The Four Levels of Restoration When considering the restoration of a lighting fixture, there are four levels of work to choose from: Clean, Refinish, Restore and Conserve.
Clean
The cleaning of a fixture is recommended when it is intact and the finish is complete, unblemished and unpainted. The piece is disassembled and cleaned, then reassembled, rewired and electrically tested.
Refinish
We recommend refinishing when the finish of the fixture has deteriorated but it is not of importance and if there are broken or missing parts. The fixture is disassembled and the parts stripped to the base metal. Broken parts are either repaired, replaced or reproduced. All the parts are then refinished to either the original finish or a new one. The fixture is then reassembled, rewired and electrically tested.
Restore
Restoration is appropriate when the finish is intact but blemished, when you want to return the piece to its original condition, and when there are broken or missing parts. The fixture is disassembled and all parts cleaned. Broken parts are either repaired, replaced or reproduced. The original finish is then replicated as necessary. Finally, the fixture is reassembled, rewired and electrically tested.
Conserve
Conservation is recommended for special pieces of significant historical or monetary value in which the integrity of the original components and finish are of primary importance. Before any work is attempted, the piece is thoroughly examined and researched to determine its manufacturing methods, finishes and conservation issues. Keeping in mind that a cornerstone of conservation is that any treatment of a piece must be reversible, a work plan is developed and a document describing the details of treatment is created. Next, photographs are taken to document the original condition. The fixture is then disassembled, cleaned and returned to its original condition to the greatest extent possible. At this point, if it is appropriate, broken or missing parts are repaired, replaced or reproduced. If it is necessary and appropriate, any missing finish is then replicated. The fixture is reassembled, rewired and electrically tested. Finally, the documentation is completed, and the fixture is re-photographed.
For further general information, fill out our Information Request Form or contact us directly by phone or email. If you have a specific restoration request, email your needs to chris@conantmetalandlight.com or give us a call at 800-832-4482.
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Who better to restore all the original lighting and brass hardware on the 220-foot
steamship Ticonderoga, a National Historic Landmark, than Conant Metal and Light?
Now housed at the famed Shelburne Museum, the last walking-beam, sidewheel
passenger steamer in existence portrays life on board in 1923 — complete
with carved woodwork, gilded ceilings, staterooms, a grand staircase and, of course,
beautifully preserved brass fixtures. Conant Metal and Light restored and rewired
all of the original period bronze ship lights — upwards of a hundred of them — and
rebuilt countless brass hardware components, including a binnacle cover (compass housing), for this impressive project. |
Burlington, Vermont 05401 USA 
