Service · Repairs & Restoration

Bring Damaged Metalwork Back to Life

Not every piece of metal needs to be replaced. From antique ironwork and failed welds to cracked castings and rusted frames, our shop restores what others would scrap — preserving history, character, and budget along the way.

  • Emergency mobile welding: Same-day within 30 miles of Portland
  • Historic work: Replication of missing or broken elements
  • Free evaluations: Bring your piece in or send photos
Metal restoration and repair work

What We Repair & Restore

We handle the full range of metal repair work — from a single broken hinge to a full historic restoration. If it's metal and it's damaged, there's a good chance we can save it.

🏛️

Historic Ironwork

Antique gates, fences, railings, and architectural ironwork restored with hand-forged replacement elements.

🔗

Failed Welds

Cracked, stressed, or improperly welded joints repaired to code, with proper prep and full penetration welds.

⚙️

Equipment & Machinery

Farm equipment, industrial frames, trailers, and machine components — repaired and reinforced for continued use.

🚢

Marine & Dock Repairs

Docks, ramps, boat trailers, and marine hardware — welded and repaired with corrosion-resistant materials.

🏠

Structural Steel Repair

Corroded beams, damaged columns, and reinforcement of existing steel connections.

🎨

Refinishing & Coating

Sandblasting, re-priming, powder coating, and painting for existing metalwork that has lost its finish.

How We Approach Every Repair

Repairs and restorations are not the same as new fabrication. They require a different mindset: less is more, preservation is the goal, and the finished piece should look like it was never broken. Here's what every repair project includes:

  • Honest Evaluation

    We'll tell you when a piece is worth restoring — and when it isn't. Sometimes replacement is the better financial choice, and we'll say so.

  • Photo Documentation

    Before we touch anything, we photograph the piece from multiple angles. This helps with both repair planning and insurance or historic documentation.

  • Minimal Intervention

    We repair only what needs repair. Original material is preserved whenever possible — new metal is added where it's structurally necessary, not just for convenience.

  • Period-Correct Replication

    For historic pieces, we hand-forge missing scrolls, finials, and structural elements to match the original profile and finish.

  • Finish Matching

    New and old metal are blended to look like a single, aged piece. We match patina, texture, and finish so repairs disappear.

  • Warranty on Workmanship

    Our repairs carry the same two-year workmanship warranty as new work. If our repair fails, we make it right.

Restoration work on antique ironwork

Repair Capabilities

Different repair situations call for different techniques. Here's what we can handle in our shop and in the field.

In-Shop Repairs

For portable pieces, we prefer to work in our shop where we have full equipment access. This is often faster and less expensive than field work.

Best for: Gates, railings, small frames, decorative pieces

Mobile / Field Welding

Our mobile unit brings welding and cutting equipment to your site. We handle most field repairs within a single visit.

Best for: Gates in place, dock repairs, equipment, structural fixes

Sandblasting & Prep

Old finishes, rust, and coatings are removed before repair. This is essential for a repair that lasts.

Best for: Any repaint, refinish, or re-coat work

Replication & Casting

Missing decorative elements are hand-forged or sourced from domestic foundries to match period style.

Best for: Historic restorations, missing finials, scrollwork

Structural Reinforcement

Where a connection or member has failed, we reinforce — not just weld over the failure. Correct fix, not a cover-up.

Best for: Cracked frames, stressed members, failing connections

Finishing & Patina

From powder coat to hand-rubbed wax, we deliver a finish that matches the piece and its environment.

Best for: All repair work requiring a durable final finish

Read Our Full Materials Guide

Our Repair Workflow

  1. 01

    Photos or Drop-Off

    Send photos of the damaged piece, or bring it into our shop for evaluation. We reply with a preliminary assessment within one business day.

  2. 02

    Evaluation & Estimate

    We inspect the piece in person, identify all issues, and provide a written estimate. If there are options (repair vs. replace, refinish vs. leave), we'll list them with costs.

  3. 03

    Approval & Scheduling

    Once you approve, we schedule the work. Small repairs are often completed within 5–10 business days. Large restorations run longer.

  4. 04

    Repair Work

    We disassemble as needed, prepare surfaces, repair or replace elements, and reassemble. We keep the original fabrication methods where possible.

  5. 05

    Finishing & Blending

    New elements are aged and blended with the original. Finishes are matched carefully so the repair is invisible on the final piece.

  6. 06

    Return or Reinstall

    We return the piece to you, or reinstall it on-site. We provide care instructions and touch-up materials for continued protection.

Learn More About Our Process

Repair & Restoration Pricing

Repair pricing depends on the scope of the damage and the finish required. Here's a guideline for common repairs.

Repair Type Typical Range Turnaround
Broken weld or joint (small piece) $85 – $250 3–5 days
Single gate or railing section repair $150 – $650 1–2 weeks
Mobile service call (within 30 mi of Portland) $150 – $450 Same-day or next-day
Antique ironwork restoration (per linear foot) $85 – $220 3–8 weeks
Full gate restoration (single-leaf) $900 – $4,200 4–10 weeks
Structural steel repair (per connection) $400 – $1,800 1–2 weeks
Sandblast & refinish (per linear foot) $45 – $110 2–4 weeks

These are guidelines only. Complex restorations, emergency calls, and historic pieces are quoted individually after inspection. We provide a fixed written price before starting any repair.

Repairs & Restoration FAQ

Can you repair cast iron?

Yes. Cast iron requires special welding techniques — preheat, controlled cooling, and specific filler metals — but it's entirely repairable with the right process. We do it regularly for historic and industrial pieces.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace?

Usually repair, especially for historic or custom ironwork. Replacement requires refabrication from scratch at full price. That said, we'll tell you honestly if replacement is the better option — we never push a repair that won't hold up.

Do you offer emergency or same-day service?

Yes, for urgent repairs within 30 miles of Portland. Call our shop directly at (207) 450-1094. Emergency mobile welding is billed at a higher rate but is often the difference between a broken gate and a secure property.

Will the repair be visible?

Our goal is always to make the repair invisible. We carefully match finish, texture, and patina so new work blends into the original. For historic restorations, we use period-correct joinery and finishing methods.

Can you work with insurance claims?

Yes. We provide written estimates and documentation suitable for insurance claims, including photos before, during, and after the repair. Let us know upfront and we'll format the paperwork accordingly.

Do you refinish existing metalwork without repairing it?

Yes. Sandblasting, priming, painting, and powder-coating services are available even for pieces that are structurally sound but need a refresh. See our refinishing options during consultation.

What's your minimum order?

Our minimum shop order for repair work is $85. There is no minimum for evaluation — bring small pieces in and we'll give you a free assessment on the spot.

Send Us a Photo of Your Repair

Not sure if your piece can be saved? Send us photos through the contact form or bring the piece into the shop. Evaluations are free.

Visit Our Shop

56 Warren Ave. Ste #106
Portland, ME 04103

(207) 450-1094

[email protected]

Shop Hours

Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Sunday: Closed