Repairing Headstone lettering

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semigeek

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# 177867 17-Aug-2015 10:59

My Grandfather was killed in a vehicle accident many years ago now, and while visiting his grave on the anniversary of his death, the headstone has become very hard to read due to the location of it which faces the sea.
So, I thought it would be a good idea to go along with a fine brush and some silver paint and redo the lettering. Only problem is, I don't really know the rules (if any) of who can look after a headstone. Is it family or is it cemetery staff? Might be a silly question, but I don't want to do something and then find I am going to get into trouble later.

Geektastic

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# 1367829 17-Aug-2015 11:05

I have no idea - I have only ever read gravestones when doing brass rubbings of them as a youngster at school!

I would imagine a call the the local authority in the area concerned would soon answer the question. Alternatively, a monumental mason would know.

MikeB4

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# 1367834 17-Aug-2015 11:09

If you talk to the Sexton at the Cemetery I am sure he/she will be able to advise you.

Mike
Retired IT Manager.
The views stated in my posts are my personal views and not that of any other organisation.

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wellygary

3992 posts

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# 1367840 17-Aug-2015 11:19

MikeB4: If you talk to the Sexton at the Cemetery I am sure he/she will be able to advice you.

+1, This. Also , Also Believe that Headstones are not legally propety of the Cemetary, but of the plot owners...

Wheelbarrow01

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# 1368039 17-Aug-2015 15:56

The headstone belongs to the family, not the cemetery. The cemetery people will maintain the grounds, but they will not touch headstones.

You are well within your rights to touch it up yourself. This can include painting over the faded lettering as per your post, but can also extend to things like moss & lichen removal, polishing etc.

For best results I would consult with a monumental mason - at best they will offer to do it for you (for a price) - at worst they may recommend a product you can use for DIY.

If you can track down the masons who originally installed the stone you should start with a call to them - they may take care of it at no charge as part of their service.

The views expressed by me are not necessarily those of my employer Chorus NZ Ltd