How to Care for a Hand-Painted Sculpture

Begin with gentle handling

A hand-painted sculpture should be handled with clean, dry hands and supported from its strongest structural area. Avoid lifting a work by a projecting detail such as an ear, wing, feather or decorative edge. Before moving a wall-mounted piece, prepare a clear, padded surface where it can rest safely.

Dust without polishing

For routine care, use a clean, soft and dry brush or lint-free cloth. Work lightly from the upper areas downward so loosened dust does not settle back onto the piece. Do not use household sprays, alcohol, solvents, abrasive pads or metal polish unless Sculpture Bay has given specific instructions for that work.

Gold, chrome, patina and white finishes each respond differently to moisture and friction. Vigorous rubbing can change sheen or wear raised details, even when the underlying sculpture remains sound.

Choose a stable place

Display sculpture away from persistent damp, direct heat and locations where it may be knocked. Strong, continuous sunlight can affect many painted surfaces over time. A stable indoor environment is preferable to repeated changes in temperature and humidity.

For wall sculpture, use fixings appropriate for both the weight of the piece and the wall material. If there is any uncertainty, ask an experienced installer.

Ask before treating a mark

A mark that does not lift with dry dusting should not be treated experimentally. Send Sculpture Bay a clear photograph and describe what happened. Advice can then be matched to the particular material and finish instead of risking permanent alteration.