Restoring industrial, heritage, and exhibition pieces is more than a technical process: it’s the art of preservation. At EF Engineering, we believe restoration brings history back to life, reduces waste by reusing materials, and creates long-lasting displays that can be enjoyed for years to come.

In this project, we restored a series of milk churns, transforming rusted metal into a clean, beautifully finished display. Here’s how we took them from corroded to presentation ready using our proven workflow.

Step 1: Inspection & Planning

Every restoration begins with a thorough assessment. No two items age the same, and understanding their condition is essential before work begins.

During inspection, we look at:

The level of corrosion, damage or repair needed.
Layers of historic paint or coatings.
Components that need dismantling or cleaning.
Delicate or heritage parts that require specialist handling.

We also consider the intended final display. For example, if we are creating a cutaway, we may not need to fully restore every internal surface, reducing project time.

If any parts are missing or damaged beyond repair, our design engineer will recreate them using in-house 3D printing, or, for more complex components, we work with trusted partners to manufacture replacements.

Step 2: Hand Cleaning & Protection

Once dismantled, the piece undergoes an initial hand clean to remove dirt and loose material.

Before blasting, we mask delicate features, including:

Raised logos
Stamps or branding
Thin or fragile components

This ensures the piece maintains its original character while being safely prepared for deeper restoration.

Step 3: Blasting: Removing Rust & Revealing the Raw Surface

With preparation complete, the piece moves into blasting. EF Engineering uses two types of equipment depending on size, material, and fragility.

Shot Blasting (High Power)

Ideal for heavily rusted, durable materials. We use aluminium oxide media, adjusting pressure to suit the condition of the piece. This method removes deep corrosion and coatings, leaving a clean raw surface ready for fettling.

Bead Blasting (Fine & Controlled)

Perfect for smaller or delicate items. Fine glass beads gently remove rust and paint while preserving detail. This produces a smooth, even finish that’s ideal for repainting, coating, or specialist finishing.

Both processes allow us to restore items efficiently while maintaining full control over the final texture and finish.

Step 4: Finishing: From Clean Metal to Show-Ready

Once rust-free, the piece is carefully inspected for any remaining imperfections. We then fettle by hand, smoothing areas where needed to ensure a high-quality foundation. Then comes the final finish, tailored to each project:

Mirror-Glaze Clear Coat: 3–4 layers for a deep, polished shine — ideal for exhibition-grade displays.

Cold Spray Paint: Applied in the required colour for a durable, professional appearance.

Liquid Metal Coating (via Revelare): For pieces requiring a real-metal surface, we work with our specialist sister company Revelare.

Their liquid metal application delivers a finish that is:

Durable
Authentic
Visually striking
Suitable for long-term display

Every finish can be sealed with a protective top coat, ensuring longevity and resilience.

Step 5: Display & Delivery: Ready for the World

With restoration complete, we move into presentation.

Depending on your requirements, we can add:

Purpose-built mounts
Integrated lighting
Interpretive signage
Augmented reality elements

We then commission a bespoke crate for transport, built to protect the piece throughout its journey. Through our logistics partner, Exhibition Freighting, we offer safe, reliable shipping worldwide. From restoration and finishing to installation and asset management, EF Engineering delivers a full end-to-end service.

Why Restoration Matters

To us, restoration isn’t just about making something look impressive, it’s about preserving history, celebrating craftsmanship, and giving new life to items that deserve to be seen and appreciated. Whether you’re curating a museum exhibit, preparing a heritage installation, or restoring industrial artefacts, EF Engineering is your trusted partner.

From Rust to Remarkable: EF Engineering’s Step-by-Step Restoration Process