Cleaning Oxidized Copper Sconces

In Depth

Heritage Restoration specializes in the meticulous conservation and restoration of antique architectural elements. Recently, we were entrusted with the restoration of six historic copper light sconces that had adorned the exterior of a landmark cathedral for several decades. Over time, exposure to the elements had caused significant corrosion; much like the patina seen on the Statue of Liberty, the original warm brown tones of the copper had transformed into a distinctive green copper carbonate.

Each sconce originally featured a dense fiber mesh designed to shield the light bulbs. Years of weathering had severely deteriorated these meshes, necessitating their complete replacement. Heritage’s skilled team carefully disassembled each fixture, removing the degraded meshes and preparing the sconces for restoration.

To replicate the original protective screens, semi-translucent plastic sheets were precisely cut and heat-molded to match the original shapes. Concurrently, the metal components underwent thorough stripping and cleaning to remove corrosion and accumulated debris, restoring the copper surfaces as close as possible to their initial condition. Following this, the sconces were treated with a fresh coat of copper finish, reinstating their vibrant shine and protecting them against future environmental damage.

After the plastic covers were securely reattached, the fully restored sconces were carefully returned and reinstalled on the cathedral’s exterior. This project not only revitalized these historic fixtures but also preserved their functional and aesthetic role for years to come.

Please explore the gallery below to view images of the restored sconces proudly displayed once again on the cathedral walls.

Project Videos

Gallery