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Cemeteries provide valuable information about our history, but the information on tombstones can be lost to weathering, pollution and other damage. An overgrown cemetery may seem like a good project for an amateur restorer, but it is possible to do more harm than good if you don't know the specifics of culture stone conservation. Leave major repairs and cleaning to a conservation professional, but there are things you can do to protect the tombstones in a cemetery from the effects of time. ? Instructions as follows: Firstly, obtain permission from the cemetery association or property owner before undertaking any cemetery-restoration project. Secondly, clear overgrown vegetation around the tombstones. Use a mower and edger for larger areas between tomb stones. Use pruning shears to carefully trim overgrowth around the stones. Thirdly, find all tombstones using the cemetery map. Match each stone to the corresponding burial plot on the map. If no map is available, sketch a map of the visible stones. Note any extra or missing stones. Fourthly, record each tombstone in a notebook, noting the shape and material of the stone. Record any engravings or decorations. Fifthly, record damage and weathering for each tomb stone. Stones with significant cracking, breakage, or erosion should be repaired by a professional restorer. Sixthly, photograph each tombstone. Take photographs with the sun at an angle to the stone, if possible, to allow natural shadows to make inscriptions more visible. This provides a record of each tombstone before conservation. Seventhly, gather fragments of broken tombstones. Look downhill for any missing pieces of severely damaged stones. Eighthly, wet the stone thoroughly with clean water. Clean only those tombstones that are stable and in good condition. Ninthly, loosen any dirt using a soft brush and water, working from the bottom to the top to prevent staining. Rinse frequently with clean water. Tenthly, if stains remain, mix one ounce of ionic cleaning solution in five gallons of water, and use this to remove further dirt using a nylon scrub brush. Clean gently and do not scrub at stubborn stains. Eleventh, rinse sandstone thoroughly with water. Tips & Warnings After recording and photographing the tombstones in a cemetery, consider donating a copy of the record to the local historical society or cemetery-preservation group. Do not attempt to fix broken stones using concrete or glue, as these can further damage stones if used incorrectly. Contact a professional restorer for major repairs. Do not make rubbings or use shaving cream to decipher a worn inscription. Abrasion and chemical interactions can further erode the tombstone. Do not use harsh chemical cleaners or acids on tombstones, as these can weather the delicate stone. In a word, as a well known business E-platform of promoting stone industry, we have finally become the global top-ranking service provider of trade information, providing the most comprehensive, accurate, and efficient international stone business information for stone enterprises all over the world. If you are interested in us and want to consult us freely, you can also see sandstone block or become a loyal follower of us by @ https://twitter.com/stonebtb.
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