Use and Care Manual

Winter Care of
Statues and Fountains
FOR
YOUR
T H A N K YOU
P U R C H A SE
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DESIGNTOSCANO.COM
Please remember, while resin and cast stone
are strong and durable, nature can be stronger.
A little maintenance and care will keep your
statuary investments beautiful for years to come.
Sincerely,
The Design Toscano Customer Service Team
©Copyright 2014, Design Toscano, Inc.
Thank you for your recent purchase. We hope
you enjoy your statuary item as much as we
did creating it for you! Many customers
ask if our products stand up to long winters,
extremely inclement weather, and freezing
temperatures. The answer is yes, but only
with proper care. While we expect the works
of art we sell to be of the best quality, Mother
Nature can be quite tough on these pieces.
(Ice and freezing temperatures have
compromised even Michelangelo’s David!)
Statues
Statues with designs that may retain or
collect water should be covered or stored.
They are also susceptible to damage by the
effects of ice and wind. If they do not seem
securely placed, lower them from their
pedestals early in the winter. In windy cities,
statues on terraces should be secured to
permanent structures. Painted items, like
some of our gargoyles or animals, should
be allowed to winter in a covered area. (We
don’t want the poor guys to get frostbitten.)
We strongly suggest that all portable statues
be taken indoors in extremely inclement
weather and freezing temperatures.
Fountains, Birdbaths,
and Planters
1. Drain the bowl(s) or shell(s) thoroughly.
2. Remove the statue and pump, storing them
inside if possible.
3. Fill the bowl(s) or shell(s) with an absorbent
material such as towels, blankets, etc.
4. Cover the entire fountain with a fountain
cover or heavy-duty plastic sheeting
and secure tightly. Should condensation
droplets form on the inside of the cover,
the material will absorb them.
5. Small Fountain and Birdbath bowls may be
inverted so that water will not pool inside.
6. Remove the drainplug if your fountain has one.
7. Do not use antifreeze in fountains.
8. Do not allow fountains or statuary
to sit in freezing and thawing water.
9. We strongly suggest that all portable
Fountains, Birdbaths and Planters be
moved indoors in extremely inclement
weather and freezing temperatures.
Extreme and rapid changes in temperature
and humidity may affect your statues
adversely. Resin and cast stone have an
inherent tendency to expand and contract
with climactic conditions. The ideal solution
is to store your statuary or fountain away from
direct exposure to the winter elements. A
basement, garage or gardener’s shed would
be perfect. The following recommendations
are offered to help ensure that your statuary
purchases give you years of enjoyment.