Reuse Marble Gravestones

Only marble that is in good condition should be cleaned.

Reuse marble gravestones.

Earlier gravestones were used only by the middle and upper classes. If these are present it may be best to leave it as is. The most popular materials for gravestones during this era were marble 1780 1930 granite 1860 untill date iron and wood. Sometimes these stones are irregulars or decommissioned stones but sometimes they re just stolen.

Olive oil whale oil turpentine and wax represent just a few of the liquids applied to masonry in a mostly vain effort to inhibit the future deterioration of stone. Mix a marble cleaning solution of one gallon of bleach one half gallon of citra solv and three and one half gallons of water. Take it to stonemason and ask them. Cleaning weak marble can result in further irreparable damage.

Soak the stone with water to saturate any growth that may be present. I have seen heavy lawn mowers mercilessly chip away and gash historic. An undiluted cleaning agent may leave a residue in the marble s pores. Inspect the entire headstone for cracks wear and signs of damage.

Direct spray this solution on the stone. I have seen cars crash through fences and destroy gravestones and monuments toppling them like so many dominos. Allow dwelling time of twenty minutes no less. Wetting the marble first will provide better cleaner spread on the surface and make rinsing easier.

Is it possible to reuse an old headstone. Marble granite or other stone the same techniques that would be used to clean and protect the building cannot be used in the cemetery. Recycled gravestones are used for all sorts of purposes including building foundations patios stone walls walkways new gravestones and apparently jetties. As with interior marble cleaning soak the cemetery headstone with water before adding a cleaner.

The use of sealants on a gravestone even though a gravestone may be made up of materials like those found in the exteriors or interiors of building i e. I have seen too many tree limbs fall and shatter fragile marble gravestones into unrepairable fragments tree which were dead and should have long ago been pruned. Can we have it engraved for someone else. Mist the surface with water just enough to prevent drying if necessary.

Steps to clean a marble headstone. This is why the old gravestones of the midwest are barely legible because acid rain created by factory pollution has dissolved a lot of the calcite in the limestone and marble gravestones.