Made Bronze

Keeping Granite Or Bronze Gravestones Looking At Their Best

There are a variety of materials from which gravestones can be made from, but by far the most commonly used ones are granite and bronze. This is because of their durability and the elegant look that they offer.

However, though they are durable materials, they do still require maintenance and cleaning. So then, what are the best methods for keeping granite and bronze gravestones looking at their best?

Due to the robustness of granite, you can scrub it clean using as much force as you can muster. There is no need to be concerned that scrubbing too hard will damage or tarnish the gravestone, as this is almost impossible to do.

Should hardened water have left calcium deposits on a polished granite memorial, which can often give a hazy coating, the polished surface can be scrubbed using water and a detergent or non-ionic soap. A heavy duty, non-metallic scouring pad is recommended, although care must always be taken to check that it is safe to use it on granite.

You can even use a pressure washer if you have access to one, so long as the gravestone has no fractures or cracks, and is generally in a stable condition. If using one though, be careful not to direct it straight at any engraved or colored areas, as regularly doing so can diminish their effect.

Bronze gravestones are slightly more complicated to maintain, as they actually consist of two components. They comprise a bronze plaque that is mounted onto a base, which is usually made from granite or concrete.

The bronze part of the gravestone will have had a lacquer coating applied to it which will seal its original appearance in the short term. However, over time, the weather will cause this coating to deteriorate, and the bronze will then also be susceptible to deterioration.

This deterioration will accelerate through neglect, so it is important to tend bronze memorials with regular, proper care in order to preserve their finish. Restoration can be held at bay by using specialized wax or by purchasing a preservation kit.

The granite or concrete base of a bronze gravestone can be cleaned using the same methods as set out in the first half of this article i.e. through aggressive scrubbing or careful use of a pressure washer.

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At gravestones.org.uk, we understand the devastation caused by bereavement, which is why we aim to make choosing lasting gravestones an easy process.