Cast Stone Maintenance

Cast stone is one of the names given to the various concrete mixtures that have been used in the United States since the 19th century to simulate natural stone. Cast stone is commonly used in garden statues, and getting the best use out of such garden statues requires some understanding of what's required for cast stone care and maintenance. What is cast stone? Cast stone is a mixture of water, sand, coarse aggregate, and cementing agents. Depending on its use, other materials are also used in its production. Cast stone is employed not only in garden statues but also in architecture, masonry, and furniture. The appeal of cast stone is that its appearance and endurance are comparable to natural stone, but it is cheaper to produce. Caring for your cast stone A cast stone garden statue is generally a low maintenance product. Much of the damage that will be done to a cast stone garden statue will be weather-related, so protecting your cast stone statues from the elements is paramount.

The primary concern for owners of cast stone garden statues should be to avoid exposing their items to salt and chemicals. These chemicals are typically used in winter for preventing slipping or ice buildup. If you live in an area prone to long or severe winters, you may want to consider storing your cast stone garden statues during those months.

Basic cleaning of your cast stone garden statue is recommended. Scrub your cast stone garden statue with a fiber brush dipped in a mix of water and mild detergent. Thoroughly rinse the statue and its surrounding area after cleaning is complete. Avoid using acidic or harsh cleaners on your cast stone garden statue.

A professional sealer can also be applied if you desire further protection for your cast stone garden statue. Check with an expert at your favorite vendor or hardware store to make sure you get a sealer that's appropriate for your particular cast stone mix.

Cast Stone Aging and Efflorescence

Aging, as we all know firsthand, is a natural process. The same is true for cast stone garden statues. Part of that aging process occurs when water reacts with the salts found in the natural materials of your stone garden statue, initiating a process called efflorescence. Understanding how cast stone aging and efflorescence occur will help you take the best care possible of your stone garden statues.

As Time Goes By

Cast stone is composed of a mix of natural materials intended to substitute for natural stone. Because cast stone is natural, it's going to age organically. Just like with people, a cast stone garden statue will acquire a unique and idiosyncratic character as it ages. Many owners of cast stone garden statues find this desirable, and allow their statues to be gradually changed by the elements.

Aging and damage, however, are not the same thing. Protecting your cast stone garden statue from excessively rapid aging can be done in a few different ways:

• Minimize water exposure Placing your cast stone garden statue under an awning or canopy is one simple way of reducing water exposure. But if you prefer your garden statues out in the open, try to keep any cast stone garden statues off the ground. This will reduce damage from ground water or freezing in the colder months.
• Winterize Winter protection of your cast stone garden statue is essential to reduce the damage caused by the constant cycles of freezing and thawing. Storing your garden statues during the winter months would avoid the problem altogether. For cast stone statues that remain outside, be sure to remove any water from fountains or basins.
• Sealant Applying a chemical sealer to the surface of your cast stone garden statue will slow down the aging process. Regular application of a sealant is recommended to maintain those protective benefits.

Efflorescence

Efflorescence is a natural one-time process that will occur with all cast stone garden statues placed outdoors, though the degree will depend on weather conditions.

As rain strikes the surface of cast stone, it draws out the salt contained in its mix, resulting in a chalky white residue on the statue's surface. As the efflorescence cycle continues and finishes, this residue will gradually wash away.