From sculpted figurines and antique tea sets, to the decorative embellishments of furniture installations and architectural features, examples of precious metals adorn many of the properties in which we work.
At Farcroft, our restoration experts can advise clients on how to keep this metalware in prime condition, as well as revive and restore items that have deteriorated with age or as the result of being damaged in some way.
Many objects are created using alloys of different materials such as copper or nickel to add strength and structural integrity. Our detailed knowledge of the chemical structure of these materials allows us to choose the most appropriate chemicals and processes for their cleaning and repair.
Our precious metal restoration services encompass:
Our team works across all silver, silver alloy and silver-plated metalware to restore the character and appearance of items ranging from tea sets, tankards and military medals to musical instruments.
Through careful cleaning, polishing and restoration of lacquer finishes, we can remove corrosion and tarnishing. We also repair dents and scratches, replace missing or damaged sections to match the original metal, and carry out re-gilding where required.
Brass is one of the more challenging metals to clean, but – when completed – the finished result makes the investment of time and effort required in its restoration more than worthwhile.
Our skilled metalworkers are dedicated to restoring the original lustre of every piece we work on, regardless of the time it takes, including removing minor indentations that compromise the appearance of the item.
Where brass has been severely damaged, we can stabilise the metal to prevent further deterioration, before re-plating the affected areas to restore the finish.
Bronze may be found throughout historic properties, adorning a variety of items including ornamental door and drawer handles, kick plates, push plates, handrails, signs, plaques, sculptures and other architectural features.
As bronze items are often part of the fabric of a building, much of our bronze cleaning and restoration is carried out on-site at clients’ properties.
Our bronze restoration experts undertake thorough cleaning of items, before refinishing them to match their original appearance, whether that requires achieving a highly-polished sheen or replicating the traditional, darker shade of the metal.
Where areas of the metal have been lost or sustained severe damage, our skilled metalworkers will re-cast new sections, integrate them with the existing metalwork, and employ all their artistry to blend the new additions in with the original piece.
Forming the base alloy for a number of other metals, copper has a heritage dating back to early civilisation.
Over time, as with most metals, chemical reactions cause it to corrode, and the finish to become tarnished, dulling or changing colour to a dark red or brown. In the most severe cases, a powdery crust or rough, light green spots can form on the surface as a sign that aggressive corrosion is eating away at the metal.
At Farcroft, our skilled copper workers use a range of techniques to revive copper items. These include applying copper plating to badly damaged or worn areas of the metal to restore its structural integrity, and solder repairs to handles and hinges to keep them in working order.
Our specialists also carry out copper cleaning and polishing, with the metal finished to client preference. This could involve achieving the bright sheen associated with new copper, or sensitive conservation of an original finish, retaining the patina that characterises the piece’s history.
Our skills in precious metal restoration and conservation mean we are ideally placed to assist with the cleaning and restoration of military medals.
From removal of contaminates and subsequent polishing, to repairs to the medal itself and to the metal suspender and bars that connect it to the ribbon, all our military medal cleaning and restoration work is carried out with the utmost care and respect for the item, in deference to the service of the individuals that earned these badges of honour.
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