Do You Have A Restoration Project We Can Help With?
Throughout history, religious architecture and adornments have been a way for believers of all faiths to illustrate their devotion to and belief in the God they serve. As a result, from the towering cathedrals of Europe to the humbler town churches of New York, statues, murals, altars, pews, windows, and spires constitute some of the most beautiful and valuable pieces ever wrought by men. As time passes by though, many of these treasures erode from exposure to the elements or the wear of everyday use.
If your building needs indoor or outdoor church restoration, trust the treasures of your faith to the experts at Milan Church Restoration. From the moment we opened our doors, the goal of this family owned and operated company has been to treat every project that we undertake as a new and unique masterpiece. By being faithful to this goal throughout several years of New Jersey restoration projects, Milan Church Restoration has earned a reputation not only for completing the major aspects of each project, but for giving tremendous consideration to small details and design as well. Utilizing techniques specific to each of our specialists combined with a reflection of individual wishes of the Church, is what makes our restoration work truly unique.
Plaster Restoration and Skim Coating
Plaster can be damaged due to water penetration or extreme temperature changes during the winter, also structural movements and fire. 90% of time is due to water penetration which causes wood lath to expend and brake of T’s which are holding plaster to wall framing. Original mixture that was used back in a day is sand, cement and plaster mixture. We did some of our own testing for few years and have created mixture for ceiling and walls that is stronger and 50% lighter then original mixture.
1st step would be to scrape all loose plaster and paint, then remove all water damaged and loose plaster to original wood lath and framing.
2nd step – installing metal wire mesh using screws and washers on all big open areas
3rd step – clean and apply bonding agent, which helps bond new mixture with old walls
4th step – apply base coat mixture over wire mesh and smaller open areas
4 ½ step – If wall needs to be skim-coated or has small cracks all over – apply fiberglass mesh over entire wall
5th step – apply mixture of plaster and compound over base coat as needed
6th step – sand down or create texture to match original wall, clean and prepare for painting
Mold Making and Casting
Original moldings, capitals, statues and other decorative details where done with plaster. If there is same designs in the building of the molding that we need, we can cast a mold using two-component materials such as silicone, rubber, urethane plastic, epoxy resin..etc.
1st step would be to scrape all loose plaster and paint
2nd step – restore sections and fill in any holes if needed
3rd step – clean and apply releaser
4th step – apply base coat two-component mixture
5th step – apply mixture for support shell
6th step – remove supported shell and rubber mold
7th step – cast and create molding as needed
8th step – Install where missing, secure and apply plaster or two-component epoxy to seal any seams
9th step – sand down if needed and prepare for painting
Interior Painting
There are number of painting techniques that can be used once the surface is restored and ready for painting. Depending on the space and design of the building paint can be sprayed, rolled or brushed.
Some of paint techniques and faux finishes that we use are:
- Regular Painting
- Design Painting – With Multiple Colors
- Ragging
- Distressing
- Marble Faux Finish
- Stone Faux Finish
- Dragging
- Stippling
- Gold Painting and Gilding
- Wood Graining
- Tile Color Blocking
Statues and Stations of the Cross
Our team of craftsmen and artist can restore your beautiful Statues and Stations of the Cross to original look including plaster, wood, marble, stone or fiberglass. We can restore originals in Church or in our workshop.
New marble Statues are imported directly from artist studio in Italy. Our studio can create any custom made size or any model figure for you Church, using the finest quality Italian marble and granite. Many figures are also available in Bronze and Wood Carving.
Mural Restoration and New Murals
Mural restoration is very sensitive process and needs to be done by professionals and artiest. Our team can restore your Mural to its original look. We also do Mural cleaning and applying protective coating, which protects existing condition and brings out original colors.
We have New Murals for every budget. From hand painted Murals to prints on art canvas. Lets work together and create something unique and beautiful.
Pew Restoration, Refinishing and Upholstery
Depending on existing pew condition, there are few techniques that we can use to restore your pews. Our craftsmen and wood workers can restore almost anything and create any layout. Sometimes pews are beyond repair and not worth restoring, we would advise you on buying new pews. I can provide you with company list and brochures for new pews.
- Pew Stripping – Stripping to original wood and staining any color and finish
- Pew Refinishing – Light sanding, cleaning and applying same or darker color stain and finish (cant be lighter then original color with this process)
- Refinishing and Upholstering Just Seat or Seat and Back
- New Pews – straight or curved
- New Chairs
Flooring
There are number of flooring products that we have installed in the past. Depending on the existing floor we can ether install new floor right over existing or install sub-floor and then new flooring. In case there are asbestos tiles originally, they can be enclosed by installing sheets of plywood (saving you lots of money on asbestos removal). Milan Church Restoration can give you advice, design ideas, samples and pricing.
Floor Finishes:
- Hardwood – pre-finished or un-finished
- Tile – porcelain, ceramic or glass
- Commercial Grade Carpet (glue down only – installing padding under carpet in not recommended for Church)
- Commercial Vinyl Tile
- Luxury Vinyl Tile – different prints (marble, wood, slate..etc)
- Stone
- Slate
- Concrete – refinished natural or with color
- Terrazzo
- Rubber Flooring
Church Lighting
Light specialists at Milan Church Restoration can refurbish your existing light fixtures to original or new color. We can create custom made layouts and re-wire existing light fixtures to better fit your space, provide more lighting and eliminate constant maintenance.
Call today 877 877-6920 and learn more how we can create more light from your existing fixture or create new lightning design and save you money on your next electric bill.
Window Frame Restoration & New
Stained Glass Windows are one of the most decorative and most expensive parts of the religious building. Window frames that hold them in place play very important roll in keeping stained glass in good shape. Our team can restore your window frames to its original beauty and structure. Milan Church Restoration uses only best and newest products in the market.
