Crafted to Endure. Restored with Care.
Polaris Models restores ship, yacht, boats and industrial scale models to their former glory—preserving detail, heritage, and craftsmanship with the same precision we bring to every new commission.
Rooted in Restoration
Before building our first superyacht model, we were restoring 18th-century ship replicas.
Our journey began with period and historic vessel models—projects that demanded deep historical knowledge, precise craftsmanship, and respect for the original maker’s work. Today, those same values define every restoration we undertake, from centuries-old naval pieces to modern display models damaged in transit.
Who We Restore For
Our restoration work is trusted by a broad range of clients:
- Private collectors, often restoring heirlooms or sentimental pieces
- Families, whose models honour loved ones no longer with us
- Shipping and offshore companies, preserving fleet display models
- Energy and maritime firms, including oil rig, FPSO, and workboat models
- Institutions, museums, and historic organisations such as Hull Trinity House
Whether the value is personal, financial, or historical, we understand what’s at stake—and treat each model accordingly.
To restore a model is to understand its maker
And honour their work
Restoration Without a Trace
The highest standard of restoration is the one you don’t see.
Our aim is not to make a model look new—but to make it whole. We begin by studying the model’s structure, materials, and construction methods. This allows us to recreate the techniques and spirit of the original maker with absolute fidelity.
A historic model is a piece of craftsmanship and culture. Even when we could improve or refine it, we don’t—because true restoration means respecting what was there, not rewriting it.
Period-Authentic Methods & Modern Precision
Every model is treated according to its time, context, and materials.
For historic models, we use traditional materials like hardwoods, bone, brass, rope, and aged textiles—blending repairs with ageing techniques to make them indistinguishable from the original work.
For modern models, we employ high-precision tools: digital colour scanners, surface replication systems, and custom finishes that restore the original appearance down to the finest detail.
In both cases, our goal remains the same: to honour the original and make the restoration invisible.
Before & After
Full-Service Restoration, Inside & Out
We don’t stop at the model.
Plinths, glass cases, bases, and mounts are part of the restoration. For corporate models, we can redesign displays to match current interior branding. For heritage pieces, we build new cases in period styles using authentic joinery and finishes.
Every part of the presentation matters.
Materials & Techniques
Our workshop blends art, engineering, and invention.
– We work with wood, brass, resin, glass, textiles, leather, and bone
– We build custom tools and jigs where none exist
– We developed our own miniature ropewalk machine to recreate historic rigging
– We use conservation-grade methods to ensure models last for generations
If a method doesn’t exist, we invent it.
Time may leave its mark.
So do we – carefully, and invisibly.
Handling, Collection & Installation
Many of the models we restore are fragile, irreplaceable, and high in value.
That’s why we offer secure, fully insured collection and delivery services, with careful handling throughout. In some cases, we can perform light surface cleaning or emergency repairs on site, but most restoration takes place in our controlled workshop environment.
Timeframes & Complexity
Restoration projects can range from minor touch-ups to full structural reconstructions.
– On-site light cleaning: a few hours
– Workshop repairs: several days
– Full conservation of large or historic models: 100+ hours
Each model is unique, and timelines reflect that. What doesn’t change is our standard.
Corporate Rebranding: Evolving the Model with the Brand
A ship may change owners. A platform may shift operators. A brand may be reborn.
When that happens, your display model must evolve too—and we ensure it does, seamlessly.
Polaris Models offers discreet, highly accurate rebranding services for existing corporate models, often alongside restoration or light repair. From minor name changes to full visual updates, we align the model with your current identity.
Our services include:
- New colour schemes, repainted to match corporate livery
- Updated logos, vessel names, flags, or decals
- Graphic panels, plaques, and corporate artwork
- New plinths or display cases tailored to your interior design
- Integration into bespoke installations, including wall-mounted or embedded displays
We’ve updated fleet models after mergers, reinstalled pieces in rebranded HQs, and repositioned centrepieces for maximum impact, without disrupting your space or operations.
Whether it’s a single nameplate or a full design rework, we help your model reflect who you are now—with precision, discretion, and respect for what came before.
A Restoration Process Built on Clarity and Care
Restoring a model—whether it’s 300 years old or recently damaged—is a responsibility we take seriously. That’s why every project follows a carefully structured process designed to ensure transparency, precision, and peace of mind.
- Initial Assessment
We begin with a brief description of the model’s history and current condition, supported by photos or video. This helps us understand the scope before the model arrives. - Secure Collection (if required)
For fragile or valuable models, we offer insured collection and transport, handled with the same care we apply to the restoration itself. - Detailed Inspection
Once in our workshop, your model is carefully examined. We prepare a full condition report and outline our proposed approach, techniques, and materials. - The Restoration
Work begins. Every stage is documented. Where possible, original components are preserved; where replacement is needed, we replicate the original builder’s methods and materials with utmost fidelity. - Progress Updates
Throughout the process, we keep you informed with high-quality progress photos, so you’re never left wondering how your model is doing. - Completion & Delivery
Once the model is fully restored, we provide final photography and arrange safe delivery and installation, if required. The result: a seamless restoration, returned with care.
Why Clients Choose Polaris Models
True model restoration is rare. Few studios specialise in it. Even fewer do it well.
At Polaris Models, restoration is not an afterthought—it’s part of our foundation. We began with it. We built our reputation on it. And today, we are one of the very few workshops in the world capable of restoring maritime scale models to this standard.
What sets us apart:
- Unrivalled expertise in naval architecture, maritime history, and fine modelmaking
- In-house team of master craftsmen, engineers, and restoration specialistsDecades of experience with both historic and contemporary models
- Proven trust from collectors, shipowners, energy companies, museums, and institutions
- Closed-circle process — no outsourcing, every step handled under our roof
- Absolute discretion and confidentiality when required
Whether you’re restoring a family heirloom or a fleet centrepiece, Polaris Models offers something rare: the ability to preserve history, craftsmanship, and meaning—with quiet precision and complete care.
Many of the models we restore were originally designed and built in our studio for private collectors, institutions, and maritime companies. If you’re considering a new commission, you can explore our bespoke modelmaking services here.