FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The answers to the below questions are my opinion only and they represent what has worked for me. Do your own research before using any of the suggestions below.
- How do I keep algae from growing in my copper/aluminum bowl?
I have found that an algaecide called Skill-It works well on my bowls. It doesn't harm the birds. Applying 3-4 drops each month keeps algae from growing and it also keeps flying bugs from being able to land and take off from the water. Be aware flying bugs includes mosquitoes (good) but also I've had an occasional bee drown in a bowl (bad).
- How do I clean my copper/aluminum bowl?
For me the simple answer is that I don't. When I get an accumulation of debris and bird waste I simple tip over the sculpture to pour out the dirty water. Then I rinse it with clean water and refill. My concern is that cleaning product chemicals could hurt animals that may drink from my sculptures.
- Once I have the patina I like on the steel how do I preserve it?
I use Rustoleum GLOSS clearcoat paint.
It comes in a shaker spray can. Each year wipe off the steel and then apply a couple of coats of the clearcoat over the steel. Do not paint the copper/aluminum bowls. Also I've found that the gloss paint looks much better on the rusted steel. That's my opinion, you may want to try flat, satin or matte. I have tried them and didn't care for the look.
- Should I stake my sculpture to the ground?
Most of my sculptures are drilled on the base for staking them to the ground. I always recommend staking them or covering the base with heavy rocks if the sculpture is over 36" tall. In our case because we live in the country with javelina we stake all of the sculptures down. The javelina seem to enjoy running into things!
Notice: I don't paint the bottom of each base. If you place your sculpture on anything other than rock/dirt/grass/etc. you may get a rust stain. I would recommend placing an outdoor floor mat or carpet under your sculpture to preserve your pavers/concrete/tile/etc.
