Keep an eye on your bronze

[Alex A]

Thought i would put this here as i know some folks collect bronze etc.

 

Bought these Bronze temple lions many years ago, at least 15 years now.  They have been sat in various positions over that time and never had any issues up until very recently. 

 

They are mass produced and were not expensive at the time, though i do like them.

 

Anyways, for the last six years they have been in the conservatory, its not heated unless we are in there during the winter.

 

They were fine  and then they weren't , came as a surprise as never had issues.

 

Last summer they were looking dusty so i hosed them down outside and let them dry, then Ren wax. That was the first time i had used wax since i bought them all those years ago.

 

About four months ago i moved them, one ended up in full morning sun on one side, the other in the shade.

 

Just happened to notice an issue last week.

 

Check out the side that got the sun compared to its other side in the shade. 

 

Looked like white spots, now on closer inspection looks like green, Verdigris.

 

The other statue which was in the shade has no Verdigris either.

 

Now moved them back into the shade, will have to do something about the verdigris. 

 

 

[Alex A]

Just to add, spent a few hours this afternoon sorting it out.

 

Scraped with a fingernail, cotton bud with a touch of white vinegar.

 

Alright now, but where it was bad it is now slightly pitted, although the patina is intact.

 

Not telling folks to do this with expensive tsuba or anything of great value.

 

Anyways, they are coming back in the house, definitely over winter

 

Just glad it wasn't some expensive bronze cannon or something