Bronze Bell Maintenance Advice

We recommend some periodic maintenance on bronze bells.
 

   
The above bell is a finely polished bronze bell.  This is the standard bell patina when you receive your new bell unless you order one with an oxidized patina. This bell has been polished every few months with a metal polish to maintain its shine.

The above bell had an oxidized patina applied when we made it.  The letters tops were left unpolished. She has lived outside on a dock by the salt water for many years. Every few years a polishing with fine grade bronze wool can remove normal environmental debris from the surface.

 

 

For a polished bell, if you prefer your bell to stay shiny, we like Never Dull wadded metal polish.  It is a non-water based polish. Polishing every six months should be adequate.  If you choose not to polish, your bell will turn a nice bronze-y brown over time.  (example below)

 

 

Polished bronze M19 bell

 

This is the same polished bronze bell which has been outside by the sea for at least 20 years. The owner has chosen to not maintain the polished bronze and allowed the bell to naturally tarnish to this beautiful bronze-y brown.

 


 
Fine grade bronze wool (NOT steel wool) can be used to remove surface stains and buildup. Do not use steel wool as steel and bronze are not compatible metals. Steel wool bits left on the bell can interact with bronze and can cause a rust issue over time.

If your bell is outside or in a salty environment to prevent rust buildup on the clapper wire, periodically rub some oil on the stem and also on the loop the clapper is hanging on. Alternatively, paint the clapper wire and loop with an oil based rust prevention coating, such as Rust-Oleum paint. Check every so often to see if you need to re-apply.
 

   
Customizable Heirloom Bronze Bells Differences between bronze and brass
 
Ship, Heirloom & Anniversary Bells Lettered or plain
4 3/4" and smaller Bronze Bells and Hand Bells  Lettered or plain

 

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