Sculpture Maintenance

LOVE YOUR SCULPTURE

Caring for your sculpture and your responsibility as the owner

Gillie and Marc's bronze sculptures are iconic works of art, celebrated for their ability to tell powerful stories through their distinctive animal-human hybrids and themes of love, unity, and conservation. These sculptures are often installed in public spaces around the globe, encouraging interaction and sparking conversations about love, unity, and the environment.

The finish of their sculptures is another defining feature. Depending on the vision for the artwork, the sculptures may be finished with either a patina or paint. A bronze patina gives the sculpture a timeless, evolving character, where the surface slowly develops golden highlights in areas touched by people or exposed to the elements, making each piece increasingly bespoke over time. Alternatively, they may be finished with vibrant bronze paint, ideal for indoor or sheltered displays. This striking, colourful option enhances the sculpture’s visual impact, though it requires more maintenance if placed outdoors due to environmental exposure.


What is a Bronze Patina?
A bronze patina is a hard-wearing finish applied to bronze sculptures, creating a timeless and enduring appearance. It forms through a chemical interaction between the bronze and specific elements applied to its surface. Over time, the patina naturally develops golden highlights in areas that are frequently touched or exposed to the elements, giving the piece a unique and bespoke look. While the patina is durable, it will slowly wear, adding character to the sculpture as it ages gracefully. This weathering effect is often considered a desirable aesthetic feature, enhancing the sculpture's individuality. However, maintaining the patina through regular waxing and care is essential to prevent deterioration.


What is Painted Bronze?
Painted bronze provides a striking, beautiful finish that works well for sculptures displayed in indoor or covered environments, away from direct exposure to the elements. Like automotive or furniture paint, painted finishes may degrade over time when exposed to environmental factors such as extreme heat or UV rays. For sculptures placed outdoors, the paint may start to deteriorate in as little as 12 months and may require periodic repainting to maintain its appearance. To ensure longevity, painted sculptures placed outside will need careful monitoring and maintenance to avoid fading or peeling. Regular repainting and the application of protective coatings may be necessary to preserve the sculpture's integrity.


Your Responsibility as the Owner
Bronze sculptures are vulnerable to damage from both environmental and physical factors. Exposure to pollutants, such as acid rain and atmospheric contaminants, can cause the surface of the bronze or patina to corrode or stain. Similarly, physical damage from vandalism, accidents, or saltwater exposure may lead to corrosion and deterioration.

When purchasing a bronze sculpture, customers assume responsibility for the ongoing care and maintenance of the artwork. This includes regular tasks such as polishing every 6-12 months and removing substances like dirt or salt that could harm the sculpture. Whether the sculpture has a patina, coloured patina, or painted finish, it is the owner's duty to maintain and, if necessary, reapply these finishes to preserve the artwork.

Just as a car requires regular upkeep to remain in good condition, so too does a bronze sculpture. Neglecting the patina or paint can lead to deterioration. To avoid damage, we strongly recommend consulting a professional art conservator or restorer for proper care and maintenance.

Please note that Gillie and Marc do not cover damage caused by neglect or improper care. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure the sculpture is maintained and to address any required repairs or touch-ups promptly to prevent further deterioration. Failure to do so may result in damage that is not covered by any warranty or return policy.

By purchasing a bronze sculpture from Gillie and Marc, customers acknowledge and agree to take full responsibility for the sculpture's care and undertake all necessary measures to preserve its original condition for as long as possible.


How to maintain a Bronze Sculpture
Bronze sculptures can be displayed either indoors or outdoors and can maintain their original appearance as long as they are cared for periodically. The maintenance of bronze is simple and easy. The following information will help you to understand the nature of bronze and how to care for it.

Care Routine
If dust, dirt, bird droppings, or other residues build up on the sculpture, it will need to be washed. Dust can be hard to see as it sticks to a surface and nearly invisible in some cases, however it can be detrimental to the finish of bronze if left over time, so sculptures placed indoors will also require cleaning on a regular basis to remove any dust build up.

