Fountain and Statuary Repair and Maintenance
General Maintenance
Little or nothing needs to be done to protect the finishes of
natural concrete fountains and statuary. Many people find the inevitable
aging and weathering of natural stone to be appealing. But this natural
weathering may be slowed, if you wish, by the application of a clear
concrete sealer, available from any hardware store.
Henri StudioTM finished fountains and statuary have been painted
with penetrating-sealer type paints, designed to resist the elements
for many years. The fountain's clear luster may, however, be revived
seasonally with a light coat of Henri Sealer Spray.
Should you choose to refinish your fountain after a number of years
- whether in the original or a new color - Bachman's can order you
the Henri Refinishing Kit, complete with all materials and instructions.
Depending upon temperature and evaporation, you may notice a buildup
of white residue on the surface of the bowl or shell. Such a buildup
is normal and unavoidable in areas with a high mineral content -
especially lime - in the local water supply. More frequent rinsing
of the fountain and changing the water will help to minimize the
problem.
When the lime buildup finally becomes unsightly, it may be safely
and easily removed by using Henri Fountain Cleaner And Lime Remover.
This product is not a water additive, but a surface cleaner specifically
designed to foam away lime residue without affecting the fountain
surface. Be sure to follow all directions for cleaning specified
on the bottle.
To keep fountain water clear from unsightly sludge, algae and cloudiness,
simply use Henri Water Clarifier. Henri Water Clarifier can be used
to help prevent fountain water from becoming dirty, and it will
also improve filter efficiency in your Henri submersible pump.
Fountain and Statuary Repairs
If you experience cracks or broken pieces with your statuary, the
success of the repair depends on the use of Quick Patch Epoxy. This
is a two-part product that is activated when mixed together. Make
sure all surfaces are clean and dry. It is essential to follow the
mixing instructions for the Quick Patch Epoxy.
For broken pieces, apply the epoxy to both pieces and fit them
together. Let it cure for 24 hours before finishing work is performed.
To fill cracks and holes, apply the epoxy as instructed on the epoxy
container.
Pump Maintenance
Water levels should be checked daily to assure efficient pump operation.
Regular cleaning of pumps extends the life of the pump.
Pumps may be cleaned using 2 cups of vinegar to a gallon of water.
Soak the pump in a bucket containing the vinegar water solution
for a few minutes. Then, with the pump in the solution, plug it
in and let it run for 30 minutes. The vinegar will loosen the lime
or calcium deposits in the pump. When cleaning the pump, you should
also remove any debris (leaves, twigs, etc.) from the screen.
Winter Care
Because concrete statuary and fountains are vulnerable to our severe
winter conditions, some special care needs to be provided. If possible,
the pieces should be stored indoors during the winter. Even a shed
or garage will help. If this isn't possible, the items should be covered
with a waterproof cover that fits securely over the item. Do not use
a loose tarp or any other material that might move in the wind, and
scrape off the finish. Before covering the fountain or statuary, the
concrete should be completely dry. Burlap should be put into the bowls
or any part that might collect water or condensation. It is also important
that the item does not stand in water or ice. The expanding and contracting
action of freezing water will damage concrete. To prevent scratching
or chipping, avoid stacking items together unless several layers of
burlap or other packing material is laid between the pieces.
If it is broken into separate pieces:
At a good hardware store, purchase a 15 minute Epoxy. This is a two part product that is activated when you mix both together. Try to only mix as much as you can use in a few minutes, then if needed, mix more.
Make sure the surfaces are clean and dry. Apply the mixed Epoxy to both pieces and fit them back together. Hold the glued pieces tightly together for several minutes until the epoxy sets up. As soon as possible, wipe off any excess epoxy on the surfaces. This can be difficult and might require scraping.
To fill in cracks:
Fill in any cracks with a product called Anchoring Cement by Akona. Anchoring cement sets up in 15 minutes, so try to mix only what you can use quickly. Akona Anchoring Cement is available at almost all hardware and building centers and is sold in small cartons or buckets. Apply the mixture to a clean, dry surface.
To fill in holes or a pitted surface:
Follow the same steps as you did for filling in cracks, mixing the Akona Anchoring Cement to the consistency of paste. Work the cement into the holes or pits in a circular motion to fill the them in. Let it set up for 30 minutes to an hour. If the surface still needs a little smoothing, mix some of the Anchoring Cement to a paint-like consistency and brush on a final coat or two.
Sealing
Pieces with a natural finish may be sealed with clear acrylic sealer. Sealer comes in either a flat or gloss finish and should be available for under $10 in an aerosol spray can. As with most aerosols, be careful to use in a well-ventilated location. Follow the directions and precautions on the label.
Painted Surfaces
All painted surfaces should be scrubbed with steel wool or a wire brush to de-gloss and clean the surface of any loose paint. Paint finishes are available as a special order item through Bachman's/Henri Studios. A paint kit costs approximately $45, with the exact amount varying slightly according to the color and finish. Some colors require a two step process, others require four steps. Good ventilation is required. The finishing kit contains a fast drying acrylic paint and you should be prepared to work quickly. Let the completed unit sit to cure at least 24 hours before adding water.
Cleaning Pumps
Pumps may be cleaned using 2 cups of vinegar to a gallon of water. Soak the pump in a bucket containing the vinegar water solution for a few minutes. Then, with the pump in the solution, plug it in and let it run for 30 minutes. The vinegar will loosen lime or calcium deposits in the pump. When cleaning the pump, you should also remove any debris (leaves, twigs, etc.) from the screen.
© Bachman's 1996
Author: Paul Brown, Furniture Specialist and Jeff Pilla, Lyndale Store
Manager |
