How to clean a copper sculpture?

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Rozmataz

Rozmataz

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Jun 13, 2002
Posts
2,773
Loc
Fingerlakes Region of NYS
Have a large copper sculpture - I can't remember what the technique is called... but it is a large piece of copper that has been made into a work of art with the objects sculpted as bas relief...

The customer has asked if I can clean it. She means basically get the old dust off of it!

What would you recommend? (Not Twinkle!!)

Thanks,

Roz
 
Roz,

Is it something of monetary value to your customer? If not, I would make a mild solution of Dawn or Johnson's Baby Shampoo with warm water and wash the copper with this solution and a soft bristle brush. The brush should be fine enough to get into all the little nooks and crannies but not so stiff as to scratch the copper or any clear finish that may be on it.

After it is clean, I would blow dry with compressed air to minimize any action from chemicals/minerals in the water and the copper (if you used tap water to clean it.)

(If that doesn't get it, throw it in the washing machine with some OxyClean and give it a thorough bashing on the extra dirty cycle!!) :eek:
faintthud.gif
:eek:

Framerguy
 
FGII,

It is of monetary value... and large: 18" x 53" approx! And mounted on masonite! It's pretty cool - I remember doing this technique in art class way back when....

Sure won't touch it with anything til I am sure if won't affect the finish which at this point has aged and has a nice patina.

Roz
 
It is always wise to try brushing such an item
with a soft brush, before adding anything to
its surface. since there is wood near copper,
and that wood has a high lignin content, keeping
it dry will reduce the chance that acidic material from the wood can affect the copper.

Hugh
 
Leave it to Hugh to give my answer. (Although I have to admit that he added a little more information about the wood backing. I was just going to suggest using a soft brush to lightly dust it.)
 
As it happens, the piece had ALOT of tar from being in a smoking environment. I did a test on a corner and found that it had a varnish on the surface, so it was safe to wash accordingly. I went thru alot of towels!!! (FGII, I should have thrown it in the washing machine!)

But - it is shining brightly - and the customer is on the way to pick it up and say "wow"! (I hope, as always!)

Thanks for your help...

Roz
 
Rick - Enough! Thanks! I am surprised I didn't have an allergic reaction to it. It is done and sadly, gone already!! Some customers like to pick their work up when it is ready!
 
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