Deep Cleaning On A Bronze Lion Head Fountain
Heritage brought a bronze outdoor fountain to our studio for a restoration project. Our staff used chemical compounds to clean the fountain’s surface and make it presentable once again.
When bronze is exposed to water over time, it develops a blue-green patina due to oxidation. Heritage Restoration was commissioned to remove this patina and restore the fountain’s original metal surface.
Our artisans began by testing various chemical treatments on a single leaf of the fountain’s bowl to determine the most effective method. A multi-step process using both light solvents and stronger compounds was required to remove the layered oxidation. Detailed brushing was necessary to clean the concave leaves along the rim.
The fountain’s ornate back plate, heavily affected by water damage, required multiple solvent applications and thorough brushing to eliminate built-up rot and patina from the intricate plant and vine details, including the lion’s mouth. The base, less discolored, was cleaned with fewer treatments.
Finally, a protective wax coating was applied to shield the bronze from future water damage. The restored fountain was then returned and reinstalled for the client, revealing its renewed bronze beauty.
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