Will my bronze sculpture rust?

To ensure you give your garden bronze sculpture the best chance of long-term preservation, it’s important to understand bronze and how it responds to the outdoors elements of air and water.

What is rust and why does it happen?

Rust is a particular type of corrosion that happens on iron and steel when they react with oxygen and water. This reaction produces hydrated iron (III) oxide, the reddish-brown substance we see and associate with rust. Over time, this will weaken, thin and even break the metal. Rust reduces the metal it attacks.

Why doesn’t bronze rust?

Bronze is typically made of copper and tin, containing no iron. Thus, with no iron or steel, bronze won’t rust. Antique bronze sculptures prove the resilience of this material.

Is my bronze sculpture safe from the elements?

While your bronze sculpture won’t rust, it’s not immune to the elements. Like all metals, when a bronze sculpture is exposed to the atmosphere, the natural elements will have an impact:

1. Sun, rain and wind will degrade the wax layer that protects
   the man-made patina of the bronze.
2. Once the sax is degraded, the copper in the bronze reacts
   with the oxygen, creating “copper oxide” . This results in a
   “patina” forming, a brown, blueish or green layer on top of the
   sculpture.

Owners of bronze sculptures feel that this natural discolouration enhances its beauty, showing its maturation through time.

However, if salt is present in the air, bronzes can corrode, resulting in “bronze disease”; this is relevant when the sculpture is positioned near the sea.

Man made and natural patina

At this point it is worth noting that there are two types of “patinas”:

1. “Made made”, as part of the bonze casting process, applying various liquid chemicals to the sculpture’s surface, while heating it up with a blow torch.
2. “Natural”, when the sculpture’s surface interacts with the air around it . Applied wax will significantly slow down this process; but the wax itself degrades in an outdoor environment, unless rented regularly.

How can I protect my bronze sculpture?

There are many ways you can protect your bronze sculpture, including:

• Give your bronze sculpture a thorough clean at least once a year. When doing this, use either mild soap water or a very weak vinegar/water solution.
• Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning. These could damage your bronze sculpture, as they might strip away any protective layering.
• Add a protective coating:
  • Clear wax can be applied every year to protect your bronze sculpture from the elements.
  • This can also enhance the patina by adding a reflective shine to the surface: after adding several layer of wax, burnish well with a dry cloth.
  • Apply a varnish.
  • Everbrite coatings provides a specialised coating that can seal and protect your bronze sculpture from tarnishing, oxidation and corrosion.

Is there anything else that might affect the condition of my bronze sculpture?

If your bronze sculpture is outside and more exposed to the natural elements, you should consider cleaning and waxing it more frequently than if it is indoors.

But the same applies for an indoor sculpture positioned on a window sill that heats up due to intense sun shine.

In the garden, be aware of bird droppings, especially near or under trees; try and remove them as soon as possible. Bird droppings can be acidic, which could cause or speed up corrosion.

Are you looking to buy a bronze sculpture?

If you’re thinking about buying a bronze sculpture, then please browse my work. If you would like to commission a bronze sculpture or discuss what I can create for you, then please get in touch.