Renewing your oil rubbed bronze finish is relatively easy and requires minimal supplies. First, clean the piece with a slightly damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated on the surface.
Next, apply a small amount of oil rubbed bronze finish repair wax to a soft cloth and gently rub it into the surface using circular motions. Another option is to apply a solution of warm water and mild detergent to a cloth and scrub away any spots or blemishes on the surface.
Once the piece has been buffed and cleaned, apply a coat of oil rubbed bronze finish to the entire surface. Finally, apply a clear wax or furniture polish as a maintenance product to protect the finish and help preserve its appearance.
Does oil rubbed bronze wear off?
Oil rubbed bronze can last a long time but it will eventually wear off due to frequent cleaning, exposure to water and other liquids, and other environmental factors. Over time, the oils used to give the metal its unique look can wear off, leaving behind a dull finish or a patchy look.
To help preserve the look if your oil rubbed bronze fixtures and accessories, use only soft cloths, mild cleansers and warm water for cleaning and drying. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasives to clean oil rubbed bronze, as this can strip away the delicate oil finish and dramatically reduce the shelf life of an oil rubbed bronze piece, if not ruin it entirely.
Additionally, if you want to further protect your oil rubbed bronze, you can periodically apply a protective wax or oil-based sealant, which can help it last even longer.
Can you use Clorox wipes on oil rubbed bronze?
It is generally not recommended to use Clorox wipes or any harsh cleaning chemicals on oil rubbed bronze because it can cause discoloration and damage to the finish. If you need to do some light cleaning of oil rubbed bronze, it is best to use a soft cloth slightly dampened with warm water and mild soap.
Gently wipe the surface and dry immediately with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbing and harshly rubbing the surface as this may dull the finish. If the bronze has a protective coating of lacquer, be cautious with the use of cleaning products.
How do you get water stains out of oil rubbed bronze?
Removing water stains from oil rubbed bronze fixtures can be quite challenging, as the oil rubbed finish is designed to be resistant to water damage. The best way to tackle this issue is to start by wiping down the stained area with a soft, clean cloth to remove any dirt and grime.
Once the dirt and grime have been removed, you can then use a mild non-abrasive cleaner such as diluted dish soap and warm water to gently scrub the affected area using a soft cloth or a soft-bristled brush.
Rub in a circular motion and focus on the stained area only. Once you’re done, rinse off the cleaner with a damp cloth and then dry the area with a soft towel. If there are still traces of the water stain or if the water stain does not come off completely, you may have to sand the area lightly with very fine steel wool until the stain is gone.
After that, you can wipe the area down with a soft cloth to restore the look of the oil-rubbed finish. Be sure to always remember to use a damp cloth to clean any remaining steel wool particles. Finally, use a spray wax to help protect the oil-rubbed bronze finish.
How do you get hard water off a bronze faucet?
To get hard water off a bronze faucet, you’ll need to use a mixture of white vinegar and warm water. Start by combining equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture to combine.
Spray the mixture on the faucet and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, scrub away the hard water stains with a soft cloth or brush. Rinse the area with warm water and dry with a cotton cloth or soft towel.
If needed, repeat this process as many times as necessary until all the hard water stains are gone.
Can you clean oil rubbed bronze with vinegar?
Yes, you can clean oil rubbed bronze with vinegar. Use a soft cloth and use a gentle motion, as rubbing too hard may cause scratches. If the surface is heavily soiled, mix one part white vinegar and one part water in a container and gently apply to the surface using a soft cloth.
Allow this to sit on the surface for a few minutes and then lightly scrub the surface with a soft bristled brush. Rinse the surface with clean warm water and dry with a soft cloth. This process should have removed the dirt, if not repeat the process.
Be sure to use only white vinegar and not other types, as other ingredients in the other vinegars may cause more harm to the oil rubbed bronze finish.
What does the color oil rubbed bronze look like?
Oil rubbed bronze is a traditional style finish that has become a popular choice for both interior and exterior pieces. It is a dark bronze color, usually with a slightly antiqued, muted look. The finish has small flecks or streaks of lighter bronze, brown and black colors running throughout, often creating a unique and varied pattern.
This type of finish often has a slightly rubbed, patina effect to add interest and character. It is a classic, timeless look that pairs well with many interior and exterior styles.
Does old bronze look like black?
No, old bronze typically does not look like black. Bronze is an alloy that typically contains copper, tin, and zinc, and when it is exposed to air and water over time, it begins to corrode and develop a patina or coating, which gives it a bluish-green, reddish, golden-brown, or dark gray-brown color.
Black is not an expected color for bronze, although some artists may use a dark coating to give the bronze piece a black appearance. Additionally, ancient coins that are discovered and considered “old bronze” may take on a black hue if they have been exposed to water or if the surface of the metal has been oxidized.
What is the difference between oil rubbed bronze and bronze?
The difference between oil rubbed bronze and bronze is in the finish. Oil rubbed bronze is a finish effect that is achieved by treating iron with a combination of chemical solutions and massaging it with oil.
This creates a surface that is dark and oxidized and has an aged, rustic look. Bronze, on the other hand, is created by mixing copper, tin, zinc and a few other metals into an alloy. It is typically used for decorative elements and is known for its durable and long-lasting characteristics.
The primary difference between the two materials is in their appearance – oil rubbed bronze is dark, distressed and gives off a vintage/rustic look, while bronze is bright and known for its classic appeal.
Is oil rubbed bronze more expensive than brushed nickel?
The answer to whether oil rubbed bronze is more expensive than brushed nickel depends on the quality of the products you are comparing. Generally speaking, oil rubbed bronze typically does cost a bit more than brushed nickel due to the extra steps involved in creating the oil rubbed finish.
Oil rubbed bronze is more labor-intensive to produce and takes more time, so it tends to be more expensive than the more traditional brushed nickel. Additionally, the luster of oil rubbed bronze is also known to last longer than brushed nickel, meaning it might be worth the extra cost if you want a piece of hardware to last.