Garden statues in hibernation: How to protect your outdoor treasures from frost and cold

Garden sculptures are not only beautiful garden decorations, but also an investment. To ensure that your bronze sculptures or cast stone figures survive every winter, you should protect them from frost and cold.

This article provides some tips on how to protect your garden sculptures from damage – especially during the cold winter months.

Garden sculptures in hibernation

As winter approaches and temperatures drop, it's crucial to protect your garden sculptures from frost and cold. Most sculptures are made of materials like stone , metal , or bronze and can be damaged by low temperatures.

To ensure that your outdoor treasures survive the winter unscathed, you should focus on proper preparation .

This includes first thoroughly cleaning the sculpture to remove dirt and dust. Afterwards, you should suitable materials to protect your garden sculptures – whether covers or storage in a dry room depends on various factors.

Particularly sensitive materials such as ceramics or glass require considerable attention and special care during hibernation.

Don't forget to carry out regular checks during the winter dormancy period and to give your sculpture garden . With proper protection, your garden statues and outdoor figures attractive even in winter.

Museum of Modern Art's sculpture garden, designed as an outdoor space, demonstrates how art can exert its magic even in winter . It offers visitors the pleasure of experiencing art in relation to the sky, sun, and nature, even in winter with frost, ice, and snow.

Experience the sculpture garden transformed by soft snowfall on a snowy winter day in the following short film.

Why is it necessary to protect garden sculptures from frost and cold?

Your garden statues have value in many ways. Financial value is the obvious starting point, but they are works of art that hold aesthetic and cultural significance for us. A collection of garden statues is worth more than the sum of its parts.

The value of a statue begins before we even set foot in the garden and extends far beyond About us lifetime.

Statues, figures, and fountains in the garden should not be neglected during winter. Frost and cold can cause significant damage to them. Therefore, it is essential to protect the sculptures from these elements.

Stone, marble, wood, and even cast concrete are all susceptible to environmental erosion. Outdoor statues exposed to the elements during the harshest months are at the mercy of the weather. Moisture in the form of rain, snow, and our damp winter environment is the most formidable enemy of masonry and wood.

Materials such as stone, wood or ceramics are particularly sensitive in this regard, but metal sculptures can also develop rust stains if they are not treated properly.

Bronze figures also require special care in winter.

Please remember that while resin and artificial stone are durable and long-lasting, nature can be more powerful. A little maintenance and care will ensure that your investment in garden statues continues to bear fruit for years to come .

Many customers ask whether outdoor statues and garden decorations can withstand long winters, harsh weather conditions, and freezing temperatures. The answer is yes, but only with proper care.

Although we expect the artworks we sell to be of the highest quality, Mother Nature can be quite harsh on these pieces.”

(Ice and freezing temperatures even Michelangelo's David !)

Extreme and rapid fluctuations in temperature and humidity can negatively affect your statues.

The changing of the seasons is inevitable. When the colder months arrive, it's time to think about protecting your garden sculptures. The fluctuating temperatures can seriously damage concrete birdbaths and artworks made of bronze, cast stone, metal, and other materials.

Concrete can expand and contract, making it susceptible to cracking. Resin and cast stone also have a natural tendency to expand and contract depending on climatic conditions.

At colder temperatures, the humid environment persists, and when this freezes, the effects of freeze-thaw cycles, as water expands and melts, cause damage to sensitive masonry and marble.

Humid environments also promote biological growth and air pollution. Strong winds cause damage from flying debris.

Weathering and corrosion affect the finish and patina of sculptures.

Proper preparation: General preparatory measures (regardless of the material)

These steps are fundamental and apply to almost all outdoor sculptures before the first frost.

Cleaning the sculpture

To protect your garden sculptures from frost and cold, careful preparation is essential. Cleaning the sculpture is a crucial step in preparing it optimally for its winter dormancy.

Depending on the material of the sculpture, different methods and cleaning agents must be considered.

For metal sculptures, as well as bronze or cast stone figures , the use of water and mild soapy water is recommended. Meanwhile, ceramic or glass figures be cleaned carefully with a damp cloth to avoid scratches.

Animal figurines and gargoyles should also be thoroughly cleaned to remove any deposits or dirt. A clean surface also allows protective materials to adhere better and thus provide greater protection.

Complete drying

Allow the figure to dry completely after cleaning (ideally over several warm, sunny days) before protecting or wrapping it. Water trapped under a cover is more harmful than cold.

Location and drainage

To ensure that the ground is not wet or frozen, slightly raise the sculpture, for example onto wooden slats or gravel.

To empty gargoyles or fountains, you must completely empty all containers or depressions in which water collects (such as birdbaths or gargoyle openings).

Materials for protecting the garden sculpture

Besides proper cleaning, it is also crucial to use suitable materials to protect your garden sculptures from frost and cold.

Especially with sensitive materials such as ceramic or glass, you should special protective covers .

layer of wax or oil is suitable for metal sculptures to protect them from moisture. Cast stone figures can be treated with a special sealing spray to make them more resistant to winter weather conditions.

tarpaulins or special winter covers is recommended .

Regular polishing can help protect bronze figures from

Painted statues also benefit from a coat of clear acrylic spray paint to slow fading from sunlight. Before spraying the entire statue, test it first on the underside of the base. The protective coat can be reapplied if necessary.

Ensure that the materials used are suitable for outdoor use and cannot damage the sculpture. With careful protection, your garden sculptures will retain their full splendor even in winter.

Cover or store? Advantages and disadvantages of both methods

When it comes to winter care for garden sculptures, the question often arises whether they should be covered or stored away. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages that should be weighed up depending on the individual situation.

For those with enough space who want to optimally protect their sculpture from frost and cold, storage a recommended option. However, several points should be considered, such as choosing the right location and thoroughly cleaning the sculpture before storage.

