Reuse Marble Gravestones

Earlier gravestones were used only by the middle and upper classes.

Reuse marble gravestones. Take it to stonemason and ask them. Marble granite or other stone the same techniques that would be used to clean and protect the building cannot be used in the cemetery. Historically numerous substances have been used in an attempt to make stones last longer when placed outdoors. Can we have it engraved for someone else.

Steps to clean a marble headstone. Wetting the marble first will provide better cleaner spread on the surface and make rinsing easier. 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. Mix a marble cleaning solution of one gallon of bleach one half gallon of citra solv and three and one half gallons of water.

The most popular materials for gravestones during this era were marble 1780 1930 granite 1860 untill date iron and wood. Inspect the entire headstone for cracks wear and signs of damage. If these are present it may be best to leave it as is. Allow dwelling time of twenty minutes no less.

Only marble that is in good condition should be cleaned. Mist the surface with water just enough to prevent drying if necessary. Recycled gravestones are used for all sorts of purposes including building foundations patios stone walls walkways new gravestones and apparently jetties. Soak the stone with water to saturate any growth that may be present.

Is it possible to reuse an old headstone. 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. As with interior marble cleaning soak the cemetery headstone with water before adding a cleaner. An undiluted cleaning agent may leave a residue in the marble s pores.

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. Direct spray this solution on the stone. If you own the headstone you can do what you want with it. I have seen cars crash through fences and destroy gravestones and monuments toppling them like so many dominos.

Cleaning weak marble can result in further irreparable damage. However after the emergence of the new protestant theology even lower classes started using grave markers for commemorating the life of the.