Repairing Guides

how to repair broken bronze statue

by Sigmund Douglas Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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  1. The first step is to collect the broken pieces and move the garden statue in an open area away from the delicate plants and pots. ...
  2. Get a non-abrasive brush or a sponge and scrub the statue with it. ...
  3. Now, you need to let the moisture evaporate. ...

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The only way to restore a cracked is by chasing it out with a carbide, opening up the metal on both sides to get full penetration as we weld and fill in the crack. The welds will need to be sanded out and blended so you can't tell where it was welded. Then, a new patina is applied.

Full Answer

Why are bronze statues so expensive?

Well, most bronze statues cost anywhere between a few thousand dollars for smaller statues and well over tens of thousands for larger and more intricate statues. The main reason behind this wide price range is that bronze statues are complex and there are many factors that determine the price of an individual statue.

How do you clean outdoor bronze statues?

Things You'll Need:

  • Nylon brush
  • Toothbrush
  • Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
  • Container for soapy water
  • Bleach-free dish soap
  • Clean cloth
  • Wax (such as beeswax or carnauba)

Can bronze sculpture be repaired?

We can repair most broken bronze sculptures if the pieces exist. Our master craftsmen can weld them back together and seamlessly repair the break. Some sculptures may not have been cast in bronze, some are copper or pot metal. We only work on bronze castings.

How much does a bronze statue cost?

People also ask, how much does bronze statue cost? How much does it cost to commission a custom bronze sculpture? Short answer; A life size sculpture of a standing figure may vary between $60,000 and $100,000 Long answer; It depends on several factors. A lot of the cost is associated with the foundry process. Why are bronze sculptures so expensive? Making bronze castings is a very expensive process.

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How do you fix bronze?

Make a paste from either baking soda mixed with lemon juice or equal parts of flour and salt mixed with plain, white vinegar. Gently rub the paste onto the bronze and leave it for about 20 minutes. Rinse with distilled water and repeat for any areas that remain coated.

Can a bronze sculpture break?

Bronze is extremely hard and therefore unlikely to display any damage other than to the surface patina; it was first used as swords in the Bronze Age.

How do you restore a bronze statue?

Dip half of a lemon in salt and rub it over all tarnished spots on your bronze sculpture or statue. Dry the piece with a clean piece of cloth. Use a circular motion when drying to buff the bronze. Afterward, a clear coat of wax will help to protect the finish from further tarnishing.

How do you fix a broken statue?

1:1415:04Reassembling, Fixing, Patching, and Painting Broken Statues ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAny little spaces that I have I'll come back and fill in with plaster tiny a little bit of plasterMoreAny little spaces that I have I'll come back and fill in with plaster tiny a little bit of plaster fill in the holes. Smooth it out surrender that with sandpaper. And then paint. It.

Are bronze statues solid or hollow?

solidSmall statues were directly sculptured in wax, so that when it is invested (covered) with clay and the wax melts, the interior is completely hollow, so the bronze statuette is solid.

How long does a bronze sculpture last?

Regular dusting and periodic buffing will preserve the patina and make it last as long as a thousand years. The outdoor bronze statues can be waxed every two years or so for the same. Even if the patina changes more than expected, it can be replaced artificially without harming the sculpture.

Can bronze statues be repaired?

We can repair most broken bronze sculptures if the pieces exist. Our master craftsmen can weld them back together and seamlessly repair the break. Some sculptures may not have been cast in bronze, some are copper or pot metal.

Can you leave a bronze statue outside?

Bronze sculpture is meant to be used and enjoyed in the outdoor environment and can maintain the original appearance as long as it is periodically cared for.

How can I tell if my statue is bronze?

If the metal is indeed bronze, then you should hear a ringing, little chiming sound that will last a few seconds after the hitting. On the other hand, if the sound is like a thud and dull, you can be quite sure that the metal is not metal, at all. Fake bronze substances like resin will make a dull and heavy sound.

How do you glue a statue back together?

Apply the epoxy to the cement statue cracks or chips by squeezing it on, or applying it with a putty knife if it is in a tub. To reattach part of the statue, apply a 1/4-inch layer of epoxy to both the broken piece and the statue and press them together for two to three minutes.

How do you glue broken statues?

For repairing cherished heirlooms, use Loctite® Ultra Gel™ Super Glue.Be sure both surfaces of the broken figurine are clean and clear of debris.Apply a drop of Loctite Ultra Gel Super Glue to one of the broken pieces. ... Press the pieces together, ensuring a tightly matched fit, and hold firmly.More items...

How do you restore a statue?

How to Restore Old, Broken Plaster or Cement StatuesStep 1: Do a Thorough Inspection of the Damage. ... Step 2: Clean the Statue. ... Step 3: Add Plaster. ... 5 Liquids That Can Remove Dried Acrylic Paint From Surfaces.Step 4: Sand. ... Step 5: Fix Broken Pieces. ... Step 6: Paint. ... Step 7: Admire Your Finished Product.

dablacksmith

you might be able to weld it together with oxy acyl ....depends on location and type of crack also you might be able to silver solder it...its kinda tricky to weld /braze...if its possable to silver solder that will probably be easyier to get a good result...good luck

macbruce

How big is it?.....I'd say OA is a very risky method for this,even more so with a small piece. With a tig it's possible to weld in small steps without getting the entire mass molten if there's some decent mass to it........ If it's smaller than a pencil I wouldn't touch it.

Junksmith

My 2 cents: Depending on the size of the break, you may want to consider glue. Not just any glue of course, but I once repaired a small bronze statue with JB Weld 2 part epoxy and used a little paint to replicate and blend the patina in the small area where it showed.

peacock

My son worked for a bronze scluptor for a while. He said you must find out what kind of bronze it is or the color will never match. Silicone bronze most likely. TIG welded all of there stuff. He said thats the easy part then you must grind, blend and then match the patina. The repair could cost more than the piece is worth.

Steve Sells

when I repaired a bronze basket hilt for a rapier, I uses my Oxt/acc set (I have a little smith jewler torch) and mixed up my own to match. It was not easy, but in the end the client was happy and paid in full.

Waits

I know this question is several years old - but for anyone looking for an answer to a similar situation Junksmith has it right. From the perspective of the piece of art, repairs to metal are always glued.

JHCC

Based on my own experience in the art restoration studio, I must agree with Waits and Junksmith. In fact, the hollow antler in this case would make it even easier to add an interior brace, such as a piece of stainless steel rod. Just put some kind of wadding inside first, to act as a dam to keep the glue from running down inside.

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