Care & Maintenance of Bronze Doors

For the care and maintenance of our 100% U.S. Standard Bronze doors, please follow these instructions:

  • All the bronze has been finished and chemically oxidized to give it a dark statuary finish. To hold this finish until erected one coat of clear lacquer has been applied.
  • Depending on climate conditions, weather will remove the lacquer coating exposing the bronze, increasing oxidation. The bronze will become darker and darker until almost black in color and then gradually take on a “Verdi” or green patina finish. There will never be a deterioration of the metal because bronze does not rust or corrode like some other metals.

While going through the stage when the lacquer is being removed by nature it can be somewhat unsightly and therefore we suggest the following maintenance program:

  • A can of special oil consisting of nine parts pure paraffin oil and one part pure lemon grass oil is enclosed in the packaging with the bronze door.
  • Apply a thin coat of this oil with a clean soft cloth or a soft brush. Remove this first coat with a soft clean cloth to remove all surface dirt and any loose lacquer. Apply a second coat and let it remain on the bronze. This process will have to be repeated periodically depending on the climate conditions in your area.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO PUT ANY OIL ON THE GRANITE. Do not use any abrasive polishes as this will remove the statuary finish and expose the bronze to its natural color. It will also scratch the bronze which has an even satin finish.

If you do not wish to maintain the bronze finish, it will not harm the door to just let it oxidize after the surface lacquer has been removed by nature.

NOTE: OIL WILL STAIN GRANITE
*Do not clean bronze with ammonia or ammonia based cleaners.

LOCKS

The lock is a crucial mechanical part of the door. If the lock is not operating smoothly it needs to be addressed immediately. WAI has installed a simple cast bronze Welch deadbolt lock with brass rim cylinder. We rarely have issues with this lock but want to make owners and cemetery maintenance workers aware that this if there is a problem it needs to be addressed immediately. If the lock does not work there is no other access to the building. Thus, if the lock does not operate smoothly call so we can help resolve any issues.

Other door Manufacturers have used many different kinds of locks over the years. If your lock is a blade key lock DO NOT OIL the lock. Oil can make the internal moving parts of the lock stick together and not operate properly. We can repair some of these older locks but most are obsolete and cannot be repaired. If keys are lost do not damage the lock, CALL US. If the lock is damaged, cut, drilled ect… it more then likely cannot be repaired.

Cleaning MR10 Lexan® Sheet

NOTE: DO NOT clean bronze with ammonia or ammonia based cleaners.

  • Rinse sheet with water: Using a soft cloth or sponge, wash gently with a mild solution of liquid soap or liquid detergent and water. Saturate soft cloth or sponge in solution and wash gently. DO NOT SCRUB. DO NOT USE BRUSHES OR SQUEEGEES.
  • Rinse again. Dry with soft cloth or moist cellulose sponge to prevent water spotting.

Additional Tips:

  • To remove wet paint, glazing compound or grease, rub lightly with a good grade of VM&P naphtha or isopropyl alcohol, then wash and rinse. DO NOT USE GASOLINE.
  • NOTICE: Abusive cleaning procedures by hand washing or automated washing equipment will eventually result in visual hazing, loss of light transmission and coating delamination.
  • To minimize the look of scratches and minor abrasions, use a mild automotive polish to fill scratches such as Johnson’s Paste Wax, Novus Plastic Polish #1 and #2 or Mirror Glaze Plastic Polish.