Sacred Relic Restoration with Gold and Silver Leaf

In this restoration video, I restored a spiritual relic handcrafted by a master in the early 1900s.
More about this spiritual relic:
The information about the year this piece was made needs to be more accurate. Still, the seller I bought this relic from, who has been in the antiquities business for many years, suggested that this would be the period it was made, the late 1800s or early 1900s. So as not to mislead anyone, I decided to do some research. It was easiest for me to find information about the material from which the statue was made. This information was linked to what the seller told me. The statue is made of bisque porcelain. This type of material was introduced in Europe in the 18th century. It was confined mainly to figures, most of which were made at the French factories of Vincennes and Sèvres. Unglazed porcelain must be perfect, for the flaws cannot be concealed with glaze or enamel. It is unknown where this beautiful antique object was made, but I can tell you that I bought it from a website in Poland, similar to eBay. It was probably made there because Poland is mostly a deeply Christian country. If you have more information about these kinds of antiques, I would appreciate it if you would share it in the comments section.
More about restoration:
This fantastic antique object was extraordinarily decayed and challenging to restore as the wood had holes from insects and cracks almost everywhere. All the gold leaf and silver disappeared due to the time and cold conditions in which it was kept. During disassembly, I noticed a massive crack in the top part caused by one of the nails. This put me in the position of having to make a drastic decision that piece of the wood had to be replaced entirely; otherwise, I would risk cracking again when assembling. The restoration process went well, but it took me a long time because such an antique needs to be treated with care and love. The most challenging part was applying the gold leaf and silver to the surface; this process took me many days, but I did pretty well. As you can see in this video, I used several types of glue. After application, you must wait at least 15 minutes until the touch leaves no fingerprints; only then can gold leaf be applied. After using, the foil must be secured with a transparent varnish that dries more than 24 hours after using the foil. Gliding with gold is more challenging than it looks, this process needs a lot of patience, but if everything is done correctly, things should go well. If you have questions about this process or anything else, you can write to me in the comments section; I usually reply quickly and to everyone. I love this item, and when I first saw it, I knew it would make a great restoration video and that it deserved to be restored and preserved. I'm pleased with how it turned out. If you enjoyed the video and my work, subscribe, so you don't miss my new restoration projects. Cheers!
If you want to help fund my videos and support my work, I invite you to become a channel member! Your support will be much appreciated, and all your rusty coins will go into my new restoration projects! Thank you! Here you can become a member: / @rustyshadesrestoration
00:00 Introduction
00:47 Disassembling
06:27 Cleaning the wooden parts
07:26 Sandblasting the wooden parts
08:59 Manual sanding
09:50 Treating the wood
10:19 Applying wood putty
10:56 Making a fresh one!
11:31 Staining the wood
12:04 Applying gold and silver leaf on the base
16:14 Restoring the porcelain Lamb figurine
18:16 Reviving the lead ornaments
19:53 Assembling
20:22 Applying gold and silver leaf on the wooden parts
22:02 Polymer Clay insertion
22:57 washing the biscuit porcelain figurine
23:52 Assembling all the parts
#restoration #restorationvideos #antique

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

*Hi folks! Here is my new restoration video project! If you are curious about some materials or have questions, let me know. I will always reply to you all! Cheers!!* PS: If you enjoyed this video, please don't forget to press the like button! 🙏 Thank you! 🙂

[@christinecreasey2342]

Where did you f I nd the beautiful Cross?

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

@Christine Creasey I bought it from a local website similar to eBay.

[@stormdancer0]

I use that same putty to re-sculpt compo dolls. It's very hard, and takes paint very well.

[@StephenR-sz7pl]

Thank you for using your time and God given talent. You are a true old school craftsman. Beautiful doesn't even cover it. I half expected a treasure map or a relic to pop out when you were disassembling the base. 😁👍🤓. As an American of Polish/German descent thank you for the respect you put into this restoration. The fact the Crucifix survived 2 world wars and communism amazes me.

[@mikemactavish1665]

I would have felt odd taking apart and trying to restore a crucifix . . . but you brought it all the way back

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

That's why I can say that it was one of my, not hardest but most intense restoration projects that I ever did.

