In 2024, Lanzini & Sons restored three outdoor terracotta statues at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Sacramento, California. The job also included repainting the large crest high on the church facade.
Removing the failing finish
The statues’ painted finishes were aging and failing. We sandblasted off the earlier finish, sanded the surfaces and applied a new protective finish. The aim was to return the figures to the appearance of the original terracotta design.
Figure with scroll and bird
Before
After
Figure at arched window
Before
After
Sword-bearing figure
Before
After
Gold leaf and the facade crest
The statues stand approximately 30 feet above street level. Working from scaffolding, we added gold leaf to selected trim and details as part of the statue restoration.
Facade crest
Before
After
A separate 2024 job involved gilding the church’s seven rooftop crosses. Our 2026 work at the parish included the baptismal font, tile flooring, painted artwork and plaques.
Project location: St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 1066 26th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816.
For another exterior sculpture project, see our marble statue restoration at St. Moses the Black in Detroit. To discuss work at your church, share photographs of the figures and the failing finish, including their locations and approximate height.
