Policies
Shop Policy
No Returns Policy
All Sales Are Final
At DiTarando Sculpture, we do not accept returns, exchanges, or issue refunds once an item has been purchased. All sales are final.
Order Review
We encourage you to carefully review your order, including product descriptions and sizing (where applicable), before completing your purchase.
Damaged or Defective Items
If you receive an item that is damaged or defective, please contact us at Ditarando@aol.com/860-614-2704 within 30 days of receiving your order. We will work with you to ensure your issue is promptly addressed in accordance with local consumer protection laws.
Legal Compliance
Where required by local or federal law, exceptions to this policy will be made. If you believe your situation may qualify for an exception, please reach out to us with all relevant details.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about our No Returns Policy, feel free to contact us at:
Email: Ditarando@aol.com
Phone: 860-614-2704
By making a purchase from DiTarando Sculpture, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to our No Returns Policy.
Terms Of Service
Delivery
We offer a 30-day delivery policy for our standard birdbaths. Delivery times for custom and one-of-a-kind birdbaths, as well as all other sculptures, will be determined in consultation with the client.
The Nature of Handmade Sculptures – Birdbaths
Each handmade sculpture, including my birdbaths, is shaped by the organic and unpredictable nature of forged and welded metalwork. Copper branches may vary in thickness, length, and curvature, just as sculpted animals or birds will have slight differences due to their individual construction. These variations are inherent to the process, ensuring that no two pieces are ever identical.
Patina & Natural Aging
Patina is the evolving surface coloration that develops on copper, bronze, and brass, often deepening with age and exposure. Traditionally, a natural patina—ranging from rich blues and greens to earthy browns—can take anywhere from 5 to 15 years to fully mature. In contrast, a chemically applied patina, like the one I use, achieves coloration overnight but still requires time to settle and evolve, a process influenced by sun exposure, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.
Upon receiving your birdbath, you may notice areas of flaking, spotting, drips, or even a fine white powder—this is flux from the welding process. These textures contribute to the rich, aged, and organic look of my work. Think of moss or lichen, with layers of color evolving over time in hues of yellow, purple, green, and more. If you prefer to stabilize the patina, you can lightly spray the surface with Rust-Oleum Clear Satin in spring and fall. Otherwise, simply allow nature to take its course and enjoy the transition.
Care & Handling
Your birdbath is built to withstand all seasons and requires no maintenance. However, upon arrival, you may wish to wash it with a sponge and dish soap to remove any loose material.
Because every surface is hammered, forged, and shaped by hand, textures may vary, and in some cases, edges may be slightly rough. While I smooth out any unintended flaws, occasional sharp areas may remain. Please handle with care during installation.
Feel free to reach out with any questions!
Cell: 860.614.2704
Thank you,
Roger DiTarando
Disclaimer
About the Nature of My Work – Roger DiTarando
Each of my sculptures and birdbaths is rooted in fine art and handcrafted with care. I specialize in three primary forms of work: original sculptures, replicated pieces, and birdbaths. These pieces are created through a combination of hand-wrought metalwork and hand-sculpted clay maquettes, which are then cast in bronze using the traditional lost wax process. The result is a richly textured, expressive body of work that celebrates the character of handmade forms.
What Makes Each Piece Unique
My work is intentionally organic, never machine-perfect. Surfaces are hammered, shaped, and forged—nothing is flat or square, and no two pieces are ever exactly alike. You may notice variations in thickness, length, or curvature. These are not flaws—they’re part of the natural beauty and individuality of each piece.
This is not factory-made décor. It is fine art metalwork with all the subtleties, character, and unpredictability of handmade creation.
Patina & Surface Finishes
I apply patinas using traditional chemical techniques to bring out rich, earthy tones—greens, blues, purples, and more—similar to the way copper and bronze age naturally over time.
What to expect:
Patina color and intensity will vary from piece to piece.
The patina will continue to evolve with exposure to light, moisture, and temperature.
Subtle irregularities like drip marks, white powder from welding flux, or flaking are common and part of the piece’s life.
Occasionally, when copper is worked on steel surfaces, small traces of iron may leave faint rust-colored lines or spots. This is rare and subtle, and to many (myself included), adds to the authenticity of the handcrafted surface.
To help maintain the patina longer, you can apply Rust-Oleum Clear Satin spray once or twice a year—though no maintenance is required.
On arrival, a gentle wash with dish soap and a sponge will remove any loose patina residue.
Safety Notes
The sculptural texture that gives these pieces their character can include some defined edges. While I take care to smooth any unintended sharpness, please handle with care—especially when moving or installing.
Final Thoughts
These works are made to last and meant to be enjoyed, indoors or out, year-round. I create each one with care, and I want you to love your piece as much as I loved making it.
If you have questions before purchasing, I welcome your call:
📞 860.614.2704
Please note: All sales are final. Due to the custom, handmade nature of my work, I do not accept returns.
Thank you for supporting handmade fine art sculpture.
— Roger DiTarando