[@animeloveer97]

I mean someone had to put it together too 😂 (originally I mean) so I don't see how that's weird. To alot of people it would probably be considered very good to restore a religious symbol 😊

[@shedmanx3640]

Very well restored mate. I understand restoration of religious artefacts is an area where it is easy to offend some viewers, however I believe you put an extremely high level of work and respect into this restoration. The gold and silver leaf is beautiful but extremely difficult to achieve, especially if it is not done regularly, but your work came through again. Well done buddy.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! That's why this video will never get a lot of views; the algorithm works in such a way that it will never push sensitive content too much; however, as you observed, this video isn't to offend someone; it is just about restoring another beautiful item that could disappear soon, because 99.9% of people, even religious, will not keep it in this shape displayed in their homes. I think that I did well saving this piece and sharing it with others; maybe someone will find the techniques helpful and save another one instead of throwing it or keeping it in a basement. About the gilding, yes, you are right, it wasn't easy, probably the most time-consuming project I have ever done at this scale.

[@gilbert-noelsfeir4842]

I am a Christian and I don't understand how restoring a Crucifix to save and preserve it would offend anyone, be it the most fervent believer! Greetings from snowy Kesserwan in Mount-Lebanon.

[@daskriegsman7013]

@@gilbert-noelsfeir4842 Because the wicked flee from his holy light

[@nistaffsubs6787]

Only those Who can be offended are socialist atheist groups... 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@nistaffsubs6787]

If thats a buda or a demon you never Will see Any reaction ... People are hipócritical as shit..

[@growinfaithkate6184]

This is beautiful! I love how much care and reverence you had repairing this.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you, Kate! 🙂 I did my best to save it from decay!

[@raoullevan6550]

Great work. I know, for painting icones myself, how difficult ít is for fixing gold- and silverleaves. Beautifully done. Thanks for sharing.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you. That's true, it isn't easy, especially if the surface isn't flat. Thank you so much for watching, and I would love to see your icons; I have a Facebook page and Instagram; you can send me some photos if you want. Cheers!

[@bobjoncas2814]

...LOOKIN' GOOD, KEEP WELL IN '23...

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! 🙂

[@walterengler5709]

I have to admit what surprised me the most was the appearance of the insects tracks in the wood hidden under the paint and layers. Did not expect that. But you handled the wood very nicely to fix it all up.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm glad you enjoyed the result. Thank you 🙂

[@nurmaybooba]

a lovely job.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Nora! 🙂

[@andregauthier2143]

WOW ! God bless you my friend

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm happy that I could make you say wow! God bless you too!

[@jennylawson1980]

To do what needs to be done and do it to perfection, and the upmost care is commendable. Beautiful work.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Jennifer. 🙂

[@robertzakowski2221]

Super renowacja krucyfiksu 👍👍👍🖐️🖐️🖐️🤩🤩🤩🙏🙏🙏

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Dziękuję!

[@sebastianlinardi]

Es un buen trabajo! Boretodo porque le has puesto una herramienta fundamental cuando se trata de restaurar un Crucifijo Católico y esa herramienta fundamental se llama: Respeto. Esto marca la diferencia para el que mira el proceso de restauración porque conlleva una carga emotiva por tratarse de algo especial para el Creyente. Que Dios bendiga tu trabajo. Gracias.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Gracias! 🙂

[@patriciahatton8292]

Gorgeous restoration!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you 🙂

[@janetrutherford8568]

That is absolutely beautiful.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you!

[@Oleg-yf2lz]

Nice done. Great job 👏 👍 I think that without helper (cat) the work won't be done😂

[@MrsIsmena]

It's not just restoration, it's art! Good job 👏

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! 🙂

[@matthewalexander2436]

Stunning, and thank you for doing this. ❤

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Matthew! 🙂

[@nicholaschelala4868]

You have a very special skill set. God bless you.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you 🙂 God bless you too!

[@haraldappl]

Tolle Arbeit !!! Wunderschön

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Danke!

[@user-vp8fw6uw5q]

What a wonderful video, you are amazing.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you so much!

[@mskayla7747]

Stunning. 👍

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video Kayla!

[@BIGWojo68]

My Catholic Grandma would be proud. Thank you!!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you for watching! 🙂

[@JH-ne7mr]

Nice. Would be good to see it with the rest of the set though too. You just need the M, C and the A now!

[@hypopastel22]

Beautiful! God bless you.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! God bless you too!

