Granite is mechanically resurfaced with the help of diamond abrasives and water that produce a smooth and consistent finish void of bumps or ridges.
What can remove deterioration of a granite headstone.
Pre 1970s bronze was not sealed and will.
Removal can result in additional damage.
Maintaining the headstone not only makes it look better it helps to preserve it as well.
Hard water areas are the worst and will require more frequent bricking.
You may have heard shaving cream touted as a fantastic headstone cleaner.
A typical checklist for cleaning a headstone would include water bottles spray bottles brushes of varying thickness and strength craft sticks cotton cloth foam or sponge and a toothbrush.
It will remove almost any debris or stain from the marker instantly.
Wash the granite headstone with soapy water.
For more information on cleaning your granite marker or headstone contact american headstones company at 949 228 7055.
Granite resurfacing can be a messy process but the results will leave you with a grave marker that looks just as beautiful as the day it was shipped to the cemetery.
Spraying down the headstone first will help maximize the effectiveness of the cleaning solution.
However the acidic cream leaves behind stone eroding chemicals that will hasten deterioration of the stone.
Before you begin to actually clean the granite headstone remove excess debris on or around the headstone.
The goal of cleaning is to remove air pollution soiling lichen bird droppings dirt salts and sap it is not to make the headstone marker look like new improper or unnecessary cleaning can accelerate the deterioration of marble and granite.
Mix just one ounce of non ionic detergent to 5 gallons of water.
Squirt a few drops of dishwashing liquid into a bucket filled with 2 litres of water i e.
Granite headstones can last looking good for many years depending on the water used at your cemetery.
Headstones can be very porous and can soak up the cleaning solution before it has a chance to work.
Do not forget to check the headstone for any fragility of cracks before you start off as that can damage the headstone even further.
A headstone should only be removed from the graveyard by a community based group or local official acting within the limits of local and state law or operating with the knowledge of the descendants of the deceased.
Granite is a hard stone that can tolerate cleaning without damaging the surface or making it susceptible to further damage.
Non ionic detergents are generally recommended for cleaning granite headstones.
Avoid the easy method and stick with elbow grease and non ionic soap.