Project Overview

Alpine Painting was selected to perform specialized interior restoration work at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The scope focused on the restoration and repainting of the church’s interior dome—an architecturally significant and highly visible feature requiring precision craftsmanship, careful access planning, and strict quality control.

The project demanded a balance between historic sensitivity, aesthetic excellence, and safe execution at heightwithin an active religious facility.

Scope of Work

• Interior dome painting and restoration

• Application of specialty gold coating system

• Detailed surface preparation to support high-finish performance

• Elevated access using specialty lift equipment

• Protection of surrounding architectural and finished surfaces

All work was self-performed by Alpine Painting’s skilled craft workforce, ensuring consistent quality, accountability, and adherence to project standards.

Access & Constructability Challenges

Key Obstacles Overcome

• Complex dome access: The dome’s height and curvature required extensive planning to safely reach all surfaces.

• Limited maneuverability: Architectural obstructions and tight interior clearances complicated lift placement.

• Lift accessibility: Alpine carefully evaluated access paths and selected equipment capable of safely reaching the dome without damaging the structure or finishes.

These challenges were addressed through pre-planning, lift coordination, and disciplined execution by experienced personnel.

Materials & Specialty Coatings

The project required a high-end specialty coating system to achieve the desired aesthetic and durability:

• Ronan Specialty Paint – Aqua Leaf Gold

  • Required additional coats beyond initial projections to achieve uniform color depth and finish consistency

  • Final system delivered a rich, visually striking gold finish consistent with the church’s architectural intent

Quality Control & Craftsmanship

Innovative Quality Measures

• Multiple visual inspections during application to ensure consistency across curved dome surfaces

• Adjusted application approach when additional coats were required to meet finish expectations

• Continuous oversight by Alpine supervision to maintain uniformity, coverage, and alignment with client expectations

The result was a refined, cohesive finish worthy of the building’s historic and community significance.

Scheduling & Project Management

Alpine completed the project within the two-week schedule using disciplined planning and execution.

Scheduling Tools & Methods

• Procore was utilized for documentation, coordination, and schedule tracking

• Sequencing was optimized to minimize lift repositioning and downtime

• Daily planning ensured efficient progression while maintaining safety and quality

Value Engineering & Cost Control

While the project was modest in size, Alpine applied value-focused estimating and execution methods, including:

• Use of PCA estimating guides to align labor expectations and productivity benchmarks

• Early identification of specialty coating requirements to avoid quality compromises

• Adjusting labor sequencing to absorb the additional coating applications without cost escalation to the client

Workforce Development & Merit-Based Participation

Alpine provided opportunities for participation based strictly on merit, experience, and technical capability. Skilled painters with experience in:

• Specialty coatings

• Elevated work

• High-finish interior restoration

were selected to ensure the project met Alpine’s quality and safety standards.

No subcontracted labor was required, reinforcing Alpine’s commitment to developing and deploying its internal craft workforce.

Safety Program & Execution

Safety was a critical component due to working at height, lift usage, and the historic interior environment.

Safety Measures Implemented

• Pre-task safety planning conducted before each phase of work

• Working-at-heights protocols strictly enforced

• Equipment inspections and lift safety checks performed daily

• Tool control and housekeeping maintained to protect the interior space

Alpine maintains a comprehensive corporate safety program, including:

• Written Safety & Health Policy Manual

• Substance Abuse Policy

• New Employee Safety Orientation

• Regular toolbox talks and documented safety meetings

• Participation in industry safety initiatives and best practices

Project Outcome

The completed restoration delivered:

• A dramatically enhanced interior dome, restored with a vibrant gold finish

• Improved visual impact while respecting the church’s historic character

• A high-quality result achieved safely, efficiently, and within the agreed contract value

The project reinforced Alpine Painting’s capability to execute specialty interior restoration work where craftsmanship, access planning, and finish quality are paramount.

What Made This Project Stand Out

• Precision work on a curved, elevated architectural feature

• Use of specialty gold coatings requiring advanced application techniques

• Complex access challenges within a confined interior space

• High expectations for finish quality in a community landmark

Key Takeaway

This project highlighted the importance of planning, adaptability, and craftsmanship. When conditions required additional coating applications, Alpine adjusted without compromising quality or safety—delivering a finished product that reflects both technical excellence and respect for the building’s significance.