A statue is just as much a splendid representation of a church’s history and traditions as its decorative paintings, altars, gold gilding, and color.
Preserving all physical elements of a church’s history is a means of keeping its narrative alive and pertinent to the present day. This is true whether the building and its contents are old or new.
Statues contribute to telling a story to the church's congregation and visitors, becoming a part of our heritage.
Although tempting, statue restoration isn't always simple. However, there are certain definite dos and don’ts that ensure the statues in your church continue to bring joy and reflect the “spirit” of a church and its community.
Let's dive in!
Get Your Camera Out
Capture photos of the statue from every angle, including close-up shots, especially of the areas requiring more extensive work. Make sure you have sufficient lighting when taking pictures and avoid any shadows.
This approach allows you to identify all the areas needing restoration. It also provides a clearer understanding of the statue's overall condition and whether it has deteriorated over time.
Photographing your statues encourages a more thoughtful and critical assessment of what needs to be done and whether the repairs are minor enough that professional help is unnecessary.
Utilize your photographs to systematically plan the work you need to undertake. If you believe hiring a professional team is necessary, there are several factors to consider. Reviewing the points below ensures you select the right contractor to restore your statues to their original splendor.
Cleaning
Prior to restoring a statue, it's important to have a surface as clean as possible. This can be done by carefully dusting and wiping the statue with a soft, non-abrasive cloth to clear away any remaining dust and dirt.
Avoid using chemicals or cleaning products that could damage its surface and wear away the paint. Strive for the smoothest surface before starting any repairs.
Plaster
If you've noticed small sections on the statue where the plaster has worn away, consider restoring them. Opt for Plaster of Paris instead of fillers from DIY stores. It's affordable and available at most craft stores, including online.
Keep in mind that a small amount is sufficient. Follow the package instructions and apply it lightly in thin layers with a paintbrush to the affected area. Let each coat of plaster dry before adding more until you achieve a smooth surface.
Avoid using your hands when applying the Plaster of Paris. This can lead to bumps on the statue that are hard to remove and will change its overall look.
Sanding and Painting
After the plaster has dried, use fine-grain sandpaper to smooth out any irregularities. This is especially important if you plan to paint over the plaster.
When sanding, avoid applying too much pressure. A gentle touch is advised to prevent damaging the original plasterwork.
If your statue is older, it might be prudent to consult experts regarding the painting. You could risk altering or damaging the paintwork or not matching the colors exactly.
Obviously, this could lead to more expensive damage.
Broken Pieces
For very basic repairs, strong glue like Loctite can be used to bond pieces together. You only need a small amount and should hold the two pieces together for about 30 seconds after applying the glue.
However, fixing broken pieces of church statues is not always suitable for beginners. The older and more historic a statue is, the more challenging and intricate the restoration process can be.
We suggest consulting with experts and at least obtaining an estimate for the repair and color restoration work. This may be more cost-effective and less risky in the long run.
Always Check Your Ambition
While you may have good intentions and ambition, ensure that the task at hand aligns with your specific skills. The last thing you want is to repeat past mistakes when restoring the work in your church!
There are famous instances of statue restoration projects that didn't go as planned. Remember when parts of the Great Wall of China were restored with concrete during efforts to repair sections of the 780-meter wall?
Consider the statue of the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus in Sudbury, Canada. The baby’s head was stolen, leading to the creation of a new head that upset locals. Fortunately, the thief had a change of heart and returned the head, restoring peace.
Examine some successful examples of statue restoration before proceeding.
Ready to Get Started with Statue Restoration?
We trust that the tips we have provided have been beneficial to you in your endeavors. Our commitment to excellence and our extensive experience in the field have positioned us as trusted experts in every facet of statue restoration, ensuring that we can meet the diverse needs of our clients with skill and precision.
Ecclesiastical Studios & Sons has been dedicated to the intricate and meaningful work of restoring, redecorating, and crafting church interiors of significant historical importance throughout the Dioceses of the Midwest since our establishment in 1989. Over the years, we have developed a deep appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into each project, and we strive to honor the rich heritage and spiritual significance of these sacred spaces.
Our comprehensive range of services encompasses the meticulous restoration of statuary, where we pay close attention to detail to ensure that each piece is revived to its former glory. We also specialize in the selection and application of color schemes that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the interiors but also reflect the historical context and spiritual ambiance of the space. Additionally, our expertise extends to architectural and decorative paintings, where we work to restore and enhance the visual narratives that adorn church walls and ceilings. In the realm of plaster work, we undertake repairs and refinishing to maintain the integrity and beauty of architectural details. Furthermore, we have refined and altered altars, creating bespoke ecclesiastical designs that resonate with the community and serve the liturgical needs of the church.
For further details about our extensive array of services and to engage in a casual no-obligation chat regarding any restoration work that may be needed for your church, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are eager to assist you in preserving the beauty and historical significance of your sacred space, and we look forward to collaborating with you on your restoration journey.