Reuse Marble Gravestones

However after the emergence of the new protestant theology even lower classes started using grave markers for commemorating the life of the.

Reuse marble gravestones. Is it possible to reuse an old headstone. 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. Inspect the entire headstone for cracks wear and signs of damage. Marble granite or other stone the same techniques that would be used to clean and protect the building cannot be used in the cemetery.

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. Allow dwelling time of twenty minutes no less. Take it to stonemason and ask them. Historically numerous substances have been used in an attempt to make stones last longer when placed outdoors.

Recycled gravestones are used for all sorts of purposes including building foundations patios stone walls walkways new gravestones and apparently jetties. Sometimes these stones are irregulars or decommissioned stones but sometimes they re just stolen. Only marble that is in good condition should be cleaned. Can we have it engraved for someone else.

Steps to clean a marble headstone. Soak the stone with water to saturate any growth that may be present. If these are present it may be best to leave it as is. An undiluted cleaning agent may leave a residue in the marble s pores.

The most popular materials for gravestones during this era were marble 1780 1930 granite 1860 untill date iron and wood. Mist the surface with water just enough to prevent drying if necessary. If you own the headstone you can do what you want with it. 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.

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. Direct spray this solution on the stone. I have seen heavy lawn mowers mercilessly chip away and gash historic. Wetting the marble first will provide better cleaner spread on the surface and make rinsing easier.

Earlier gravestones were used only by the middle and upper classes. Cleaning weak marble can result in further irreparable damage.