Sometimes window frame is beyond repair and in that case, we will reproduce and build exact replica of your original window. We have worked on number of projects with Historical Preservation Groups and Architects all over north east coast.
Here is usual process for window frame restoration:
1st step would be to scrape all loose and damaged paint
2nd step – If stripping to bare wood – apply Back to Nature stripper and remove stripper and excess material after 24h
3rd step – clean and apply two component liquid wood epoxy on all damaged areas (this will penetrate and harden all damaged areas)
4th step – apply two component wood epoxy over liquid wood
5th step – shape and sand down wood epoxy
6th step – apply 1 coat of primer
7th step – apply wood epoxy and calk as needed
8th step – install glazing as needed and paint 2 more coats
Stained Glass Windows
Stained Glass Windows are one of the most decorative and most expensive parts of the religious building. Restoration is very sensitive process and needs to be done by professional restorers and artiest. Our team can restore your Stained glass window to its original beauty.
1st step would be to remove stained glass panels and transport to our work shop and install temporary closer
2nd step – create drawing and trace out original design
3rd step – remove all cement, lead and take apart entire stained glass
4th step – reinstall new lead and original glass, fallowing original design
5th step – re-lead entire window with new lead and connect all seams using high heat and lead
6th step – apply new stained glass cement between lead and stained glass (this is what makes stained glass strong and solid)
7th step – clean window and remove any excess material
8th step – connect support bars in original place
9th step – install in original place and apply glazing as needed
Our team can also do temporary repair and strengthening of the glass, when funds are not available for full restoration. This way you save stained glass and have time to do fundraiser.
1st step would be to remove stained glass panel
2nd step – remove loose cement
3rd step – touch up lead as needed on damaged sections
4th step – apply new cement where missing
5th step – install in original place and apply glazing as needed
We have New Stained Glass for every budget. From custom designs of stained glass to painted stained glass/ faux stained glass or custom film prints that gets glued on regular windows. Lets work together and create something unique and beautiful.
Door Restoration & New
Milan Church Restoration can restore your doors to its original beauty and structure. We use only best and newest products in the market. Sometimes doors are beyond repair and in that case, we will reproduce and build exact replica of your original door or make new design doors for you.
We have worked on number of projects with Historical Preservation Groups and Architects all over north east coast. All our wood work is done in our PA workshop.
Here is usual process for door restoration:
1st step would be to scrape all loose and damaged paint
2nd step – If stripping to bare wood – apply Back to Nature stripper and remove stripper and excess material after 24h
3rd step – clean and apply two component liquid wood epoxy on all damaged areas (this will penetrate and harden all damaged areas)
3½ step – if needed replace some parts of damaged wood with same species, shape and size
4th step – apply two component wood epoxy over liquid wood
5th step – shape and sand down wood epoxy
6th step – apply 1 coat of primer
7th step – apply wood epoxy and calk as needed
8th step – install glazing as needed and paint 2 more coats
Stone, Brick and Façade Restoration
We can give you advice, design ideas, samples and pricing on all your exterior façade work. From stone and brick tuck-pointing to waterproofing, custom stone, concrete casting, masonry cleaning or ice-blasting Milan Church Restoration is here to help you.
Façade Work:
- Stone Replacement
- Brick Replacement
- Stucco Restoration or New
- Exterior Painting
- Terra Cotta
- Mortar Joint Tuck-pointing
- Masonry Cleaning and Power-washing
- Lintel Replacement
- Caulking and Sealer Application
- Glazing
- Waterproofing
- Structural Re-build of Parapet Walls and Chimneys
Steeple Restoration
First step would be to evaluate existing structural and exterior condition of your Steeple. Restoration could be as simple as scrape and paint to structural repairs, full structural replacement and new exterior surface.
Milan Church Restoration specializes only in Churches and Historical Buildings. We understand these building and have knowledge, tools and experience to complete any project.
Some of steeple materials we work with:
- Wood shingles installation or painting
- Wood façade installation or painting
- Gold Painting and Gold Leafing
- Copper Custom Work and Ornamental Copper
- New Louvers
- New Fiberglass Towers
Roofing, Gutters and Copper
First step would be to evaluate existing structural and condition of your roof. Problem could be as small as replacing few slates or shingles and sealing gutter seams to full roof and gutter system replacement. If the existing roof is damaged beyond repair, we will advise you on materials that should be used and install new roof and gutter system. Most common mistake that people do with copper is apply roofing cement on open seams, it will stop leak for few weeks but roofing cement destroys copper and it can’t be removed. Copper has to be replaced with new.
Milan Church Restoration specializes only in Churches and Historical Buildings. We understand these building and have knowledge, tools and experience to complete any project.
Some of roofing materials we work with:
- Asphalt Shingle
- Copper
- Slate
- Wood Shingle
- Roof Tiles
- Solar Tiles
- Architectural Sheet Metal
- Gutter and Leader Systems
- Flashing
- Snow Protection System
- EPDM System – Flat Roof Only
- Modified Bitumen (Self-Adhered) – Flat Roof Only
- Built up Roof System – Flat Roof Only
New Pews, Furniture and Custom Signs
Milan Church Restoration is bringing you the best craftsmen of fine furniture and pews. We represent few companies in Europe and in USA with over 100 years of exceptional product quality. By combining superior materials with outstanding craftsmanship, Milan Church Restoration guarantees long-lasting strength, beauty, and quality.
We offer one of the largest selections in standard and/or custom designs, including solid red oak pews, radius pews, chairs, chancel furniture, pew cushions, aluminum and oak kneelers, and architectural woodwork.
Call Milan Church Restoration today 877 877-6920 and learn more about our extended line of pews, furniture and custom build signs.