Statement pieces can really transform a space and metal finishes can take those statement pieces to the next level. KC Restoration specializes in the custom refinishing service of patina where skilled artisans utilize chemical processes on the surface of metal to highlight the rich hues and undertones of the metal or to bring an aged effect or numerous other artistic colors, grains, and patterns. As each patina is handcrafted, your space is getting an artistic piece that is uniquely yours. Whether for home or office, be sure to ask your contractor for a custom patina that will perfect your space.
Refinishing “Children of the Trails”
Downtown Olathe is home to one of the metro’s gorgeous fountains that features the bronze “Children of the Trails” statue by local artist Kwan Wu. KC Restoration’s technicians recently had the honor of refinishing the sculpture as well as the circular steel water feature and decorative rockwork at its base . All the figures from the pioneer boy and girl running Westward to their dog and the birds flying overhead received a specialty patina wax treatment to enliven and protect the metal artwork. Refinishing of the rainbow-like arches that support the figures included removing rust and realigning grain of the stainless steel. The greater level of rust on the base steel circle due to its function in creating the fountain’s waterfall was cleaned, bringing back the metal’s beautiful brightness and random graining patterns that emulate the eddies and flow of water. Technicians also deep cleaned the limestone cap circling the fountain edge, the granite boulders and riverrock that build the effect of a Kansas stream. Our thanks to the Johnson County Government team who support such public art in our hometown and who could not have been better to partner with for this project!
Metal Cleaning Tips
If you followed our earlier post about the cleaning chemicals that can cause problems on the metal surfaces accenting the beauty of your building, you’ll want to check out today’s tips on how best to clean bronze, copper, and stainless steel in between professional metal refinishing or metal maintenance services.
Whether you have bronze, copper, or stainless steel, if a protective clear lacquer finish has been applied, cleaning and maintenance should be minimal. Here are guidelines for you and your cleaning crews to follow:
Items needed:
- Microfiber towels
- Dawn or a similar, very mild liquid detergent
- 2 buckets
Cleaning steps:
- Use a very small amount of Dawn cleaning detergent in a bucket of water. With a damp (not dripping wet) microfiber, wipe the surface clean in the direction of the metal’s grain.
- Use the 2nd clean bucket for water to rinse. With a different damp microfiber, wipe clean, again in the direction of the grain.
- Finally dry any excess moisture with a clean dry microfiber.
Note: If you are waxing or mopping floors near your metal surfaces, we recommend that you follow the above steps to wipe any materials, chemicals, or moisture that is splashed onto the metal from the work on the floors. Wax and dirty mop water is very damaging if left to dry on metal, as well as wood bases or stone.
Never use the following:
- Chemicals
- Stainless steel spray cleaner
- Windex, ammonia or peroxide based products
- Any abrasive cleaners
- Abrasive pads or cloths
Remember that the above steps are for lacquered metal. Bronze and copper should have a lacquer to protect it from turning brown and tarnishing from fingerprints, food, or other oils it comes in contact with. For stainless steel there is the possibility that the metal has not been lacquered, and for those instances, here are some cleaning tips to follow.
Items needed:
- Microfiber towels
- Stainless steel cleaner such as Sheila Shine
Cleaning steps:
- Lightly spray stainless steel cleaner such as Sheila Shine onto a microfiber cloth. Then apply on the metal surface by wiping in direction of grain. Don’t spray the cleaner directly onto the metal.
- Lightly buff off with a second clean microfiber to make sure that cleaner is not running.
We hope that these pointers help keep your metal its brilliant best. If you have any additional questions, we’d love to hear them. Email us at contact@kcrestoration.com
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Maintaining Your Property’s Metal Surfaces
The best facility managers know the importance of maintaining their properties’ interiors and exterior, especially the metal surfaces accenting their building. Well-maintained bronze, stainless steel, brass, and other metals create the better impression that adds value to a building and its tenants. However, most people know very little about metal and the best way to care for it. Managers are often dependent on their janitorial team to clean, trusting they are using the best products. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case, so KC Restoration is often called to refinish and repair damage caused by well-intentioned but uninformed staff.
Here is what you and your team need to know about the cleaning products and maintenance options that will keep your metal at its best. We want to share these tips so you can avoid unnecessary damage and make the best choice in caring for your metal and your property.
WINDEX
- Good: This inexpensive product is a favorite of janitorial staff. It can do a good job on mirror-finish stainless steel when used with a soft cotton cloth, not paper towels as they will scratch the surface.
- Bad: Do NOT use on satin-finish metal, bronze or any lacquered surface. Windex contains ammonia which is corrosive to many types of metal.
- Ugly: Windex will break down lacquer and discolor metal.
BRASSO
- Good: May work on unlacquered mirror-finish bronze for the short term (not recommended).
- Bad: If used, it only works for a short period and therefore needs to be applied daily. Brasso also contains ammonia.
- Ugly: Leaves residue, breaks down lacquer, and causes discoloration.
| WHAT IS LACQUER?
This protective clear coat provides a barrier between metal and the oil on fingers, or stains and minor scratches. |
STAINLESS STEEL CLEANER
- Good: Can work on stainless steel if applied with a microfiber cloth wiped in the direction of the metal’s grain.
- Bad: May cause build up or be runny.
- Ugly: Some aerosol cleaners are not oil-based and will remove the oil barrier leaving the metal surface very streaky.
| WHAT IS A MICROFIBER CLOTH?
These ultra-soft cloths are made with synthetic fibers that are finer than a strand of silk or a human hair. They can be found in stores from Walmart to Home Depot or online at Amazon. |
METAL HAS A GRAIN?
If you look closely, you will see a uniform pattern of lines or striations much like you’d see in a plank of wood. When cleaning, your back and forth wiping should “go with the grain” and match the motion of those grain lines. |
ABRASIVE CLEANERS OR PADS
- Good: There is NOTHING good about ABRASIVES on metal.
- Bad: Abrasives will damage finish and can cause scratching
- Ugly: It will cost you money to refinish unnecessarily.
PROFESSIONAL REFINISHING
- Good: It keeps your building looking new and well cared for. A refinish is a service where professional technicians restore the finish of the metal by cleaning, removing scratches that went beyond any protective lacquer, and realigning the grain giving that fresh appearance that equates to a property’s better impression.
- Bad: It is more expensive than cleaning products, but less expensive than replacing your metal.
- Ugly: Don’t let a sales person tell you every metal surface should be refinished annually. Pieces that are constantly touched, like handles, may need more frequent refinishing, but other surfaces that aren’t touched, like entrances, could last up to two years or more before refinishing.
PROFESSIONAL MAINTENANCE
- Good: A maintenance visit by technicians from a refinishing company ensures the metal is getting the proper cleaning and wax needed to maintain its appearance between refinishing services. It also delays the need for refinishing. Maintenance is often scheduled quarterly. However, annual contracts can divide the cost into monthly payments, which can be easier on your budget.
- Bad: It’s a win-win situation: nothing bad about it.
- Ugly: Beware those vendors who make promises but don’t complete maintenance appointments as it hastens the need for a more expensive refinishing service. A good refinishing partner knows the value of proper maintenance.
We hope we have cleared up your questions about maintaining your metal, but if you have any additional questions, we’d love to discuss them. Always feel free to email us at contact@kcrestoration.com or call us at (913) 766-2200.
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