St. Mary’s: Interior Water Damage Repair
Repairing delicate plaster cornice work, including plaster embellished with gold leaf, damaged by water at the chapel of St. Mary’s of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois, was a meticulous process that required expert craftsmanship and attention to detail of the ZMartin Plastering Crew.
The chapel’s distinctive interior, characterized by Wedgwood blue color and design, as well as cool ivories in marble and wood decoration, adds complexity to the restoration efforts, evoking a sense of architectural elegance reminiscent of classic structures like King’s Chapel in Boston.
The restoration began with a thorough assessment of the extent of the damage to the plaster cornice work. This involved identifying areas where water infiltration had caused plaster to deteriorate or detach from the underlying structure. The skilled craftsmen from ZMarting Plastering carefully removed any loose or damaged plaster, taking care not to further compromise the integrity of the cornice.
Once the damaged areas had been addressed, the process of repairing and replicating the intricate plaster embellishments began. Craftsmen meticulously sculpted new plaster elements to match the original design, paying close attention to details such as curves, scrolls, and floral motifs. In cases where gold leaf has been damaged or lost, our artisans carefully applied new gold leaf using traditional techniques to ensure a seamless match with the existing gilding.
Throughout the restoration process, the unique color palette and design elements of the chapel’s interior were carefully preserved and respected. Specialized finishes and pigments were used to match the Wedgwood blue hues and cool ivories, ensuring the repaired cornice work seamlessly integrated with the surrounding decor.
The task of repairing delicate plaster cornice work, at the chapel of St. Mary’s of the Lake Seminary, required a blend of technical expertise, artistic skill, and a deep appreciation for the chapel’s architectural heritage. By meticulously restoring and replicating the intricate plaster embellishments, the ZMarting Plastering craftsmen honored the chapel’s distinctive interior while preserving its timeless beauty for generations to come.