[@kylettamiller6769]

Hi! I hope your holidays were joyful, and your new year has started well. I saw this today, and as I watched you hold it in your hands, turning it around and assessing what you were going to have to, I started feeling the tears starting. I just can't understand how anyone can throw something like this away. Again and again. I am also a Christian and have a deep love for my Saviour, and watching you strip away the abuse, I began to feel enlightened, for I could feel the reverence, care and love you felt in your heart as you repaired it. I think, by what you said about what it meant you could not go without it, that it'll be put somewhere that is warm and loved, as you wanted. Thank you, thank you, thank you for putting your heart and soul into this beauty and sharing it with us. I really *love* it. I also want to take a moment to thank your readers and and the people that follow you and are so kind with their replies. Take care and stay well, everybody. Blessings... K~~~ ❤

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Hi Kyletta! Thank you so much for your beautiful words. I'm delighted that you enjoyed this video too. My holidays were good and peaceful, and I've decided to share these feelings at the beginning of the new year with everyone! I hope you had the same, and I wish you a Happy New Year! 😊

[@kylettamiller6769]

@@rustyshadesrestoration Thank you so much.

[@robertunderwood3393]

You have such an amazing talent. What a beautiful restoration. Thank you for sharing Sir.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you so much! 🙂

[@wireworks616]

Beautiful. What a great dedication to our Savior. Fantastic job.🙏👍

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you!

[@dalmiroubina2162]

Superb restoration

[@cdavis4857]

Beautifully done, sir!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! 🙂

[@bozenagargas1807]

Great job!!!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you 🙂

[@ramiruhig5558]

Brilliant restoration, so nice to see the result 🥰

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm glad you like it! 🙂 Thank you!

[@giseleyheralde8847]

Que belleza como recuperas todo gracias por la humanidad y su historia a través de los objetos utilizados ...gracias...gracias...gracias

[@acm-3001]

Superbly done with the heart of an artist and soul of a believer.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! 🙂

[@pimientanegra2680]

Una belleza, te felicito!!!!!!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

🙂

[@coldcountess]

Beautiful !!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Sheila! 🙂

[@carlmcgee1623]

A holy endeavor worth heavenly praise.. God bless you sir !

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! 🙂

[@NickOverEasy]

God bless you and your very skilled hands! This turned out beautifully. ❤️

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you 🙂 God bless you too!

[@Skipper.]

Amazing and a wonderful result.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Tony! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! 🙂

[@schimpfigor5931]

Браво Маэстро!!!

[@debbielowe9464]

Brilliant transformation and really enjoyed watching this xxx

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm happy that you enjoyed the video! Thank you! 🙂

[@sarahivsutterb747]

I have such a gorgeous and awesome crucifix in perfect shape inherited from an old friend of mine and I love it so very much because it is so wonderful and stunning to see! Thank you for letting us participate in this work on this one here and have a wonderful and peaceful day and lovely greetings from Sarah!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Sarah! Have a lovely day too!

[@selmamariasantos4775]

Lindo trabalho, que Deus abençoe sempre você 🙏

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Gracias!

[@petecolone5125]

Love it. Nice to see JC still has some fans. God bless my friend

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! I'm glad you like it! 🙂

[@marcianogueirademoraes4790]

Ficou magnífico, parabéns

[@flaviakoch7378]

Well done!!!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Flavia! 🙂

[@harveypost1841]

U certainly knock urself out on this restoration.😄😇☝️👍

[@cecilgore495]

beautifully done, THANK YOU.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Cecil! 🙂 I'm glad you enjoyed this video!

[@kylobear7991]

Great job!! Really interesting how much work all the individual pieces are

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you. Yes, it took a few days to make them look like that.

[@Nenezilla]

Fantastic job!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you! 🙂

[@g2358]

Parabéns pelo capricho e cuidado ,ficou muito bom 👏👏👏

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Obrigado!

[@nevillesmith9795]

I agree with cat-spector...the restoration was something special That was a meow of approval😂

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Hahah! 🤣

[@jeromegilly]

Bless you my friend

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

God bless you too!

[@francesbyrne4935]

I absolutely love ❤️ love love this restoration. Well done gentlemen

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you so much! 🙂

[@HJHecking]

I have watched several of your relaxing and artistic videos. I always wonder what you do with all the finished projects? Do you have a store? Link??

