I remove this before waxing? Your video was great - very informative.

[@toddwynder8432]

It likely won't wash off. There is a process called "Hot Waxing" that is mostly the same idea as what I showed here but you heat up the statue with a torch/weed burner. The same effect can almost be accomplished in the heat of summer. I'd wash it with soap and water, let it dry and wax and buff it real good one day and then again a good wax and softer buff the next.

[@tiny5500]

Question, bought a large bronze. Black in color and dull. It has some small areas turning blue, very small. Is it ok to wash/dry/wax over these differences? Statue is large, so not moving it and up in Maine. Thank you! Wish I knew who did it, can't find a mark. 👍

[@toddwynder8432]

It is my estimation that the spots are a natural course being taken by the bronze. It is a chemical reaction between the metal, patina, and the environment or something spilled on it in the past. You are great to wash, dry, and wax your statue however you will likely just slow the color change already in progress. Maine, close to the water, would likely turn it a beautiful green from the salty sea air. The wash and wax can potentially remove the spots and provide a new layer of protection. Good luck and you'll do great!

[@tiny5500]

@@toddwynder8432 We are up above Bangor so not coastal so probably not to much of the aqua color ( although it's it a beautiful patina and wouldn't mind a bit) thanks for your help and quick response!!! Will follow your advice 👍🏆

[@toddwynder8432]

Dawn dish soap won't hurt it however the chemical process with the bronze is already well in motion. This waxing process will slow the color change.

[@tiny5500]

@@toddwynder8432 Thanks, sorry to keep bugging you but leaving it alone with parts dull and dry ( assuming all wax is gone on alot of her) won't harm the bronze? Or would it be better to wash and wax and dam be the patina for the protection of the piece. Is the wax protection or just aesthetics?
Again thanks

[@toddwynder8432]

@@tiny5500 For sure this provides protection. When the bronze leaves the foundry it has one of two types of protection. Either a layer of wax like this or a lacquer. It is bronze so it's not fragile, but if neglected it can create weak spots or even holes depending on texture and style. Think of a spot where water might collect. Overtime, that water will eat a hole in that spot if not cleaned and waxed annually. Skilled artist will design their outdoor pieces such that minimal water damage occurs. Sorry for the long winded response....wax is not only for show but for protection as well.

[@omarnino449]

Could you show the end result please

[@toddwynder8432]

The end result for an older statue like this is what you see at the very end of the video. The piece now has a soft black patina instead of a white chalky looking gray. Buffing does bring a shine but isn't necessary and will remove some of the wax.

[@Dodgeball298]

@@toddwynder8432 where the wax shows up in the cracks vs the flats that are buffed do u ever have issues with that , or do u use a tinted wax that wont dry white

[@toddwynder8432]

@@Dodgeball298 It really depends on the outside temperature and how much wax you use. The wax can dry and will appear white if you've use a lot of wax and it cools. You have two options. 1. Wait until it warms up in the summer and the whiteness of the wax will go away once it heats up and thins naturally in the summer heat and sun. 2. Use a weed torch and heat up those white spots and they will melt and dissipate or you could try and spread them out more with your wax brush after heating. Using option #2 does take some skill to make sure you don't heat it up too much and burn the patina. Weed burners are easy enough to find and not complicated to use but I stress only heating up the wax until it goes clear and then back off. You would then take a brush to that spot and try and spread it thinner. You could use a tinted wax if you wanted but then you'll change the Patina to whatever tint it is. We use that Johnsons paste wax because it just enhances the patina but doesn't change the color.