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Stewarton Memorials

Should you hire someone to restore a headstone?

Updated: Nov 8, 2023

Over time, headstones and memorials can become worn and weathered. The once shining stone with beautiful lettering can end up dull and flat looking.


While you can often clean a headstone yourself and polish it up a little, the process is a delicate one. It’s important to take care not to damage the already fragile stone, particularly in very old headstones. There are some repairs that may be difficult to do if you are doing it yourself as well.


The Process of Cleaning a Headstone

If you want to clean a headstone, you’ll need to get a bucket for water, along with a cleanser designed for stone. You’ll also need a soft-bristled brush and a microfibre cloth.


Wet the stone thoroughly before you apply the cleanser. Then use the brush to scrub carefully in circles starting at the bottom of the headstone and working your way up. Once you’ve thoroughly scrubbed the whole thing, rinse it off with water. You may use a toothbrush or something small to remove dirt and grime from inside engraved lines.


You may need to use ammonia diluted one part in four parts water to clean stubborn stains and lichens on the stone. Mould may be removed with hydrogen peroxide and scrubbing. If you find rust stains on granite or similar stone, you may need to find an iron removal paste that can be applied.


Fixing Cracks and Chips

If the headstone is damaged, you’ll definitely need to leave the cleaning and restoration to the professionals. This is something that must be treated properly to ensure no further damage will be done.


Restoring Lettering and Engravings

You’ll also want a professional for handling any engravings or lettering in the stone. These will need to be carefully cleaned and then you can choose to have them re-gilded or paint applied to help the lettering stand out. This can really help the stone look fresh and new again.


Over time, grave markers can certainly become faded and overgrown. While regular maintenance is the best way to keep them looking great, restoration is also an option.

Contact Stewarton Memorials to learn more about our gravestone restoration service.

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