Does anyone have any advice for removing patina from old bronze? A
commercial cleaner? Home remedy? Thanks!
Before you do it, remember that for many pieces, removing the patina
removes a goodly portion of the piece’s value. If you’re not sure,
you might as an antique dealer if that is the case with your piece.
Does anyone have any advice for removing patina from old bronze? A commercial cleaner? Home remedy?
Most likely the item has been waxed or lacquered after patination so
you have to remove BOTH things. I heat the bronze to burn off the
wax/lacquer, allow it to cool then bead blast the piece to remove the
patina and if it is blotchy I then use fine steel wool or better
bronze wool or an oil free pumice containing waterless hand cleaner
or a scotch pad, and rub and rub and rub the piece until it is of an
even surface texture. Basically you have to remove any signs of the
wax/lacquer and patina before proceeding. Also, just a note, a
once patinated piece will almost never re-patina like a “virgin” cast
piece.
John Dach
MidLife Crisis Enterprises
Cynthia Thomas Designs
Cynthia’s sculptures are at: http://www.mlce.net
Maiden Metals,
A small bronze foundry, no web site yet!!