Helpful Tidbits & Hints for Pews and Worship Space Maintenance and Church Restoration Projects
Removing Pews For Church Restoration: Make a diagram of the church sanctuary/nave showing the pew layout. Measure from the front of the first pew to the platform, all aisle widths, pew sizes, distance between pews, and back aisle. Mark and number each pew to be returned to their original location. When pews were originally installed they were most likely scribed to the floor in there present location and will not set properly if moved to a different spot.
How To Move Pews: Lifting pews by the pew ends puts undue stress on any type of pew end. The particleboard constructed pew ends are weaker and screws may loosen or rip out of ends. Older pews with center dividers are probably nailed and are weak and easy to break apart at the divider. Newer pews with dividers attached with screws are also weaker. Use 4 to 6 people to lift a pew. Place wood bars under pew seat so a person can lift from either side keeping divider even in height with pew ends. Place dollies under each pew end and center divider or support to easily move pews where needed. We have pew installers which can take pews apart for storage and reinstall pews when and where needed.
Removing Candle Wax: There are several ways to remove candle wax. See fabric manufacturers cleaning instructions and follow directions for removing chewing gum. For wood pews and metal furnishings use a hairdryer to melt wax and blot with a towel. A hairdryer can be used on upholstery and carpet but be very very careful not to damage fibers. I have had several customers call over the years for replacement upholstery from damage with irons. Purchase #9988 Wax and Spot Remover from The A. I. Root Company, Medina, Ohio, phone #1-800-289-7668 or see their web site www.rootcandle.com for stores near you. They also make #20A and #32B congregational 51% beeswax candles that do not drip per company spokesman. Also Jasco or other brands of Fresh Adhesive Clean-up, used by carpet installers to remove carpet adhesive, will remove other stains including candle wax. Read their labels for directions and test in an inconspicuous area for compatibility and results before general application. The Fresh Adhesive Clean-up should list stains and candle wax in their instructions and can be purchased from Home Depot, Lowe’s, or your local hardware store.
Wood Furniture Stain Touch-up: Purchase Minwax Wood Finish Stain Markers in appropriate color from your local hardware store. For nicks, scratches, worn edges, etc. apply stain to wood and wipe off with clean cloth per manufacturers instructions. If color needs to be darkened, let stain set a little longer before wiping off.