RESTORATION
After 62 years of use and 42 years of abandonment, we were hired to restore the dignity and grace of twin, brass-plated, cast iron staircases.
This took place within Normal Hall at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Decades of grime and mystery substances had to be removed, rust had to be ameliorated, there was even antique gum to be scraped away.
In the only original photo—about a century old—the railings appeared to be shiny, bright brass. The client didn’t want that appearance, but in case someone wanted to pursue it in the future we opted to do nothing that couldn’t be reversed.
After a gentle, thorough cleaning, we applied several layers of custom-blended colored waxes to simulate layers of plating and patina. The project is sealed under a water-based clear coat with integral corrosion inhibitors.