Also, if the sculpture looks dull, it is time to wax it. A waxing treatment should be applied at least 2 times per year on outdoor sculptures. It is good practice to keep the sculpture clean and rag buffed between wax treatments. This is to prevent an accumulation of dirt and droppings on the piece.

Timings:

  • Indoor sculptures – Remove dust every 8 weeks and wax every 12 months (minimum).
  • Outdoor sculptures – Clean every 12 weeks and wax every 6 months (minimum).


Cleaning Steps 

Step 1: Wash the sculpture with ‘Turtle Wax’ using warm water and a soft cloth. A soft non-wire brush or soft toothbrush may help to get into corners and remove dirt. It is important to rinse the sculpture thoroughly.

Step 2: Tree resin, bird droppings, dog-wee, etc. are destructive to patinas or paint and should be removed with warm water as soon as they are discovered. Droppings that are difficult to remove may be removed by scraping very gently with a soft plastic spatula.

Step 3: Allow the sculpture to dry. If the weather is warm, a few hours should be sufficient. Be sure that all the water has evaporated from the pores of the metal.


Waxing Steps

Step 1: Ensure the sculpture has been thoroughly cleaned. For indoor sculptures, dust the sculpture whilst dry and use a damp microfibre cloth to give the sculpture a light clean. Do not rub excessively and use the cloth only to remove any build-up of dust or dirt. For outdoor sculptures, ensure the above ‘Cleaning Steps’ are followed.

Step 2: The sculpture is now ready to apply the wax to the surface with a soft bristle brush or soft shoe brush. Use a good commercial clear wax that does NOT contain spirits (alcohol) or turpentine (eg. Renaissance Wax), or Kiwi Shoe Polish (Dark Tan) which is great for covering white and green spots on a deep bronze patina. Using a circular motion, rub the wax into the surface of the metal in a thin, uniform coat. If the coat is too thick, the wax may turn white or show brushstrokes.

Step 3: After the wax is dried (usually in about 20 minutes), buff the surface to a good gloss with a soft, clean cloth. Remember that the wax is used to polish the sculpture, it is not intended to be rubbed through the wax or the patina. If a higher gloss is required or desired, harder wax may be used.


How to maintain a Painted Bronze Sculpture
A painted bronze sculpture by Gillie and Marc combines the timeless durability of bronze with a vibrant, eye-catching finish. Unlike traditional bronze sculptures finished with a patina, these pieces are coated with bright, striking colours that enhance their playful and engaging themes. Painted bronze sculptures offer a unique artistic expression, perfect for both indoor and outdoor display. However, when placed outside, the paint finish may be subject to wear due to environmental factors such as extreme heat, UV rays, rain, and pollution. Like a car or piece of outdoor furniture, a painted bronze sculpture may require periodic repainting to maintain its vivid appearance over time. In some cases, this may be necessary within 12 months, depending on the conditions it faces.


Paint Repairs
The steps to restore or repair painted areas of a sculpture are as follows:

Small Spot Issues 

  1. Identify the area of concern (e.g., if a crack is present, chipped paint or faded area). If a paint chip is present from the original area of concern, use this to identify the closest colour match when selecting the paint colour.
  2. Using a fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 240g) sand the area of concern and a 20mm surrounding radius.
  3. Clean the area with water. Do not use any solvents or chemicals to clean and allow the area to dry thoroughly.
  4. Apply a paint primer suitable for use on metal.
  5. Using an acrylic paint suitable for outdoor use, apply a light coat to the affected area.
  6. Allow the paint to dry and apply a second light coat as needed (repeat steps 5 & 6 if necessary).
  7. After applying the final coat of paint, carefully inspect the area for any imperfections or unevenness in the colour. If you notice any, lightly sand those areas with an ultra-fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 400g) and reapply a light touch-up coat of paint.
  8. Once you are satisfied with the paint application and the area looks uniform and well-covered, allow the paint to dry completely according to the paint manufacturer's instructions. This will ensure the paint sets properly and provides a long-lasting finish.
  9. To ensure the paint will endure exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as sunlight or rain, consider applying a clear, weather-resistant topcoat over the dried paint. This will offer additional protection and help extend the life of the paint job.
  10. After completing the painting process and allowing sufficient drying time, perform a final inspection to ensure the area looks seamless and matches the surrounding surface. Take note of any further touch-ups needed and address them as required.  

