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.Īlso, if the sculpture looks dull, it is time to wax it. If dust, dirt, bird droppings, or other residues build up on the sculpture, it will need to be washed. The best method for caring for patinas always includes regular cleaning and waxing, which is important for both the appearance and longevity of the bronze. ![]() Over time, this barrier is worn off and water and oxygen work together to oxidize the surface, aging the patina. This paste wax helps prevent oxygen from getting to the bronze and oxidizing the surface. When leaving the foundry, the sculptures have a coating of paste wax. The patina is not a paint but a very thin conversion coat on the surface of the bronze. The color that develops from the chemical interaction between elements in the bronze and chemicals applied to the bronze is called a patina. The following information will help you to understand the nature of bronze and how to care for it. The maintenance of bronze is simple and easy. I guess I just struggle with the idea of "personalising" a watch by forcing a process that will happen naturally of it's own accord.Caring for your sculpture and your responsibility as the owner.īronze sculptures can be displayed either indoors or outdoors and will maintain their original appearance as long as they are cared for periodically. And if I then swim in a chlorinated pool and the patina is removed, then so be that too : everything that happens to it is as a result of it just being worn. If I swim in the sea and it darkens, then so be it. A watch that is just worn will become personalised over time naturally. I can fully understand wanting a watch that is personalised, but IMO a personalised watch is one that shows the experiences it has been through in it's existence, not artificially created experiences. But then if you jump into the heavily-chlorinated hotel pool, the patina will be wiped out & your watch will come out sparkling clean. ![]() It will darken literally within 1/2 hour. PS: The easiest way to 'speed up' the patina is to bring it swimming in the ocean & let the sea water air dry on the watch. It's anthropomorphising certainly - but a bronze watch certainly feels more 'alive' than any other metal.įinally a warning: once you've reached a stage of patina that appeals the most to you, be VERY careful when eating french fries or hot dogs - an accidental drop of ketchup on the case will wipe out the patina on that particular spot, turning it shiny & bright! ![]() The greatest appeal is that a simple diet sprite bath will restore the bronze back to it's former lustre - allowing you to repeat this process over & over again. A great chef I know even 'painted' different parts of his bronze watch with different food ingredients to produce striations which he found personally attractive. I think the idea is more to "personalize" the watch to one's individual taste vs forcing patina on it. ![]() That said, (and obviously each to their own and all that) I'll be interested to hear any reasons for doing it. To artificially force it seems completely and utterly pointless. Over time a bronze watch will patinise and change it's appearance, but when it happens naturally it's a product of it's life and the experiences the watch been through. To me it's like artificially scratching a steel cased watch to "give it patina". I honestly cannot for the life of me figure out why anyone would want to do that. Liver of Sulpher, vinegar baths, hard-boiled eggs(!), urine (yes, honestly!).Īll bizarre ways of increasing the patina.and personally I can't think of anything more ridiculous! I know a couple of you on here own bronze watches (and I'll be picking up my first one in around April/May time all being well), but who amongst you artificially forces the patina? Over the months I've seen countless threads on other watch forums dedicated to way of increasing and/or speeding up the patina process.
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