Censer & Thurible Restoration
We repair heat damage, restore chains, and bring censers back to working condition.
These vessels take more wear than almost any other church item. Constant heat from charcoal, incense residue buildup, swinging during processions, and regular handling all take their toll. Chains wear and break, bowls develop holes from heat, lids get dented, and plating wears through from use. We restore thuribles and censers so they can continue in service. Every piece is handled by our family with the care these liturgical items need. Repairs to chains, hinges, bowls, and structural damage are all part of what we do. We work with gold plate, silver, brass, and bronze. We've been restoring censers for Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox churches since 1962, serving parishes across London and throughout Britain.
Why Churches Trust Us
Thuribles get used hard. Heat, residue, constant movement. They need restoration that understands what they go through. We've worked with churches for over 60 years.
Family run since 1962, serving churches across London and the UK
We understand what these items go through during use
Chain repair and replacement for worn or broken links
Bowl repairs for heat damage and holes
Gold, silver, and brass restoration
Incense residue removal and proper cleaning
Experience with Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox censers
Clear communication with clergy and sacristans
Items returned ready for use
How We Restore Thuribles and Censers
Each thurible is different. Some need light work, others need complete restoration. We assess what's needed and discuss it with you first.
Check the Thurible
We examine the piece to see what's required. This includes checking chains for wear and damage, looking at the bowl for holes or cracks, inspecting hinges and the lid, and assessing plating condition.
Remove Incense Residue
Built up incense residue is cleaned away carefully. This residue is sticky and can be difficult to remove without damaging the metal underneath.
Repair Structural Damage
Chains are repaired or replaced where worn or broken, holes in bowls from heat damage are fixed, dented lids are straightened, damaged hinges are repaired or replaced, and broken crucibles are restored or replaced.
Polish and Finish
All surfaces are polished and finished properly. Protective lacquer is applied where appropriate to brass elements.
Test Function
Chains are checked to make sure they move freely, lids open and close properly, and the thurible is balanced for swinging.
Most restorations take 1 to 2 weeks. Thuribles needing extensive chain work or major repairs may take longer. We keep you updated.
Censers and Thuribles We Work With
We restore all types of censers used in Christian worship, from simple to ornate, old to modern.
Catholic Thuribles Three chain and four chain designs, processional thuribles with decorative bowls, simple altar server thuribles, ornate Gothic style censers, modern contemporary designs.
Anglican Censers Anglo-Catholic thuribles for High Church use, simple processional censers, decorative hanging censers, Victorian and antique Anglican censers.
Orthodox Censers Hand censers for Orthodox worship, three chain and four chain Orthodox thuribles, ornate Byzantine style censers with bells, Russian and Greek Orthodox designs.
Related Items Incense boats and spoons, censer stands and holders, charcoal holders and crucibles, chain extensions and replacement links.
Common Problems We Fix Worn or broken chains, holes in bowls from charcoal heat, damaged or stuck lids, worn hinges that don't work properly, worn plating from handling, incense residue damage, bent or broken decorative elements, missing crucibles or charcoal holders.
All work keeps items suitable for liturgical use with heat and incense.
Churches We Help
We serve Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox communities across London and throughout the UK.
Catholic Parishes Restoring thuribles used during Mass, processions, and Benediction.
Anglican Churches Serving Anglo-Catholic parishes and cathedrals that use incense in worship.
Orthodox Communities Restoring censers for Orthodox parishes, including hand censers and processional thuribles.
Cathedrals and Large Churches Caring for multiple sets of censers and maintaining historic pieces.
Religious Orders Serving monasteries and convents with their liturgical censers.
Restoration Costs
Pricing depends on the thurible's condition and the work required. A censer needing only cleaning and fresh plating costs less than one requiring chain replacement and bowl repair.
Send clear photos showing the overall thurible, the chains, the bowl interior, and any damaged areas. Tell us what problems you've noticed. We'll assess the work needed and provide a clear quote.
Most work takes 1 to 2 weeks. Thuribles needing extensive chain work or major structural repair may take longer. We'll give you realistic timescales with your quote.
How to Send Censers to Us
Churches send thuribles to us from across the UK. Here's how to do it safely.
Clean Before Sending Remove loose ash and debris from the bowl. You don't need to clean incense residue as we'll do that, but loose material should be emptied out before packing.
Pack Carefully Wrap the thurible body in bubble wrap. Coil chains carefully and wrap them separately to prevent tangling. Use a sturdy box with adequate padding.
Include Information Send a note with your church name, contact person, phone number, email, and return address. Describe any specific problems or concerns.
Use Secure Delivery Always send tracked and fully insured. Royal Mail Special Delivery or a courier with proper insurance protects church property.
What Happens We'll confirm when items arrive. You'll get updates during restoration. We'll contact you when work is finished and arrange secure return delivery.
Our Address Stevenson Platers 34 Woodgrange Avenue Harrow London HA3 0XD
Questions About Censer Restoration
Here are questions churches commonly ask about thurible and censer restoration.
Why do thurible bowls develop holes?
The constant heat from burning charcoal eventually weakens the metal, especially if the thurible doesn't have a removable crucible to protect the bowl. Over years of use, thin spots develop and can become holes. We repair or replace damaged bowls.
How do you remove built up incense residue?
Incense residue is removed using appropriate cleaning methods that don't damage the metal underneath. The residue can be stubborn, but proper cleaning brings the metal back to its original condition before we restore the finish.
Will restored thuribles withstand continued heat and use?
Yes. We restore thuribles knowing they'll be exposed to charcoal heat and regular handling. The materials and methods we use are appropriate for liturgical censers that will continue in active service.
Can you restore very old or antique censers?
Yes. We work on censers of all ages, including historic pieces. Older thuribles are handled carefully to preserve their character while making them suitable for continued liturgical use.
What if the lid doesn't close properly?
Damaged hinges can be repaired or replaced, bent lids can be straightened, and alignment issues can be fixed. A properly closing lid is important for controlling incense smoke during use.
Do you work with Orthodox hand censers?
Yes. We restore Orthodox hand censers as well as chain thuribles. The restoration process is similar, though hand censers have different structural considerations than swinging thuribles.
Can you restore censers with bells?
Yes. Orthodox thuribles often have small bells attached to the chains. We work carefully around bells during restoration and can repair or replace them if damaged.
How often do thuribles need restoration?
It depends on use. Thuribles used weekly may need attention every 4 to 7 years as chains wear and plating breaks down from heat and handling. Those used less frequently last longer between restorations.
Can we visit to discuss restoration in person?
Yes. For churches with specific concerns or historic censers, meeting face to face can help. We're in Harrow, London. Call 07391 007 123 to arrange a time. Some prefer to bring thuribles directly rather than posting them.
Request Your Quote
Send clear photos of your thurible or censer showing the overall item, the chains, the bowl, and any damaged areas. Include your church name and contact details. We'll assess what's needed and provide a quote.
Thurible Restoration Across London and the UK
We've been restoring censers and thuribles for churches across London and the UK since 1962. Every piece is handled with the care it needs. If your church has a thurible needing restoration, we're here to help. Send items by post with full insurance or bring them directly to us in Harrow.
Pricing depends on the thurible's condition and the work required. A censer needing only cleaning and fresh plating costs less than one requiring chain replacement and bowl repair.