How to maintain your bronze sculpture

Published On: September 1, 2025

Bronze sculptures are timeless pieces of art, often displayed in gardens, courtyards, or indoor spaces. Whether cast in traditional bronze or resin mixed with bronze powder, these works need regular care to preserve their beauty and longevity. Fortunately, maintaining them is straightforward if done with patience and the right techniques. 

The two core elements of sculpture maintenance are gentle cleaning and protective waxing. Here, we explore these in more detail.

Choosing the right location

Before diving into cleaning and waxing, it’s worth considering the location of your sculpture. After all, a good location reduces the need for heavy maintenance.

With this in mind, avoid placing your sculpture under trees, near telegraph poles, or close to wires – as these attract pigeons and other birds. Bird droppings are acidic and can damage both the protective wax layer and the underlying patina (the delicate surface colouration created by chemical reactions on the bronze). Of course, if your sculpture forms a high point in the garden, some bird droppings are inevitable. That’s where proper cleaning comes in.

How to maintain your sculpture 

Patination of a sculpture exposed to the sun for several years, and not being re-waxed: Patination is exposed and paled as a result.

Step 1: Gentle cleaning

Cleaning should always be done with great care because the patina lies just beneath the wax layer. Damaging it can be costly, as only a professional foundry can restore it.

Here’s how to safely clean your sculpture:

  1. Dusting first: start with a dry, soft cloth to remove loose dirt, dust, or dried bird droppings. Avoid abrasive brushes or metal tools.
  2. Softening bird droppings: if droppings are hardened, place a damp paper towel over them for a few minutes to soften before wiping gently.
  3. Soap and water: mix a few drops of mild dishwashing soap with warm water. Using a soft cloth or sponge, wash the surface gently. For detailed crevices, a soft-bristle brush can help.
  4. Rinse thoroughly: use clean water (a hose with a gentle spray works well) to remove all soap residue.
  5. Dry completely: wipe the sculpture with a towel and allow it to air dry fully. Trapped moisture can cause damage over time, so ensure no water lingers in recesses.

Step 2: Protective waxing

Once the sculpture is clean and dry, the next step is to protect it with wax. Wax acts as a shield against the sun, rain, and pollution, while also enhancing the sculpture’s natural sheen.

  1. Choose the right wax: renaissance wax is widely recommended because it hardens more than beeswax or furniture polish, offering better resistance to sunlight and erosion.
  2. Warm and thin the wax: place the container in a pot of hot water to soften it, making the wax easier to spread in very thin layers.
  3. Apply multiple thin coats: use a soft cloth or brush to apply the wax. Several thin layers are far superior to one thick layer, which can appear cloudy or uneven.
  4. Buff to a shine: after each coat dries, buff the surface gently with a clean, soft cloth. This brings out the sculpture’s rich tones and creates a subtle, protective gloss.

Regular care pays off

With gentle cleaning and protective waxing, your bronze or bronze resin sculpture can withstand the elements and retain its charm for years to come. Dusting, careful washing, and a few coats of wax goes a long way in preserving not just the sculpture’s appearance, but also the artistry and craftsmanship behind it.

Are you looking to buy a bronze sculpture?

If you’re looking for a sculpture for your garden, then please take a look at some of my work. I also offer a bespoke service; if you would like to commission a garden sculpture, please get in touch.