Gravestones are a tricky project since it is so important that you can
assess what type of stone you are dealing with and how far to go. The best
book I have found is A Graveyard Preservation Primer by Lynette Strangstad.
But as a quick overview: use the softest brush possible with soft
toothbrushes (or well worn) for the crevises, you may also need a softly
rounded edge wood tool for tough spots. Avoid acidic cleaners on marble or
limestone, don't clean unstable stones, No wire or abrasive tools, do not
clean often, and no protective coatings should be used that keep stones from
"breathing" or becoming impermeable to water vapor. Marbles and limestone -
use clear water, and only if necessary, non-ionic detergent (photo-flo, from
a photo shop, or triton-x 100 (1ounce to 5 gal. water), Soapstone - Water
only, Slate - Water only and a small portion of non-ionic detergent if
necessary, Sandstone - Water only and a small portion of non-ionic detergent
if necessary. Clean off all detergent very well when finished with clear
water.
The best option is to stay with water if possible and don't expect beautiful
looking stones. Vegitation stains and this may not come off. Any attempt to
better clean the stone will be harmful so the minimum amount of work done
the better. If any repair work is done call a specialist - No one should
ever try to use concrete or another inflexable material. To do this with
inappropriate tools and materials will totally destroy the stone in a short
amount of time.
Whether you realize it or not a gravestone outside needs to give with
climate, temperature and humidity and ground changes. They are a fragile
enities and each a character of their own.
Good luck and look up this small guide! It is very helpful.
Kim Feinknopf-Dorrian
Ohio Historical Society
History Collections Department
1982 Velma Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43211
(614) 298-2052
[log in to unmask]
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jac Chin [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Thursday, September 16, 1999 5:57 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Tombstone cleaning
>
> I need to "spruce up" some tombstones for a special presentation by my
> museum. They range in age from an 1832 granite block to an 1850
> limestone,
> to a 1970 polished granite block. I don't want to damage them any further
> with abrasive methods, but they are thick with moss, rotted vegetation is
> embedded in the deeply carved inscriptions, and one of them is nearly
> overgrown with grass. Can I use a stiff 100% boar bristle brush, and some
> sort of gentle cleaner to, at least, make the stones legible again? I
> will
> be making a (one-time rubbing) of each, and would like to minimize the
> possibilty of any damage.
> Thank you.
> Jackie Chin
> The Hermitage
> Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey
> 201-445-8311
>
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