Care and "Feeding"
of Your New Bronze Tile
Your new Bronze Tile from the Ron
Goeke Studio are very easy to install and maintain. Each
tile has been cast by hand in solid statuary bronze and then
finished to your specifications in one of three finishes.
Regardless of the finish that is on your tile the procedures
are the same to keep them looking magnificent. The Bronze tile should be installed
exactly like any other non-ceramic tile and the installation
should conform to the TCA handbook of Tile Installation. A
highly reputable tile contractor should be hired to do the
installation in order to get professional
results. Bronze is a composite metal and
like all metals will oxidize if left exposed to the air. If
your tile have been finished with a patina they have been
pre-oxidized or rusted to give them the beautiful look of
weathered bronzed. They have also been coated with a special
material to seal them from further oxidation and keep the
finish looking the same for many years to come. If your
tiles have been polished they have also been coated to
prevent them from oxidation. Once installed we only recommend
that you periodically give the tiles a light coat of
Butchers Wax... that's all!!! Just a light coat every couple
of months or more often if they are subject to water or
excessive dirt. Each coat of wax protects the one below it
and though over time the wax will wear, by adding a new coat
occasionally you will keep those tiles looking exactly as
they did the day they were installed. To Clean: Use use any
household cleaner like 409 or Fantastik. Avoid using any
abrasive cleansers or strong solvents on patinized tile.
Mild soap and water are best. Once dry, apply a light coat
of Butchers Wax and buff to a nice shine. Simple! Now, you also have the option to do
nothing to the tiles other than treat them as you would any
other decorative tile. This will eventually result in the
erosion of the sealer coat and permit air to reach the
surface of the metal causing the natural process of
oxidation to begin. If your tiles have been patinized they
will get even more patina over time. If they have been
polished they will begin to darken and patinize as the
months and years progress. Tiles in wet environs will
oxidize faster than those in relatively dry areas. You may
want this to happen and it is perfectly alright to do so.
Ancient bronze is absolutely beautiful. Ultimately the choice is yours as
to whether you want more "character" to the tile or you want
them to remain as they were when you received them. A
special note to those whose tile have been polished. If you
forget to wax them and they begin to oxidize the simplest
way to restore their luster is a quick cleaning with a good
quality metal polish like Brasso or Noxon. Once you have
restored their shine give them that coat of wax to keep them
looking beautiful. Best wishes for a fantastic
installation!
Accessories | Aviary | Beach | Bronze | Vineyard | Sea Life | Water Garden | Flower Garden | Rain Forest
