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Caring for Sculpture

Protecting and Caring for Sculpture in Your Home

Caring for Sculptures at Home

Sculpture can form an exciting and dynamic part of your home art collection. However, some collectors are nervous about sculptures due to their mystique.

Bronze sculpture, 'An Elephant'

Many believe that sculptures must be carefully preserved using techniques that are not readily available to the home collector. This is a common concern, but not at all accurate.

In fact, sculptures are among the easiest pieces to care for and preserve at home.

Here is what you should know.

Protection

It is always easier to protect a piece of art than to clean or repair it and sculptures are no exception.

In general, you should keep sculptures indoors unless you know for certain that they have been treated for UV and weather resistance.

Granite and cement sculptures are usually safe for outdoor display unless painted with non-weather resistant paint.

Bronze sculptures can also be displayed outdoors if waxed at least once a year.

They should also be wrapped during winter to minimize the corrosive effects of ice, salt and sand.

Marble statues are particularly prone to staining. If a marble sculpture will be displayed outside, it should be placed on a pedestal to lift it away from dirt and plants.

Keep in mind that marble may also be stained by acid rain and other atmospheric conditions.

'Dancing Couple,' Sculpture

It is never a good idea to display a sculpture in an enclosed area near a hot tub, sauna or swimming pool.

Chlorine fumes, particularly when heated, can cause a great deal of corrosive damage to most sculpture materials.

If you want to place a sculpture near chlorinated water, make sure that there is plenty of ventilation around the sculpture.

Cleaning

Proper cleaning techniques depend largely on the sculpture’s material.

Cement and granite sculptures, unless painted, can withstand mild household cleaners. Use a soft plastic brush to gently scrub these statues and make sure to thoroughly rinse away any cleaning product.

Most other statues should be cleaned only if necessary, and then only with a soft duster.

Some ceramics and stones can be washed, but this should only be attempted if you are certain of the material’s ability to withstand soap and water.

Always err on the side of caution, as some stones and ceramics are relatively brittle and easily damaged.

Bronze sculpture, 'The Kiss'

Metallic sculptures can be dusted and even carefully washed.If the metal is subject to rusting, use a blow dryer to dry it thoroughly.

To prevent discoloration or aging of the sculpture's finish, you can gently use a non-abrasive car wax or even furniture paste wax. Proceed with caution, especially if the piece has fine protusions that can be bent or broken off.

Some sculptures can have paints or other finishes applied after casting. If you are not sure if they will stand up to cleaning, either leave them alone or consult with a professional.

If your sculptures are kept indoors and lightly dusted regularly, there should be no need for further cleaning. Many sculpture materials are designed to take on a patina, or change in color, as they age.

If you feel that your sculpture is dirty or damaged, it is important to consult an expert restorer in your area. Sculpture repair is difficult and should never be attempted by the casual collector.

Although many new collectors are intimidated by the idea of caring for sculptures at home, there is no need for concern.

Like any other artwork, sculptures should be protected from weather, fingerprints and other environmental factors.

However, as long as they are properly protected, your sculptures should last for many years with a minimum of upkeep.