Seasonal Checklist for Protecting and Cleaning Your Outdoor Horse Sculpture
Read Time:2 Minute, 15 Second
An outdoor horse sculpture can be a lovely addition to a garden, but in the UK, its resistance will get tested. Over time, it will experience dusty rain, frost, algae stains and so on. The good news: the majority of pieces require little in the way of upkeep, and they are only reported to need maintenance once a year or so. Follow along with this seasonal checklist to maintain the appearance of your sculpture while keeping it safe from harmful practices.
Test the material
If you are not sure what material your sculpture is made from, ask the sculptor. Cleaning methods vary. For Bronze Horse Sculptures, contact https://www.gillparker.com/bronze-horse-sculptures-limited-edition-to-buy/
Bronze or metal – typically safe with a light washing; harsh chemicals should be avoided.
Porous stone/concrete – makes odours difficult to remove from the surface; pressure washing may pit.
Resin/fibreglass /painted finishes – Can scratch, fade; absolutely no solvents.
Wood – sealing and slow curing is a must.
Golden rule: Start with the gentlest approach.
What you’ll need:
Bucket of warm water
Mild washing-up liquid
Gentle cloths or sponges made from microfibre
Gentle brush (detailer’s cloth)
Garden hose (low pressure)
For your material (optional): protective wax/sealant
Spring: deep clean plus inspection
Winter: A good going over at the end of the season.
Then, hose off the loosened grit
Clean with sudsy water and a soaked cloth
This should especially include down in seams (ears, tail, hoofs) using a soft brush
Rinse thoroughly and dry
Check for cracks, loose fixings and nuts and bolts cause these could potentially fall off later on, causing an incident.
Spring is a good time to reapply wax or sealant if your sculpture has them.
Summer: stain and sun protection.
Clean up bird messes right away (they can become permanent stains).
Place the sculpture where it will not be hit by sprinkler spray (calcium deposits become stains).
Autumn: dropped leaves can stain with tannin and encourage algae.
Sweep up leaves and debris weekly.
Get rid of any algae as soon as you see it with warm, soapy water and a soft scouring pad.
Ensure there is good drainage around the base so water does not collect.
Winter: prevent frost damage
Small cracks widen as freeze-thaw cycles occur.
Move it to a sheltered spot if it is small.
If outside, ensure it is secure and not in a pool of water.
What to avoid (common mistakes)
Pressure washers
Bleach or strong acids
Abrasive pads or wire brushes
Sealing over damp surfaces
A small amount of tender care each season beats one big clean and helps your horse sculpture remain a garden centrepiece for many years.
0
0
Average Rating