Oil Rubbed Bronze Maintenance
- In order to properly maintain your oil-rubbed bronze hardware, determine if it has a protective lacquer coating. This coating stabilizes the finish and protects it from scratches and discoloration. When cleaning your bronze, you must not do anything to damage or remove the protective lacquer. Wipe up dust with a soft cloth. Dampen the cloth with a little water to tackle tougher dirt, but don't use any abrasive cleansers or polishes.
- Unlacquered, oil-rubbed bronze is also known as a living finish. It is designed to weather and change with age. This results in wear patterns as the finish rubs off in highly-used areas, and darkens in others. Any cleaner that comes into contact with the finish can change its color or intensity, so be careful not to use anything harsh on these finishes. As with lacquered finishes, it's best to wipe the surface with a soft cloth, dampened if you like.
Apply a light coat of wax to your unlacquered bronze to slow the aging process and provide an extra layer of protection. Apply a thin coating of beeswax and buff with a soft cloth. - Remove all oil-rubbed bronze hardware before you paint, and don't re-install it until the paint is thoroughly dry. When installing oil-rubbed bronze bathroom fixtures, don't use plumber's putty, as this can damage the bronze finish.
