Skilled Statue Restoration

Statue Restoration Services

For over five decades, A.T. Merhaut, Inc. Church Restoration & Supply has been a guardian of sacred art, ensuring that the physical representations of faith remain as vibrant and inspiring as the day they were created. We understand that a religious statue is more than a mere object of stone, wood, or plaster; it is a focal point of prayer, a source of comfort, and a historical touchstone for your parish community.

Whether you represent a historic cathedral, a local parish, or a private chapel, we provide the highest standard of craftsmanship. While our headquarters are in Allison Park, PA, our reputation for excellence extends throughout the region. We are proud to offer premier statue restoration in Wheeling, WV, ensuring that the rich religious history of the Ohio Valley is preserved for future generations.

A Comprehensive Approach to Restoration

At A.T. Merhaut, Inc., we do not believe in quick fixes or cover-ups. True restoration requires a deep understanding of materials, chemistry, and art history. Our process begins with a detailed assessment. We examine the structural integrity of the piece, identifying underlying issues such as dry rot in wood, crumbling interior armatures in plaster, or corrosion in metal elements.

We carefully strip away these non-original layers to reveal the statue’s true character. This meticulous attention to detail is why churches count on us for statue restoration in Wheeling, WV and the surrounding diocese.

Expertise Across All Materials

Different materials age differently and require distinct restoration protocols. Our artisans are cross-trained in a variety of mediums to handle the diverse needs of our clients.

Plaster and Composition

Many traditional church statues are made of plaster or a "composition" material (a mixture of chalk, glue, and linseed oil). These are susceptible to chipping and moisture damage. We specialize in rebuilding missing fingers, toes, or accessories using materials that mimic the density and texture of the original plaster, ensuring a seamless repair that is invisible to the naked eye.

Carved Wood

Wooden statues face unique challenges, including potential insect damage, splitting due to humidity changes, and rot. Our restoration process for wood involves stabilizing the timber, treating it for preservation, and using specialized wood fillers that expand and contract with the natural material to prevent future cracking.

Marble and Stone

Marble statues are durable but can suffer from staining, yellowing, or impact fractures. We utilize specialized poultices to draw out deep-set stains without damaging the stone's surface. For broken marble, we use high-strength epoxies and pinning techniques to rejoin pieces, followed by careful polishing to blend the repair line.

Fiberglass and Resin

While more modern, fiberglass statues can still suffer from UV fading and weather damage, especially if displayed outdoors. We use marine-grade paints and sealants to ensure that outdoor shrines remain vibrant and protected against the elements.

Solving Common Restoration Challenges

Every statue presents a unique puzzle. Over our 50-plus years in business, we have encountered nearly every type of damage imaginable. We are equipped to handle complex issues that general contractors or hobbyist painters simply cannot address.

Our team routinely resolves the following issues:

• Structural Instability: Re-securing loose bases or reinforcing internal armatures that have rusted or weakened.
• Missing Appendages: Sculpting new hands, fingers, or symbolic items (like lilies, staffs, or crosses) that have been lost to time.
• Peeling and Flaking Paint: Stabilizing the original paint layer or professionally repainting areas where the original pigment is gone.
• Facial Detail Loss: Re-painting eyes and facial features with high-precision brushes to restore the compassionate and lifelike expressions of the saints.
• Smoke and Soot Damage: Chemical cleaning to remove decades of carbon buildup from votive candles.
• Water Damage: Repairing water stains and softening caused by roof leaks or flooding.

By addressing these issues with professional precision, we provide a level of statue restoration in Wheeling, WV that revitalizes the spiritual atmosphere of your church.

The Art of Color Matching and Refinishing

One of the most difficult aspects of restoration is color matching. An arm repaired with new plaster must be painted to match the rest of the statue perfectly, not just in hue, but in sheen and "age." A bright, brand-new patch on a vintage statue looks jarring and disrespectful to the piece's history.

Our artists use a combination of airbrushing and hand-painting techniques. We understand the traditional color palettes used in ecclesiastical art—the specific celestial blues for the Virgin Mary, the rich crimsons for the Sacred Heart, and the distinct earthy tones for St. Joseph. We also specialize in gold leaf application. We can clean existing gilding or re-gild areas where the metal has worn away, returning a heavenly luster to the figure.

Logistics: From Your Church to Our Studio

We understand that the logistics of moving large, heavy, or fragile statues can be daunting for a parish council or facilities manager. A.T. Merhaut, Inc. simplifies this process. We offer pickup and delivery services designed to transport sacred art safely. We use padded transport materials and secure crating to ensure that no further damage occurs during transit.

For extremely large or immovable altarpieces, we can also discuss on-site options. However, for the majority of projects, bringing the piece to our controlled studio environment allows for the best results. This is particularly relevant for our clients seeking statue restoration in Wheeling, WV, as we can coordinate secure transport from the Northern Panhandle to our workshop, handle the restoration, and return the piece ready for re-installation.

A Legacy of Family Values and Service

A.T. Merhaut, Inc. was established in 1969. For over half a century, we have remained a family-owned and operated business. This longevity is built on trust. When a church hands over a statue of their patron saint, they are entrusting us with a member of their community. We take that responsibility seriously.

We treat every project, regardless of size, with the reverence it deserves. We are not just a vendor; we are partners in maintaining the sanctity of your worship space. Our pricing is transparent, and we offer competitive rates, including a price match guarantee for church restoration and supplies. We want to ensure that high-quality restoration is accessible to parishes of all sizes.

Serving the Faithful of the Ohio Valley

The churches in Wheeling and the surrounding Ohio Valley area are architectural and artistic gems. From the stunning stained glass to the intricate altars, these spaces deserve the best care. We have a deep appreciation for the specific aesthetic and historical needs of this region.

When we perform statue restoration in Wheeling, WV, we consider the specific architectural context of the church. Is the statue placed in a dimly lit alcove or under bright sanctuary lights? Is it part of a larger set of Stations of the Cross that all need to match? These contextual details inform our color choices and finishing techniques, ensuring the restored piece harmonizes perfectly with its surroundings.



Begin Your Restoration Project Today

If you are noticing cracks, chips, or fading on your church’s statuary, do not wait for the damage to worsen. The sooner a piece is stabilized, the more original material we can preserve. A.T. Merhaut, Inc. is ready to help you evaluate your collection and develop a restoration plan that fits your budget and timeline.

We invite you to contact us for a consultation. We can often provide preliminary estimates based on clear photographs, though a physical inspection is best for a final quote. Let us show you why we are the reliable choice for statue restoration in Wheeling, WV, and throughout the tri-state area.