Restoring the Glory: The Art of Refinishing Metal Church Ware

 

Restoring the Glory: The Art of Refinishing Metal Church Ware

Chalices, Ciboria, candlesticks, tabernacles, and otherchurch ware hold profound significance in the Church.  These sacred vessels, made of precious metals such as gold, silver, and brass, are integral to the Mass.  Over time, however, age, wear, and tarnish can dull their once radiant beauty.  That’s when the art of refinishing comes into play, breathing new life into these cherished vessels.  In this blog post, we will delve into the process of refinishing metal church ware, showcasing the care, expertise, and reverence involved in restoring them to their original glory.

Metalware plays a vital role in the celebration of the Mass and other sacraments.  Their craftmanship, design, and materials carry rich history and significance.  Preserving their beauty and integrity is crucial to maintaining the spiritual significance they hold.

The restoration process begins with contacting your local Church Goods Dealer, such as us at St. Mary’s Bookstore.  We will inspect the pieces, take pictures, and send them off to one of our refinishing partners for a quote.  Once the quote is approved, the refinishing process begins. 

The refinishers will carefully assess the condition of the metal in close detail and come up with the proper refinishing techniques for each individual piece.  Before starting any restoration work, the items are meticulously cleaned to remove dirt, dust, and any remnants of wax or oil. 

Polishing is a key step in refinishing metal church ware.  A skilled artisan uses a combination of tools and techniques to remove tarnish, scratches, and other imperfections.  The artisan works diligently to ensure the original design details are preserved.  

If the church ware has suffered any damage over time, repairs may be necessary.  Skilled craftsmen can reshape bent pieces, mend broken parts, and replace missing elements, all while ensuring their security.  The restorers can keep the delicate balance of preserving the original craftsmanship and ensuring structural integrity.  Items are then polished and refinished in the base metal or electro-plated accordingly in either silver or 24k gold.

Refinishing these sacred vessels is a specialized art form that demands expertise and skill.  All of our refinishing partners have worked in the industry for over 75 years and are experts in their field.  They approach each restoration project with the utmost care, reverence, and commitment to honoring the sacredness of the church ware they work with.  These artisans take great care to maintain the original design and engravings of each piece.

Once the refinishing process is complete, your items are returned to you with their original beauty and glory restored.  The refinishing process can take anywhere from 8 to 24 weeks depending on the size and type of pieces and their current condition.

Proper care and storage, regular cleaning, and appropriate handling are essential to prevent future damage and to preserve the newly restored beauty of the sacred vessels.

Refinishing metal church ware is a labor of love, blending artistry, craftmanship, and reverence for sacred objects.  Through the hands of skilled artisans, these vessels are given a new life, restored to their original splendor, and ready to continue their service within the church.

For more information about how to get your metal church ware refinished, please call St. Mary's Bookstore at 615-329-1835 or email StMarysBookstore@gmail.com.