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Archiver > MD-CEMETERIES > 2005-06 > 1118194086


From: "Peggy Tanner McDonald" <>
Subject: Re: [MD-CEM] re: restore headstone?
Date: Tue, 7 Jun 2005 20:28:06 -0500
References: <20050607054425.71613.qmail@web33102.mail.mud.yahoo.com> <002101c56b6c$709b67c0$fd5c9a18@zoominternet.net>


Darle, I knew if I posted something you would start getting emails from
people that knew more about it than I did. Sometimes a little bit of
missinformation prompts the correct answer and I certainly don't mind being
corrected. Pat

----- Original Message -----
From: "Darle" <>
To: <>
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2005 9:23 AM
Subject: Re: [MD-CEM] re: restore headstone?


>I want to thank those that responded to my inquiry as to restore old
> headstones. I am thankful for your hints and suggestions, as the
> professional way isn't an option. Even the lots of water cleaning is
out,
> as the stone is far away from any water, and with a medical condition it
> isn't possible to carry a lot of water jugs. I was just hoping that I
could
> do something for it, so my grandchildren would be able to still read it
> years from now.
> Thanks again to everyone,
> Darle
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Kathi Jones-Hudson" <>
> To: <>
> Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2005 1:44 AM
> Subject: Re: [MD-CEM] re: restore headstone?
>
>
>> Darle:
>>
>> There are professionals who can attempt to restore
>> lettering on tombstones, it's not something that is
>> easy or can be done without special equipment,
>> solutions, etc. However it is not cheap, approximately
>> $500 per stone, which is removed, taken to a shop and
>> then reinstalled. You'd need to know the dates, etc.
>> for this to be done I think.
>>
>> Another option is to buy a brass plaque and have it
>> attached to the tombstone
>>
>> As for cleaning the stone yourself, use lots and lots
>> of water first. Non-ionic detergents such as NP40,
>> Triton X-100, Tween20 or The Kodak Companies Photo Flo
>> are recommended by many experts, they are available
>> from conservation, janitorial, and photographic
>> suppliers. You can use a soft bristled (natural or
>> nylon) brush. Craft sticks can be used to remove
>> lichen, etc. You should do a test area first to make
>> sure you're not going to damage the stone. Whatever
>> you do don't let any cleaning solution dry on the
>> stone, keep rinsing it off with water. You clean the
>> stone from the bottom up to help prevent streaks.
>>
>> As for gravestone rubbings, in some cemeteries
>> especially with very old stones it is forbidden (some
>> states have outlawed it in colonial era graveyards).
>> You must be sure the stone is in very good condition
>> or the pressure from rubbing will damage it. Make sure
>> you find out what the cemetery regulations are before
>> you rub a stone. Here's a good article for you to
>> read:
>> http://www.savinggraves.org/education/bookshelf/rubbings.htm
>>
>> The Association for Gravestone Studies says that no
>> commercial detergents such as Ivory, etc. should be
>> used on tombstones: Soaps (e.g., "Ivory"): commercial
>> household detergents (liquids and powders) are not
>> recommended for cleaning masonry. They are rendered
>> insoluble by calcium ions present in stone and hard
>> water. They may also produce free alkali and fatty
>> acid salts.
>>
>> Here's a link to their FAQ page which gives do's and
>> dont's for rubbings, cleaning, etc.
>> http://www.gravestonestudies.org/faq.htm
>>
>>
>>
>> Kathi Jones-Hudson
>> MD Tombstone Transcription Project Manager
>> http://www.rootsweb.com/~cemetery/maryland/maryland.html
>>
>>
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