Share:

Bronze and stone headstones are commonly used to memorialize and honor the dead, but sometimes the finishes and coatings that protect them begin to fade or deteriorate. When this happens, a process called resurfacing can restore their appearance and condition. With the right materials and a little instruction, you can resurface a headstone yourself.

How to Resurface a Headstone

Refinishing Bronze Markers

headstoneOver time, bronze develops a green or brown film from oxidization, giving it an antique and weathered appearance. But headstones made of bronze can be given a new polished shine. Use a soft-bristled scrub brush to remove loose dirt, rust, and debris from the surface. Mix ¼ cup of sea salt in 2 cups of white vinegar until the salt dissolves, add a small amount of flour to the solution to create a paste, and apply the mixture to the surface using a small paintbrush. Once it’s completely coated in the paste, cover the marker with a large plastic bag and allow it to sit for two hours. Remove the dried paste. Mix a small amount of liquid dish detergent and water and use a bronze brush to clean the lettering and design only. Use a soft-bristled scrub brush to remove the rest of the residue from the headstone. Rinse it with water and dry the surface with a clean, soft cloth. Apply a UV wax to make the surface shine.

Refinishing Stone Markers

Granite and marble are the most common stone materials used to create headstones, and both can be polished and re-engraved if needed. Cemeteries have strict rules prohibiting grave marker rubbing and alterations, so you’ll need to give notification to the cemetery office before you hire a stonemason or memorial specialist for resurfacing. You can clean the marker simply using distilled water and a non-ionic detergent or cleaner. Scrub away dirt and debris using a soft-bristled plastic nylon brush. Despite the age-old tip, don’t use shaving cream to clean a stone-based marker. It will improve the appearance in the short term but damage the structure over time, causing it to prematurely disintegrate and crumble.  

 

Wommack Monument in Bolivar, MO, has helped customers memorialize their loved ones with headstones, monuments, tombstones, and urns for more than 60 years. Using top-quality granite and bronze, their technicians carefully craft products that feature elegant three-dimensional designs. If you want a hand-crafted, superior headstone, call (800) 743-8233 or visit their website to learn about their guaranteed products.

tracking