Bronze is an alloy of copper art deco designs with other metals that modify its hardness, color, and deco ability to be cast into a detailed designs mold. when bronze is cast it is usually a gold color. after the casting and finishing is completed, the surface is often treated art deco designs with chemicals and heat which patinates the metal, coloring it green, brown, black, or a combination of the colors. foundries usually apply waxes or other coatings to the surface of a patinated outdoor bronze to protect it from pollutants. this wax may wear off in time. we recommend annual maintenance by a professional conservator. the surface of the sculpture may be washed to remove pollutants and dirt, and waxed. if done annually, the rate of corrosion will be retarded (though deco not totally eliminated), and disfiguring rain streaks will be minimized. i collect twentieth-century furniture. how can designs i best preserve it? some twentieth-century furniture was created from non-traditional art deco designs materials, such as foam, plastic, and cardboard.

glazing can be either glass or acrylic. only glass should be used with any friable media such as unfixed pastels, charcoals, or graphite, never acrylic as it can damage the work by attracting these materials. there are many brands of deco acrylic glazing to choose from; one with an ultraviolet filter is recommended. the frame and the mat should be deep enough to prevent the artwork from touching the glazing. a stiff backboard behind the mat protects designs and supports the matted artwork. it is best to use non-acidic boards. a dust seal with paper or tape is also recommended. what damage results from using poor quality mat board? avoid mat boards containing wood pulp which causes "matburn"--a darkening of the paper under the mat or at the bevel cut of the window mat. this type of stain permanently weakens the paper fibers and is not art easily removed deco or lightened in designs conservation treatment.