From Broken to Bethlehem-Ready: Nativity Statue Restoration
15th Dec 2025
The Damage We Met at the Loading Dock
When this plaster camel arrived last August, decades of weather and one unfortunate fall had left it almost unrecognizable:
- a snapped-in-half plaster base
- layers of old paint that covered some of the original jewels
- Damage to the plaster and past repairs done poorly
- a frayed rope bridle and hairline cracks
Without intervention the figure would have been unsafe to display—and unfit to kneel beside the manger in 2025.
A Step-by-Step Resurrection
Our Tulsa Art Studio follows a museum-grade workflow for large statues:
| Stage | What We Do |
|---|---|
| Strip & Clean | Remove every layer of old paint to reach solid substrate. |
| Structural Repair | Repair plaster, rebuild the base, fill cracks, and re-texture surfaces. |
| Prime & Seal | Apply moisture-blocking primer. |
| Hand-Painting | Apply multiple layers of color to build depth and richness of color |
| Finishing Touches | Replace damaged rope, apply gold mica trim, and give the piece a final inspection. |
The Reveal
After nearly six weeks of patient craftsmanship, the camel emerged with:
- richly blended camel-hair hues
- jewel-tone saddle blanket and uncovered gemstones
- reinforced base strong enough for another generation of display
And is ready for the Magi’s caravan once more.
Why Book Repairs Now?
Restoration—done right—is never a rush job. Quotes, shipping crates, curing time, and finish coats can span months per piece. Scheduling your damaged figures this winter–spring means they’ll return chapel-ready for next Advent, instead of spending another Christmas hidden in storage.
What We Restore
- Outdoor & indoor nativity figures (plaster, resin, fiberglass, wood)
- Statues and Stations of the Cross
- Pedestals, reliquaries, sanctuary lamps, fonts, and more
Every project is photographed, insured, and lovingly documented from arrival to final blessing.
Ready to Give Your Nativity New Life?
1. Email photos & dimensions
sales@zieglers.com ― we’ll reply with a free preliminary estimate.
2. Approve the quote & shipping plan
We arrange custom crating or guide you through safe packing.
3. Receive a Bethlehem-bright set before next December
Each figure returns sealed, color-matched, and protected for future generations.
Entrusting your irreplaceable statues and sacred art to someone else is no small decision. At F.C. Ziegler Co., every piece that enters our studio is treated as a treasure of the Church—handled with museum-grade materials, photographed at each stage, and restored under the steady eyes of artisans who view their craft as an act of prayer.
From first consultation to final blessing, you can be confident that what you send us will return stronger, more radiant, and ready to proclaim the mystery it was made to serve.
We can’t wait to help your parish proclaim the Nativity next Advent—with every camel, king, and angel shining like new.