How to Care for Concrete Statuary

For best results, do NOT set your painted concrete piece directly on the ground. Instead, use pea gravel, set it on your porch or patio, or other well drained moisture barrier. The concrete can “wick” up moisture from the ground and can push the paint off the concrete. (The bottom is not painted/sealed on purpose letting the piece “breathe”.)

Cleaning the statue keeps it looking like new. Concrete garden art accents your landscaping with designs that express your style, but those concrete statues need care just like your plants. Over time, weather elements wear away at the concrete, especially if it isn’t sealed. Extreme temperatures also affect the integrity of the concrete.

Cold winter temperatures in particular can cause cracking in concrete art. Preserving concrete statues doesn’t require a lot of effort but the payoff comes in a piece that stands up over the years.

1. Blow dirt off the statue using an air hose or brush. Spray the statue with a garden hose to remove additional dirt or debris. Clean the statue every few months so the dirt and debris don’t build up on the surface.
2. Apply more sealer to a statue every 1-3 years. Spray or brush waterproof sealer over there surface of a clean and dry statue. Allow the item to dry for at least 24 hours pr per the direction on the sealant container. Apply another coat of sealant if necessary to fully cover the concrete. Leave the bottom of the statue unsealed to allow the concrete to breathe.
3. Empty water before winter if the state contains a fountain or birdbath. Remove the bowl of the birdbath or cover it with a board. Remove the pump from the fountain if present.
4. Move the statue to an indoor location if possible for the winter months. Lift the base of the statue off the ground if you leave it outdoors. use wood or tiles to separate the statue from the ground. (This is important which is why we keep repeating it.)
5. During the winter, cover the statue with a tarp if you leave it outdoors. This will protect it from the weather. Secure the cover with string so it doesn’t blow off the statue. Remove any water that may have collected in any nooks or crannies.