Sculpture Installation and Maintenance

DIRECTIONS: Proper installation, regular maintenance, and visual checks will provide a longer lasting and more beautiful sculpture for years to come. Just like an automobile, regular check ups and maintenance are necessary for maximum life and presentation of your investment. Take proper care of your sculpture(s) and you can enjoy extra years of their beauty and compliments from viewers. Please read and consider the suggestions listed below:

1. Place sculpture so that it is not going to be in the way of people and or vehicle traffic.

2. Provide a proper base so that the sculpture can be securely fastened and supported. Make sure enough concrete is used to provide adequate support for sculpture during adverse conditions such as rain, wind, earthquakes, etc. Use proper fasteners.

3. Do not allow anyone to climb on sculpture. These sculptures are not designed for climbing, swinging, or hanging.

4. When moving sculptures, make sure you have adequate assistance so that both you and the sculpture are not damaged. Some sculptures are unevenly balanced and may lean or turn when fasteners are removed. Be prepared for uneven conditions. Watch your step on uneven surfaces when moving sculptures. Make sure your hands are clean and dry to prevent slipping. Keep your back straight and lift with your legs.

5. Provide adequate space around sculptures to avoid bumping into when doing yard work or cleaning.

6. Bird droppings, cat urine, etc. should be removed as soon as possible to avoid damage to the finish.

7. Painted surfaces should be cleaned as part of general maintenance. Remove dust etc. by wiping down with a moist rag and dry with a clean dry cloth or towel.

8. After cleaning, apply a coating of high quality automotive wax to painted surfaces. Waxing should be done about once a year or more depending upon environmental conditions. Rusted surfaces do not need to be waxed but can be wiped down to remove bird droppings, dust, etc. Applying wax to rusted surfaces will affect the rusting process.

9. Low voltage lighting is recommended for night display of sculptures. Experiment with placement of lights and bulb wattage to provide the best presentation at night.

10. Covering base plates and fasteners with some type of ground cover (wood chips, gravel, etc.) can be done so the sculpture appears to be coming up out of the ground and not bolted to it. Keep in mind that covering the base will retain moisture which will accelerate rusting. Good drainage around the base will help reduce the moisture.

11. If sprinklers or watering systems spray sculptures, premature rusting or water stains may result. Redirect water away from sculptures.

Any questions: phone 408-838-9428 or email: [email protected]