Typical applications on Bronze
Bronze is often used in sculpture, statuary, and other artistic concepts. Bronze is an excellent metal for mounting hardware, with many finishes. Bronze is often used for gate hardware, door hardware, cabinet hardware, and many more.
Advantages of using Bronze Hardware
It is more corrosion resistant than iron, brass, and cast iron and is richer looking due to its slightly redder coloring.
Disadvantages of using Bronze Hardware
It is more expensive than most metals. Because of the high copper percentage, bronze hardware can develop a patina, a green film as a result of long exposure to moist air. Bronze hardware will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to moisture and chlorides or sulfides.
Bronze hardware is susceptible to "Bronze Disease" one of the most serious hazards of bronze. This disease is caused when chlorides and oxygen combine in a damp environment and then "attacks" brass and pewter. The disease can be recognized when a sudden outbreak of small patches of corrosion, rough, light green spots, forms on the bronze piece.
It is a heavy metal and is soft.
Metal care tips for bronze hardware
Bronze hardware forms a patina (green color) that is protective to the metal and is often seen on artwork. Reproduced, it is called Verde Solid.
Keep bronze hardware pieces as clean as possible. Accumulations of dust and dirt can eat into the metal surface. Dust regularly using a soft cloth. Do not rub too vigorously, especially on any protruding parts. If a bronze piece has been neglected for a long time and is covered with grime, thoroughly clean it with a soft brush. Remove all dust from crevices and notches and then lightly rub the entire surface with a soft flannel cloth. For a more thorough cleaning, carefully wash with a solution of 1 tablespoon of salt mixed in to 3 quarts of water. Rinse well.
Cleaning Bronze
A good household general-purpose bronze cleaner can be created. Use salt, vinegar, and flour. Dissolve 1teaspoon of salt into 1 cup of white vinegar. Add enough flour to make a paste. Apply the paste to the bronze and let sit for 15 minutes to 1 hour. Rinse with clean, warm water, and polish dry.
Polishing Bronze
Polish with copper polish followed by glass wax. If a high polish is required dip a cloth into liquid wax and apply to the piece. When the piece is dry, buff lightly to a high gloss. This wax treatment also may be given to bronze pieces that are kept outdoors. Weathered bronze usually darkens; however, this is natural and does not harm the piece
What not to do
Do not use heavy abrasives to clean bronze, or most metal pieces.
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