Repainting Larger Areas

Step 1: Clean the Bronze Sculpture
Materials Needed: White spirits, lint-free/microfiber cloths.

  1. Dampen a lint-free cloth with white spirits and gently wipe down the entire bronze surface to remove wax, dirt, and grease, ensuring all intricate details are cleaned.
  2. Allow the sculpture to dry completely (approximately 30 minutes to an hour).

Step 2: Sand the Surface
Materials Needed: Fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 240g).

  1. Lightly sand the entire surface of the sculpture to remove any old paint and imperfections. Focus on any areas with flaking or chipped paint to create a smooth base for the new paint.
  2. Wipe away any dust created by sanding with a clean, dry cloth to ensure a clean surface for priming.

Step 3: Apply Rust Guard Quick Dry Primer
Materials Needed: Rust guard quick-dry primer, paintbrush or spray gun.

  1. Apply an even coat of primer over the entire sculpture using a paintbrush or spray gun.
  2. If spraying, maintain a distance of 8-12 inches to avoid runs or uneven coverage.
  3. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually 30 minutes to 1 hour). Check for areas needing a second coat and apply if necessary.

Step 4: Apply Paint
Materials Needed: Acrylic paint (suitable for metals), paintbrushes or spray gun.

  1. Select a high-quality paint compatible with bronze and metals.
  2. Apply the paint in thin, even coats, ensuring all areas, including crevices, are covered.
  3. Allow the paint to dry for 4-6 hours. Apply additional coats as needed, allowing each coat to dry before the next.

Step 5: Varnish the Sculpture
Materials Needed: Clear varnish (preferably UV-protective), varnish brush or spray.

  1. Apply a coat of clear varnish to protect the paint and add sheen.
  2. Use a high-quality brush or spray for even coverage and allow it to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 24 hours).

Step 6: Wax the Sculpture
Materials Needed: Bronze wax (Microcrystalline or metal-compatible wax, eg. Renaissance Wax), soft microfiber cloth or applicator.

  1. Once the varnish is dry, apply a thin layer of wax using a soft cloth or applicator.
  2. Rub the wax in circular motions until the surface is fully covered, then buff with a clean, dry cloth for a smooth finish.

Step 7: Allow Final Curing Time
Allow the sculpture to cure in a dry, dust-free environment for a few days to ensure the paint and varnish have set completely.

Keep in mind that the quality and longevity of the paint job depend not only on the materials used but also on the preparation and application process. Take the time during each step to ensure a professional-looking result. Remember to follow safety guidelines while working with sandpaper, paint, and other materials, and protect the surrounding surfaces to avoid any unintended paint splatters.


Prohibitions

1)  Never use chemicals, cleaning solutions, tarnish removers, or any other unknown substances to clean the surface of the sculpture.  

2)  Avoid exposing the sculpture to chemicals such as fertilizer sprays, chlorine, pesticides, bug sprays, window washing products, ammonia, or other household products. Chemicals will adversely affect the patina.

3)  Never use abrasive cleaning pads, steel wool or sandpaper on the sculpture unless specifically advised otherwise. Use of such materials could mark the surface of the sculpture. The only exception is in the case of a paint repair (refer to ‘paint repairs’).

In any event, it is recommended to consult with a professional art conservator or restorer to ensure that the sculpture is properly maintained and cared for.

These instructions should be followed carefully, and if there are any questions or concerns about the maintenance of their sculpture, please contact the Gillie and Marc gallery for guidance.