[@noneofyourbusiness1683]

Looks incredible

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! 🙂

[@raziel3726]

Amazing Restoration 👍🏾👍🏻

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Raziel! 🙂

[@angieauger9010]

Lovely, you are a skilled and talented man to take on restoring your projects, I just found your channel and I am binge watching as I love to tinker myself.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you, Angie! I'm glad you enjoyed the videos. 🙂

[@jakepierson6309]

Bro that is amazing!!! Looks great!!!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Jake! 🙂

[@Givulinovich]

The beauty is stunning. 💕❤️💕

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm glad you like it! 🙂

[@FransVranken1]

Nice restoration thanks for sharing with us

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Frans! 🙂

[@RestorationAustralia]

Very nice, well done.😊

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@DrHutOfHandcraft]

Really impressive work 👍🏼

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you 🙂

[@rosie.garcia906]

Good job you're very talented person

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Rosie!

[@kevintuituu8108]

Absolutely beautiful! Blessings to you! Fr. Kevin Tuitu'u -- Australia.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Kevin! 🙂

[@marselaselenesantoslopez]

Beautiful 😍😍😍😍

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you 🙂

[@armandoreyes3053]

impressive restoration. God Bless your hands and heart

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Armando! God bless you too!

[@user-vd8gu3uy6t]

Красивая реставрация, здорово! 👍😊

[@user-dz8dg6ey8g]

Спасибо, шикарная реставрация, здорово. Лайк однозначно.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@angelabonini3366]

Maravilhoso trabalho!!!❤❤

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Gracias!

[@kathyflorcruz552]

Very much appreciated.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you 🙂

[@michaelfeghali9943]

Much respect for this work of art 🙏💪💪🫀

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you so much, Michael! I'm happy to know that you enjoyed the video.

[@paulabenfield3891]

BEAUTIFUL

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you!

[@RobinMarconeCassidyRN]

I truly enjoy watching you restore so many of your projects and I have to say this one is my favorite so far. The end result is amazing! Just beautiful! Do you keep your projects, sell them or do you restore them for other people? Thank you so much for sharing. HAPPY NEW YEAR!🎉

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Hi! I'm glad you enjoyed watching this project, and thank you for following my work. Regarding your question, it depends; sometimes I keep them, and sometimes I have to let them go to free up space in my workshop and, of course, to be able to sustain my small businesses. All the consumables got pretty expensive, and I needed money to do other projects. I have already restored a few things from my subscribers, free of charge. All I wish is to have what to do with that item; I mean to be exciting and quite damaged/rusty etc. You can always reach me by email or Instagram if you want to propose something. 🙂

[@RobinMarconeCassidyRN]

@@rustyshadesrestoration I do have a few things I'd love to restore but only for payment. I understand you enjoy your craft very much but remember, your time is valuable. You are very gifted. I certainly will be in touch! Thank you!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Ok, you can send me some photos; I'm inquisitive now. 😊

[@kylobear7991]

How does the gold and silver thin sheets stay

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm using special glue. You can find it at almost every art shop.

[@danieldevite668]

Nice work

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Daniel! 🙂

[@xt001x]

God bless you, brother

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

God bless you too! 🙏

[@Argel_Aurelian_Tal]

masterpiece work, very difficult and requiring really specific patience, Dominus tecum

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you for your appreciation. All you mentioned is true. I invested a lot of care and love in this beautiful antique crucifix, and I'm happy to know that someone can see this.

[@geraldjones4565]

Awesome work

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Gerald 🙂

[@besnik3177]

sehr gut gemacht BRAVO

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! 🙂

[@JoseManuel-of9xy]

És um grande artista parabéns pelo seu trabalho

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Gracias! 🙂

[@1970sSupertramp]

Excellent.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you 🙂

[@janeday9148]

Respect for age and patina is what is needed in conservation or restoration

[@patlloyd8218]

Hi you have made a beautiful job of the cross well done

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Hi Pat! I'm glad you enjoyed the restoration process. 🙂

[@athaxan2110]

Very difficult restoration. Congrats!!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you 🙂

[@dhanushkumar297]

SUPER VERY BEAUTIFUL WORK GOD BLESS YOU

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! 🙂

[@marter2006]

Love it! ✝️

[@pameladawkins3886]

I was holding my breath every time you removed a piece.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I had emotions too.

