How to Repair & Maintain an Old Concrete Statuary

Repairing Broken Statuary

• 1

  Clean the area around the break with a soft brush. Remove any debris from the broken surfaces that you wish to mend. Allow areas that will be glued to dry completely.

• 2

  Mix and prepare the epoxy according to the manufacturer's instructions. Spread the mixture onto the broken surfaces.

• 3

  Press the surfaces together, holding them in place according to manufacturer's instructions. Wipe away any excess epoxy as soon as possible.

• 4

  Allow the piece to dry completely before attempting to handle or move it.

• 5

  Use anchoring cement to fill in any cracks, following manufacturer's instructions. Allow to dry and smooth if necessary.

Maintaining Statuary

• 6

  Wash your statue regularly. This is especially important on concrete fountains because it will keep mineral deposits and algae from building up.

• 7

  Apply a clear concrete sealer to your statuary about once a year if you want to slow down the natural aging process.

• 8

  Refinish your statue if it begins to show too much wear. Apply several coats of a high-quality outdoor latex paint.

• 9

  Protect statuary in freezing winter weather by draining and bringing fountains and the tops of bird baths inside. Wrap larger pieces of statuary with a tarp before winter weather sets in. Keep larger statues on concrete surfaces, such as a patio, for protection from moisture. Place planters on risers if you intend to keep them outside all year long.