Did you know that the most expensive sculpture ever sold is a bronze statue named “Pointing Man”?
This statue is over 6 feet tall and fetched over $140 million at auction!
You might not have a bronze statue of this value in your house, however, bronze statues are becoming more and more popular. They add authenticity and a classy image to the interior of your home.
However, bronze does tarnish over time. Do you know how to clean bronze statues safely?
Why not read on to find the easiest and safest ways to keep your bronze statues looking as good as new?
Remove Debris
Depending on the location of your sculpture, you may have to remove significant amounts of debris from it. If it is located outside, you may have a layer of dust or dirt on some areas of the statue.
When you remove this debris ensure that you do so carefully. If the debris is made from a hard material, ie sand, you could find that you scratch the bronze while removing it.
The Cleaning Process
Next, you move to the cleaning process. What cleaning agent should you use? Coconut oil is an excellent agent for this. It is also natural and non-harmful to human skin.
If you use coconut oil, simply dab some on a microfiber cloth and apply to the statue. Following this, create a solution of 2 cups of distilled water to 1 tablespoon of dish soap. Use this solution to remove the coconut oil.
This method is especially useful for removing grime that is particularly hard to remove with other solutions.
Remove Tarnished Areas
If some areas of the stature appear to be worn or lackluster they could be tarnished by oxidation.
To restore the natural sheen of the bronze you will need to create another solution. Make a paste using salt, vinegar, and flour in equal parts. Put this paste on the sculpture’s tarnished areas. Leave it for 5 minutes, then remove with a damp cloth
Polishing
If you want to make your sculpture truly shine, you should finish the cleaning process with a thorough polishing. This is especially important if you are decorating your home with bronze statues.
Again you can use natural materials to do this. Simple cut up a lemon and dip each slice in salt. Rub this lemon juice over your statue, particularly any parts that you noticed had discoloration or tarnishing.
Next, use a clean cloth to dry the statue thoroughly. You can also take this opportunity to apply a clear wax to thoroughly protect the statue’s new beautiful finish.
Learn How to Clean Bronze Statues and Much More
Bronze statues can add class and authenticity to your home design. However, as bronze tarnishes with time, you need to know how to safely keep them clean and retain their look.
Knowing how to clean bronze statues safely using natural materials will allow you to keep them looking as good as new for years to come.
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