[@sofisa5]

Excelente! Está precioso el cristo..

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Gracias!

[@pano_OFFICIAL]

God bless you 🙏

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

God bless you too!

[@oneshotme]

Even in bad shape it was still beautiful!! Would love to own this even before you restored it!! Beautiful restoration and you did a wonderful job restoring it as well!!!! Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thanks! This means that you very much like old stuff that is decaying. My wife didn't even want to let me inside the house with it in that shape, but after I restored she accepted it in our place 😅 Watch @BrosOfDecay on KZbin; I bet you will love that channel.

[@oneshotme]

@@rustyshadesrestoration You're welcome!! I'll have to go check it out and no my wife might not have let me take it inside the house but she might have for that though LOL Keep up the great work

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

😅 Thank you! Let me know if you like my recommendation! Cheers!

[@DaleDix]

The artist didn't make it to be old and ugly. He meant it to look beautiful like it does now.

[@bharatshah5862]

AMEN A JOB WELL DONE

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you 🙂

[@jamesfield5346]

Holy cow... you can media blasting wood without pitting it or damaging it? What media do you use and do you have to adjust the air pressure really low or what?

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Of course, you can. Many restorers use sandblasting to clean the wood. It is the most efficient. I'm using black corundum. 0.1 mm at a pressure under 7 Bar. Here you can read more about sandblasting Wooden parts: www.finepowertools.com/woodworking/sandblasting-wood/

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Soon I'll get a powerful laser that can clean wood too. Stay tuned it! 😉

[@joesony5196]

I enjoyed to see the steps of the transformation , you did very well Bro.Good luck to your channel.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm glad to hear that, Joe! Thank you, and good luck to you too!

[@marthasherwin46]

This was interesting to watch. This icon is not of my faith but I appreciate the attention to detail and care given to restoration.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! 🙂

[@rogeliobaez3879]

Very nice restoration, I only have one question, is that base level? One of the corners looks like it's off

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you. Everything is alright with the base.

[@catherinebarriere-savy8126]

Magnifique ça fait plaisir de vous voir le restaurer avec délicatesse

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Merci

[@korak1999]

Zobaczyłem Twój film i oniemiałem z dwóch powodów - Pierwszy to efekt jaki osiągnąłeś po renowacji. Drugi - przeżyłem déjà vu - mam taki sam (no prawie) krzyż jako pamiątka po moich dziadkach. Trzymam go w szafie (od dwudziestu lat) ale jak do tej pory nie udało mi się go odrestaurować. Dzięki Tobie sprawa odżyła a i dowiedziałem sie czegoś więcej o samym krzyżu. Co prawda Twoja podstawka (bejcowana) jest klockiem a u mnie to okrągły plaster drewna z nóżkami - nie zmienia to faktu, że to ten sam styl - te same figurki - jedynie wybarwienie u mnie jest zielone a nie srebrno-złote. Włożyłeś kawał pracy aby przywrócić świetność krzyżowi i wielki szacun za to. Dla mnie to motywacja by przywrócić świetność i mojemu krzyżowi. Widzę jednak, że będzie mi brakowało sprzętu.....no ale jak się nie zabiorę to nie będę wiedział czy podołam. Tak czy inaczej zapisuję sobie Twój film jako instruktażowy :)) Pozdrawiam serdecznie.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Very nice! I wish you good luck with it. When it is done or even before, you can write to me on Instagram. Cheers!

[@dnte_86]

Reminds me of what happened to my Catholic great uncle after his mother passed away and he inherited what he thought was a gold cross 😂 I like what you did and I’m gonna see what else you’ve restored!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Hahah, that's funny 😁

[@dnte_86]

It was decades of cigarette smoke, not gold.

[@x84pav84x]

19:26 для пайки таких вещей используйте паяльник с плоским жалом и хорошую кислоту, например, ортофосфорную.

[@sheilatodd7280]

Absolutely beautiful job. I had my doubts when you were taking it apart. I was afraid it had deteriorated too far and it would be impossible to fix back like it was. But I have to say I'm sorry for doubting you! I've watched your restorations before and always forgot to subscribe. But not this time. Again...beautifully awesome job.