How-To: Wax Bronze Sculptures in the Gardens

On Friday, September 12th, 2025, sculptor and artist, Cara Lawson-Ball taught Wellfield staff and volunteers how to care for and maintain our beautiful bronze sculptures. With this proper training, staff and volunteers can now help better maintain the beautiful art located inside our Gardens.

Here is our How-To Guide to care and maintain Wellfield's bronze sculptures.

Step 1: Inspection

Walk around the bronze sculpture and look for corrosion, discoloration, or streaks. Make sure to photograph any problem areas for our records. Next, check the base and surrounding environment, like drainage, plants, and sprinklers. Remember, most cosmetic issues can be solved with waxing!

Step 2: Cleaning

Rinse the sculpture with clean water. Mix a small amount of mild soap (like Dawn dish soap) with water. Then begin gently scrubbing the sculpture with a soft brush. Do not use metal brushes or tools, as they are too hard on the bronze. Rinse the sculpture thoroughly. Complete the cleaning process by drying the sculpture with lint-free cloths.

Step 3: Waxing

Waxing should be done twice a year in our area on a warm or hot day of the year. Let the bronze heat up under the sun before applying a thin coat of microcrystalline wax. Let the wax haze before buffing with a clean cloth until the desired sheen appears.

With these basics on bronze sculpture waxing, when should you call in a professional? If you notice large cracks, dents, or deep staining on your bronze sculpture, call a professional. This includes green crusty spots (also known as bronze disease). For sculptures like Tethys in our Water Celebration Garden, call a professional if the patina is flaking or powdery.

If you want to volunteer at Wellfield Botanic Gardens and learn how to care for and maintain our bronze sculptures, check out our volunteer page for next steps!

Jen Tan

Marketing and Communications Manager