For those who don't have enough storage space or who want to keep their garden sculpture as a decorative element in the garden , covering a good option. Special protective covers or tarpaulins made of weatherproof material such as PVC or polyester are suitable for this purpose.

However, it is important to ensure that no moisture can accumulate under the cover and that it does not fit too tightly against the object.

Whether you ultimately choose to store or cover the sculpture: Regular inspection and, if necessary, maintenance during its winter dormancy is recommended in any case to ensure long-lasting enjoyment of the garden sculpture.

Material-specific protective measures

Cast stone, natural stone (sandstone, limestone, unpolished marble)

Cast stone is artificial stone that looks like natural stone. Mineral materials with holes are susceptible to frost damage.

For figures of this type, apply a special protective coating to the stone that is air-permeable and water-repellent. This seals the pores to prevent water penetration, but allows moisture to escape as vapor. It is also advisable to inspect porous stones annually.

For delicate sculptures such as those made of intricate sandstone, it is advisable to cover or wrap them. Breathable materials like fleece, jute, or special protective covers are suitable for this purpose. Under no circumstances should you use plastic tarpaulins or impermeable films, as these can trap moisture, leading to mold and frost damage.

Finally, the cover should be loosely anchored to the ground to allow good air circulation.

Plastic (polyresin) and fiberglass

These materials can generally withstand rain, but their surface and colors can suffer minor damage. Therefore, a special clear varnish or protective spray should be applied before winter to prevent the figure from fading. This is especially important if it has light colors.

To prevent damage from the cold, experts recommend storing the delicate material in a protected, frost-free location such as a garage or shed. If resin figures are left outdoors, they may not need a cover. Wind could move a cover and cause friction, which would damage the surfaces of polyreson art objects.

Bronze and precious metals (stainless steel, aluminum)

These metals can withstand frost and do not require additional protection against frost damage. Bronze needs care to maintain its protective layer, the patina. Before winter, special metal or beeswax coatings should be applied after thorough cleaning and drying. The wax protects the thin layer on the material from harmful environmental influences such as acid rain and preserves the color.

Stainless steel and aluminum are usually protected against corrosion, so special preparation is often unnecessary. It is important to clean the surface before winter to prevent dirt and particles from adhering for extended periods and causing rust.

Wood (oak, teak, larch)

Wood needs to be protected from water to prevent damage. It's best to apply a new protective layer of oil or varnish to the wood at regular intervals to prevent it from absorbing water.

Wooden sculptures should ideally be stored in a cool, dry and well-ventilated room to avoid damage from moisture, moss growth and frost.

Sensitive materials such as ceramics or glass

Sensitive materials such as ceramics or glass require special treatment to protect them from frost and cold.

Outdoor sculptures made from these materials are often very delicate and can easily break or be damaged if not properly prepared.

To avoid this, you should thoroughly clean your sculpture and then treat it with a suitable protective product. A good option is a special wax for delicate materials such as ceramic or glass. This wax forms a protective layer on the surface of your sculpture, protecting it from moisture and frost damage.

Additionally, you can protect your garden sculpture with a soft fabric cover to keep it from direct cold.

It is crucial that this cover is breathable to prevent moisture from accumulating underneath it and causing further damage.

Water features and fountains

If you can move your fountain , you should consider bringing it indoors during the winter. However, many fountains are too large to transport and store at home. Furthermore, you should ensure that water does not accumulate in the fountain.

If it collects, it will freeze. You also want to make sure your fountain isn't sitting in a puddle of ice. The best way to do this is to turn your fountain or water feature upside down and then cover it.

If possible, remove the pump from the object. If you can remove it, store it indoors. If you cannot turn the fountain or water feature bowl upside down, fill it with an absorbent material such as burlap. Once you have done this, cover the entire item with heavy-duty plastic and secure it with twine. The burlap will help absorb condensation.

Many statues are designed to withstand harsh winter weather. Fortunately, many statues can remain outdoors year-round. However, even those that stay outside can benefit from a little extra protection to extend their lifespan. If all else fails, invest in home insurance in case something happens.

Regular checks and care during hibernation

During their winter dormancy, it is essential that garden sculptures are regularly checked and maintained. Particular attention should be paid to sensitive materials such as ceramic or glass to ensure they have not been damaged.

Even if you have already protected your sculpture from frost with the right materials, minor damage can still occur.

Regular inspection will help you identify and repair any damage quickly. You should also check that no moisture has accumulated under the cover or in the storage container. For example, cracks can form in stone figures if water penetrates the pores and freezes.

Be careful when clearing snow and ice . Take care when removing any snow or ice that may have fallen onto your sculptures. To gently remove the snow, use a soft brush or cloth.

Take care not to damage the surface of the sculpture. Avoid using harsh chemicals like salt to melt the ice, as these can damage the sculpture's surface.

Awakening in spring: Tips for a new beginning

When spring arrives and nature awakens to new life, it's also time for your garden sculptures to awaken from their winter slumber.

After carefully protecting your sculptures over the winter, you can now explore new ways to display them. Perhaps you'd like to choose a new position or location for your statue, or enhance its surroundings with some fresh decorations.

A bronze statue can be made to shine again polishing

Expert help with questions or problems

Designated experts for outdoor sculptures and artistic garden decorations from Ars Mundi are happy to assist you with any questions or problems via email or telephone.

They can give you further tips and advice on how best to protect your garden sculptures . Don't hesitate to contact them to ensure your outdoor treasures survive the winter unscathed.

With their help, you will be able to select the right materials and develop a suitable protection strategy for your sculptures.

Give your garden sculptures the attention and care they deserve during their winter dormancy! Only then will they remain beautiful to look at and bring you joy when you admire your winter garden.