Stainless Steel Sculpture Care

LOVE YOUR STAINLESS-STEEL SCULPTURE
Caring for your sculpture and your responsibility as the owner 

Stainless steel sculptures, or when elements of a Bronze sculpture are crafted in Stainless Steel, can be displayed either indoors or outdoors and will maintain their original appearance as long as they are cared for periodically. The maintenance of stainless steel is simple and easy. The following information will help you to understand the nature of the material and how to care for it.

Care Routine

If dust and dirt build up on the sculpture, it will need to be washed. Do not use harsh chemicals! Clean the sculpture with a soft sponge, some water, and a gentle detergent. If fingerprints mark the surface, they can be removed using ordinary glass cleaner, followed by a rinse with warm water.

Cleaning Steps

  1. Wash the sculpture with warm water, a soft brush, and a soft cloth. A little bit of gentle detergent can be used if required. It is important to rinse the sculpture thoroughly.
  2. Tree resin and bird droppings are destructive to the paint layer and should be removed with warm water as soon as they are discovered.
  3. Dry the sculpture thoroughly with a soft cloth.
  4. For additional polishing, use a stainless-steel polish specifically designed for stainless steel surfaces. Apply the polish using a clean, soft cloth and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. Make sure to use a polish that does not contain harsh chemicals or abrasives.
  5. After applying the polish, buff the surface gently with a separate clean, dry, soft cloth to achieve a high shine and to remove any residue from the polish.

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 steel.
  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.

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.


YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS THE OWNER

Sculptures made of bronze, stainless steel, aluminium, fibreglass, or resin are all vulnerable to damage from both environmental and physical factors. Exposure to pollutants, such as acid rain, saltwater, or atmospheric contaminants, can cause corrosion or staining, while physical damage from vandalism, accidents, or neglect can lead to deterioration.

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

Just as a car requires regular upkeep to remain in good condition, so too do sculptures. Neglecting to clean, protect, or maintain the finishes on a sculpture may lead to deterioration or surface damage. To avoid such issues, we strongly recommend consulting a professional art conservator or restorer for proper care and maintenance advice.

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 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.