![PXL_20240214_183052696 PXL_20240214_183052696](https://onaimconservation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/PXL_20240214_183052696-1.jpg)
Our Focus Is Prevention
Preventive conservation ensures the sculpture’s longevity and prevents the need for costly and time-consuming restoration. Especially for outdoor sculptures, much of the prevention efforts are focused on combating environmental pollutants, such as acid rain. We help you develop and implement a customized routine treatment program for your collection.
Depending on location and materials used in the sculpture, we usually recommend a biannual (spring/fall) schedule to protect your pieces ahead of the harsh Summer and Winter conditions.
Whether the collection just needs a thorough cleaning, a fresh coat of paint, or a re-application of a sacrificial wax layer - spring and fall are the optimum time to address these concerns.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES YOU CAN TAKE
Clean It!
- Rinse your sculptures with clean water
- If the sculpture accumulates a lot of dirt or dust, make a mild detergent solution using something like Dawn dish soap and water for a deep clean.
- Using a soft rag or sponge as well as a plastic bristle brush (such as toothbrush) can help in removing lodged dirt and dust in hard-to-reach areas
![IMG_2415 IMG_2415](http://onaimconservation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_2415-1.jpg)
Drainage
- Raise your sculpture at least 4-6 inches off the ground.
- Water retention is bad for steel sculptures, causing rust to form and could compromise structural support for the piece.
- Be mindful of nearby sprinklers
- If the sculpture should sit in water, be sure the materials can withstand the prolonged exposure.
![IMG_20190411_102629 IMG_20190411_102629](http://onaimconservation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_20190411_102629.jpg)
Create Borders
- Create a barrier to protect your sculpture from damage due to landscape maintenance
- Have your sculpture rest on a concrete or stone base to prevent any invasive plant growth or water retention.
![IMG_1663 IMG_1663](http://onaimconservation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_1663.jpg)
Plant with Care
- Keep foliage and garden plants away from the sculpture and the base it rests on.
- Vines and other plants can attach themselves to your sculpture, which can leave biological growths and cause paint damage or rusting.
![IMG_20180315_110845 IMG_20180315_110845](http://onaimconservation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_20180315_110845.jpg)
Construction & Maintenance
- When undergoing any building maintenance, any paint overspray, drywall dust, etc. can travel and settle on nearby sculpture.
- Protect your sculpture by covering them with a sheet or tarp.
![IMG_1065 IMG_1065](http://onaimconservation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_1065.jpg)
Thoughts about Pools
- If your sculpture is near a pool, pond, or any water feature, make sure it's well grounded and secure.
- Place sculptures outside of the general "play area" to avoid splashing water onto the piece, especially from chlorinated pools.
![IMG_1242 IMG_1242](http://onaimconservation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_1242.jpg)