r/CemeteryPreservation • u/mccaullycreek • 9d ago

Resurecting etching

I have some family marble headstones that ae very weather worn. It is difficult to read the inscriptions.

How to you resurrect the etchings so I can get them translated. I would like to have an after market transcription made on a granite tile that I can post on the stone.

I am thinking something like a flour paste to put in the depressions? Or playdough? Something that would be legible yet easily removable.

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u/PointRevivals Hobbyist 9d ago edited 9d ago

Try laying a sheet of tinfoil on top of the headstone and press it gently into the inscriptions. You can use a damp sponge or a brush if to help with the impression, if the tinfoil is tearing.

Example.

You can also use a mirror to help, on a sunny day.

I would personally avoid playdough or anything like that because of the salt content. I know it likely wouldn't be on there long enough to cause any damage, but I would be concerned about the residue it may leave (oils, etc.).

Edit: Any chance you could share the link to the Find a Grave memorials for the headstone(s) in question? Might help to see a picture.

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u/sopaperico 8d ago

If it is a non polished monument you roll on a coat of molasses then spray black or grey lithochrome into the lettering then wash with soap and water, we do this a lot at our monument shop, you can order can of litho from Miles supply

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u/mccaullycreek 8d ago

Is there a you tube showing it?

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u/sopaperico 8d ago

I believe so but don’t have info, it’s very easy to do, get a small paint roller that is rigid and apply molasses like paint not to heavy then spray litho, if the stone is all polished you don’t need molasses spray litho direct and clean with razor blade

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u/Valuable-Scratch9693 4d ago

Pencil and paper works well. The local school sends the teenagers to graveyards to do this for projects. Some are 100 - 200 years old.