"Restoration" can be accomplished through essentially two approaches. The first approach is to repair the stones such as marble, granite and sandstone with methods similar to that of the era when the original work was produced, only using tools and materials available at that time. This type of restoration is best referred to as "Historic Restoration".  The second category can be labeled "Contemporary Restoration". A Contemporary Restoration approach allows strategic consideration of all available tools and products to bring the stone back to its original or historic appearance.

The world is full of "Restoration Experts" who have identified a market and declared themselves an authority. For HILGARTNER, our standard is to always restore a piece of stone closest to the quality and appearance as time of their initial fabrication. Our Apprenticeship Program continues in training our Journeymen old-form techniques such as molding stone by hand - rubbing one stone against another, followed with burlap and acid to achieve form and finish. Additionally, we also train in contemporary methods which utilize diamond grit pads and electric hand tools to create finished features. The key to any successful repair or restoration is communicating to our clients what methods are available - and putting the decision of repair method in their well-advised hands. At HILGARTNER, we pride ourselves on investigating the options, educating our customers and delivering their preferred aesthetic & product.

"RESTORATION" can be accomplished with basically two approaches. The first approach: the stone may be  repaired with methods similar to a repair from the era when the original work was produced, using the tools and materials available at that time. This type of restoration is best referred to as "Historic Restoration". Please see our page dedicated to that category of work for more information.

The second category of restoration is an effort to make the object appear as it did originally, using any tools, materials and processes available to us currently. With THIS type of a restoration, one is not trying for an appearance as if it were repaired during the time of original fabrication.... but rather use all available Contemporary tools to make it appear as it did originally.... before it needed any repair or restoration.

The "CORRECT" way to execute any restorative work is to make certain the client/owner is fully aware of the two options, and perform what the owner prefers to reach the desired look!

Permanent Marker Graffiti Removal After
Permanent Marker Graffiti Removal Before
MDZoo Sculpture Repair In Progress
MDZoo Sculpture Repair Cleaned Before
Limestone Door Jamb Surround Broken Repair After
Limestone Door Jamb Surround Broken Repair Before
Cubic Marble Steps Clean Reinstall After
Cubic Marble Steps Clean Reinstall Before
Center Theatre Stone Facade Restoration After
Center Theatre Stone Facade Restoration Before
Restoration Cast Bust Feature

Learn everything you need to know about our Repair & Restoration Services.

Do you still have questions about how HILGARTNER can help you? Please visit our FAQ page for answers to our most commonly asked questions, sorted by category of work and type of client.

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