Metals are an undistinguished part of our life. But regular maintenance is important unless they will lose their shine and lustre. Various sculptors, jewellery and other items were made using metal, thanks to their diverse properties.
While cleaning metal objects like metal sculptors, people often use the same method they use for other materials. But metals are difficult to clean and keep shiny. There are a number of metal cleaners in the market, but they can create a bad impact on your metal sculptures. So, it is better to get help from professional metal restoration experts to restore the beauty of your metal sculptors.
In this blog, we will talk about some simple yet effective ways to make metal sculptor cleaners at home. Eco-friendly and better than market cleaners.
Keep in mind that not all sculptors are made up of the same metal; likewise, their cleaning solutions will not be the same. If you try cleaning a bronze sculptor with an iron sculptor cleaning solution, then you end up making a mess of your metal sculptor’s look.
Some metals are tough, and others might be soft and can get scratched while cleaning. If the metal is very dirty or tarnished, it might be best to ask a professional metal restoration service for help.
Tips to Clean Stainless Steel Sculptor
Undoubtedly, steel sculptors are the popular choice for indoor and outdoor spaces. Steel sculptors are durable and resistant to rust. If a steel sculptor is outside, the chances of rust on stainless steel are maximised.
Mild Soft & Water: Soft cotton cloth and hot water are two things you need to get started. Compared to other metals, stainless steels are easier to maintain and clean.
Baking Soda & Paste: For tougher stains or dirt build up, use a paste of baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. After resting for a few minutes, clean it with a soft cotton cloth or use a brush. Rinse it with a rinsing solution and let it dry.
Dealing with Stubborn Stains
Vinegar: Vinegar is effective for the removal of stubborn stains from steel metal sculptor artwork. If baking soda solution fails to do its job, then vinegar is the go-to option.
Commercial Stainless Steel Cleaners: For severe stains or buildup on metal, you can use commercial stainless steel cleaners. You can do it easily by following the product label instructions.
Prevention of Rust & Corrosion
Regular cleaning will help the formation of rust and corrosion over the surface of the steel sculptor. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive chemicals to clean the stainless steel sculptor. It can destruct the protective layer of the sculptor.
Protect the steel sculptor from environmental factors such as heavy rain, dust storms, snowfall, etc, with a protective covering.
Easy Tips to Clean Brass Sculptors
Brass is an alloy of copper & zinc. Brass is known for malleability, durability, and its warm and golden colour. Over time, brass sculptors develop a tarnished, oxidised layer due to prolonged environmental exposure.
Basic Cleaning Methods
Warm Water & Mild Soap: This is the initial and most common method of cleaning mild soap and water. Prepare the solution by mixing a good quality detergent with warm water. For wiping, use a soft, cotton, lint-free cloth. Rinse completely with clean water and wipe it till dry to avoid water spots.
Brass Polish: Commercial brass polishes are manufactured to remove the tarnished and oxidised appearance from brass sculptor and restore its original shine. Use a small amount of polish on a clean cloth and rub the polish over the tarnished spot until it disappears. Finally, use a dry cotton cloth to wipe out any leftover residue.
Vinegar and Salt: A mixture of vinegar and salt can be effective for the removal of stubborn tarnish. Form a paste by combining equal parts of vinegar and salt. Apply the paste to tarnished metal areas and let it rest for a few minutes. Rinse clean water and dry it by wiping it using a clean cotton cloth. If you are still unable to achieve the desired shine, then connecting with brass restoration experts is a good option.
Tips for Aluminium Restoration
Aluminum is a corrosion-resistant, lightweight metal. But still, it had a chance of getting tarnished or discoloured.
Mild Soap & Water: For initial cleaning, start by using a mild soap solution and a dry cotton cloth. Gently wipe away the dirt, dust and grime. Rinse with clean water and dry it with a clean, dry cotton cloth.
Baking Soda Paste: For stubborn tarnish and oxidised spots, use baking soda paste & water. Apply the paste to the affected or tarnished area and gently rub it with a soft brush.
Commercial Aluminium Cleaner: For major tarnished or oxidised stains use high-grade commercial aluminium cleaner. It’s a better option to apply commercial cleaner on sculptor’s tiny area to see if it has any damage to the sculptor. If you aren’t satisfied with the results of commercial aluminium cleaner, then seek professional aluminium restoration services in UK.
Cleaning Tips for Bronze Sculptors
Bronze is an alloy of copper. It has the ability to develop a patina over time. Patina is a natural protective coating that occurs due to environmental factors. It gives a unique character to metal.
Gentle Cleaning: For gentle cleaning, just use a dry cotton cloth to wipe away the dust and dirt. Avoid the usage of harsh chemicals or abrasive material that can damage the patina over time.
Commercial Bronze Cleaners: If stains or tarnished spots are more stubborn, then use better quality commercial bronze cleaner, particularly made for bronze sculptors.
Make sure you are following the instructions carefully while using the commercial cleaner. If you are in doubt about commercial cleaners or just made a mess while cleaning without proper knowledge, then connect with professionals of bronze restoration in UK.
Conclusion
Cleaning metal sculptors or metal artworks is slightly different from regular cleaning of metals. Sometimes, just normal cleaning is enough, but sometimes, professional or commercial cleaning solutions are needed. Knowing the right technique of metal cleaning for a variety of metal artworks or sculptors. Cleaning and maintenance are the keys to keeping your metal shining for a long time.
For expert metal restoration and cleaning services in the UK, connect with Bespoke Patination today.