With over 50 years’ experience and expertise in the sensitive restoration, painting and decoration of churches across Ireland. Our specialist team pride themselves on offering an expert service, carefully respecting the church’s fabric and surrounds. While utilising innovative longer-life coatings and bespoke solutions to the protection of church buildings during works. All while ensuring minimal disruption to the public and services. The following case study ‘Knock Basilica’ offers an example of our work and capability in this area. Visit our Church Portfolio to view further examples.
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Call Tom(086) 81 645 83
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Church Painting and Decoration
Church Painting and Decoration
With over 50 years’ experience and expertise in the sensitive restoration, painting and decoration of churches across Ireland. Our specialist team pride themselves on offering an expert service, carefully respecting the church’s fabric and surrounds. While utilising innovative longer-life coatings and bespoke solutions to the protection of church buildings during works. All while ensuring minimal disruption to the public and services. The following case study ‘Knock Basilica’ offers an example of our work and capability in this area. Visit our Church Portfolio to view further examples.
Knock Basilica
The company were tasked with the external painting to Knock Basilica in anticipation of the Papal visit in August 2018. The Basilica was last painted 30 years previously, and in need of extensive cleaning and preparatory work prior to the application of specialist long-life protective coatings.
Management Planning
A comprehensive management plan was designed and agreed with Fr. Richard Gibbons and an appointed architect, with specific emphasis on health & safety, logistical planning, including extensive lifting plans for plant and equipment, and the procurement and management of delivery of specialist costings from suppliers in Belgium. Another key element of the company’s management plan was the protection of the Basilica’s roof surfaces, stained glass windows, surrounding hardscaped and landscaped areas.
Management Planning
A comprehensive management plan was designed and agreed with Fr. Richard Gibbons and an appointed architect, with specific emphasis on health & safety, logistical planning, including extensive lifting plans for plant and equipment, and the procurement and management of delivery of specialist costings from suppliers in Belgium. Another key element of the company’s management plan was the protection of the Basilica’s roof surfaces, stained glass windows, surrounding hardscaped and landscaped areas.
Preparatory Work
Prior to plant and equipment being craned onto the roof for use in painting the higher and harder to reach elevations including the spire, the roof surfaces were covered with polyurethane protective coverings. The parapet prevented fungicidal wash, grit and grime from penetrating and discolouring the decorative stone roof.
Bespoke Protective Solutions
Pallets of timber were then craned onto the roof, with local carpenters employed to construct specialist wooded ramps, tracks and walkways to protect the structure of the roof and allow machinery such as scissor lifts to operate in a safe and secure environment, railings were also constructed and harness employed for the safety of personnel.
Handcrafted made to measure timber framed casings were used to protect the stained-glass windows of grit and grime from pressure washing, overspray of paint and possible damage from plant and equipment.
On the ground all surface areas including decorative stone, hard and soft landscaping were protected with a 1,000-gauge polytene parapet to prevent damage from the use of fungicidal wash and to ensure grit and grime was contained for ease of cleaning. Not only is the company exacting in their painting work, but also in the way they prepare and maintain a site for the duration of works.
Bespoke Protective Solutions
Pallets of timber were then craned onto the roof, with local carpenters employed to construct specialist wooded ramps, tracks and walkways to protect the structure of the roof and allow machinery such as scissor lifts to operate in a safe and secure environment, railings were also constructed and harness employed for the safety of personnel.
Handcrafted made to measure timber framed casings were used to protect the stained-glass windows of grit and grime from pressure washing, overspray of paint and possible damage from plant and equipment.
On the ground all surface areas including decorative stone, hard and soft landscaping were protected with a 1,000-gauge polytene parapet to prevent damage from the use of fungicidal wash and to ensure grit and grime was contained for ease of cleaning. Not only is the company exacting in their painting work, but also in the way they prepare and maintain a site for the duration of works.
Health & Safety
The company employ stringent Health & Safety standards, practices and procedures. At all times areas were kept clear, clean and safe for the general public with zones areas of work, clear signage, the use of barriers and pedestrian walkways.
Innovative Solutions
The company continually research and utilise the latest technologies in proactive coating solutions. Offering clients, superior solutions, tailored to their specific needs and project requirements. This project demanded a solution that could withstand the harsh Irish weather conditions, retain its lustre over time and offer a longer-life in excess of 25 years. For this the company sourced and procured protective coatings from Libert Paints in Belgium.
Preparatory work ensured the exterior of the Basilica was fully cured. Fungicidal wash was applied removing fungal and algal growth. All contaminations such as dirt, grime and loose particles were removed under high pressure washing. Active joints/cracks were sealed with an elastic two-pack polyurethane joint filler.
A two-pack polyurethane impregnation coat was applied to the stone façade. CF Impregnation resists alkali and penetrates deeply into the surface, aiding longer-life. The exterior was finished with CF Finish a two-component polyurethane protective coating, based on hydroxy- acrylic and polyisocyanate resins. The company chosen this finish as CF Finish systems are characterized by:
High saponification resistance
Very low water penetration
Small adhering dirt, the coating can also easily be cleaned under high pressure
High chemical resistance and Low permeability for carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide ensuring early corrosion of reinforcing steel (carbonatation) is prevented.
Church Interiors
While this case study showcased our capabilities regarding a church exterior, we also specialise in the restoration and maintenance of church interiors. As certified Master Craftsmen we utilise age old methods alongside modern techniques to breathe new life into church buildings. To learn more or discuss your projects requirements please contact John or Tom.
Our Specialist Church Painting and Decorating Services Include:
Gold leaf application
Marbling effects
Wood graining effects
Statue painting
Cornice restoration
Timber floor restoration
Church pew restoration
Sign writing
