Religious Art Restoration

Preserving Sacred Heritage Through Expert Craftsmanship

For over five decades, A.T. Merhaut, Inc Church Restoration & Supply has been dedicated to the preservation of liturgical history and sacred aesthetics. We understand that religious artifacts are not merely objects of decoration; they are focal points of prayer, history, and community identity. Our team approaches every project with a blend of artistic precision and theological respect, ensuring that the visual heritage of your parish remains vibrant for future generations.

While our roots are firmly planted in Allison Park, our reputation for excellence has made us a primary resource for religious art restoration in Pittsburgh, PA. We extend our specialized services across the region, helping communities revitalize their sanctuaries with unparalleled attention to detail and deep respect for the sacred nature of the work.

The passage of time inevitably affects even the most durable materials. Candle smoke, sunlight, humidity, and handling can degrade the finishes of statues, tarnish sacred vessels, and weaken structural integrity. Our mission is to reverse these effects without erasing the character of the piece or the history it represents. Whether it is a vintage plaster statue requiring paint stabilization or a bronze tabernacle in need of polishing, we provide the comprehensive religious art restoration Baltimore, MD clergy and laypeople seek for their historic parishes.

Comprehensive Statue Refinishing and Repair Services

Statuary serves as a visual catechism within a church, inspiring devotion and reflection. However, many older statues made of plaster, wood, or delicate composite materials are prone to chipping, cracking, and fading. We meticulously analyze the original composition of the piece to determine the correct adhesives and fillers, ensuring that repairs are seamless and durable. Often, this involves re-sculpting missing extremities, such as fingers or toes, which are common casualties of age.

For churches seeking the finest religious art restoration in Pittsburgh, PA, our studio offers a capability that goes beyond simple repainting; we restore the spirit of the original artist’s work through careful color matching and texturing.

Our artisans are skilled in the delicate art of polychrome painting and gold leaf application, techniques often found in traditional ecclesiastical art. We carefully strip away layers of non-archival overpainting that may have been applied in previous decades, revealing or recreating the intricate details of the garment folds, facial expressions, and symbolic attributes. The eyes and faces of statues are particularly important for devotional connection, and we take great care to ensure they are lifelike and expressive.

This level of dedication is why we are a reliable provider of religious art restoration in Baltimore, MD. We understand that a statue of a patron saint is often the heart of a parish, and we treat these figures with the reverence they deserve throughout the entire refinishing process.

Metalware Refinishing and Precious Metal Plating

Liturgical vessels require regular maintenance to remain worthy of the Eucharist. When plating wears thin and corrosion appears, A.T. Merhaut, Inc Church Restoration & Supply restores these items to their original beauty. Our process involves removing old lacquer, polishing out imperfections, and replating with high-quality 24k gold or sterling silver. This service is a cornerstone of the religious art restoration Pittsburgh, PA parishes rely on to preserve their sacristy inventory.

Beyond plating, we also address structural issues in metalware, such as bent stems on chalices or misaligned hinges on tabernacle doors. We can fabricate missing components, such as rays on a monstrance or cross finials, to meet current liturgical needs. This technical expertise is essential for the historic preservation of altar appointments. When dioceses require expert religious art restoration in Baltimore, MD, they turn to us because we understand the functional and canonical requirements of these sacred items.

On-Site Restoration for Immovable Ecclesiastical Art

Not all religious artifacts can be easily transported to a studio. High altars, large reredos screens, wall-mounted Stations of the Cross, and extensive murals often require restoration work to be performed in situ. This on-site capability is a vital component of the religious art restoration Pittsburgh, PA communities utilize to preserve their grandest architectural features without the risk of transport.

We coordinate closely with facilities managers and pastors to ensure safety and efficiency, often working around Mass times and parish events. This mobile service extends our reach, making the high-quality religious art restoration Baltimore, MD churches need accessible without the logistical nightmare of removing permanent fixtures.]

Custom Statuary and Heritage Preservation

In addition to restoration, we offer services for custom statuary creation and the modification of existing pieces. This adaptive reuse is a growing trend, and our expertise in religious art restoration in Pittsburgh, PA positions us to help parishes navigate these transitions in a sustainable manner.

We also provide consignment services and sourcing for specific religious items. If a church is looking for a specific vintage style to match their architecture, we can leverage our network to find suitable pieces that we can then restore to mint condition. This comprehensive approach differentiates the religious art restoration in Baltimore, MD that we offer from standard repair shops. We act as partners in the curation of your church’s visual environment, ensuring that every addition or repair enhances the overall beauty and sanctity of the worship space.

The A.T. Merhaut Difference: Faith and Family

Since 1969, our family-owned business has operated on principles of integrity, quality, and service. We do not view restoration as a mere industrial process but as a vocation that supports the faith life of the community. When searching for religious art restoration in Pittsburgh, PA, residents and clergy know that A.T. Merhaut, Inc Church Restoration & Supply stands for reliability. We provide clear timelines, transparent pricing, and a price match guarantee to ensure stewardship of parish funds. We extend this same promise of excellence to those requiring religious art restoration in Baltimore, MD, delivering the unwavering dedication to craft and customer service that has defined our legacy for decades.

Restore Your Religious Art to Its Former Glory

A.T. Merhaut, Inc. Church Restoration & Supply revitalizes cherished religious artwork. Our services include statue refinishing, metal restoration, and custom statuary creation. We serve churches, clergy, and individuals looking to preserve their sacred artifacts. Our offerings include:

• Statue restoration
• Metal refinishing
• Custom statuary
• Consignment services
• Church supplies
• Religious books and gifts

With decades of experience, we value the significance of these sacred items. Contact us to discuss your restoration needs.

Unparalleled Craftsmanship and Dedication

Our commitment to excellence distinguishes our religious art restoration services. We provide:

• Outstanding customer service
• Prompt and professional responses
• Family-owned business since 1969
• Local and national shipping
• Competitive pricing
• Special orders for unavailable items

Contact us to learn how we can help preserve your religious artifacts.