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Remove Lichen from Tombstones by Vicky Smith
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Remove Lichen from Tombstones |
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Business
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Families place tombstones on graves to honor and remember past family members. The headstones also record family genealogical information, as well as community histories and heritages. Because of their constant exposure to the weather, the tombstones risk damage from the elements, animals and plants such as lichens. To preserve the tombstones’ conditions and extend their lives, remove lichen from them on a regular basis. Instructions as follows: Firstly, if necessary, obtain permission to clean the tomb stone. Secondly, examine the tombstone for any damage or signs of unsoundness, such as crumbling surfaces, cracks or stone strata flaking off. Prepare to clean the tombstone and remove lichen only if the material shows no problems. If problems exist, request the services of a stone conservator. Thirdly, mix 1 tablespoon of non-ionic soap with 1 gallon of water in a bucket. For tombstones carved from marble or limestone, add 1 tablespoon of ammonia to the water. For tombstones made of bronze or other metal, don't use the ammonia. Fourthly, using buckets to bring plenty of water to the tombstone, wet the tombstone thoroughly. Don't let it dry out during the cleaning. Fifthly, wash the tombstone with the brushes. Use smaller brushes to clean in and around any carvings on the tomb stones. Use the scouring pad if necessary to remove any calcium deposits. Sixthly, rinse the tombstone thoroughly, using plenty of water. Seventhly, making sure to keep the tombstone wet at all times, use the scraper to remove the lichens. Repeat the scraping process as many times as necessary to remove all the growth. Eighthly, wash the tombstone and remove the lichens every two years. More frequent cleaning and scraping may damage the marble or metal. Between cleanings, rinse the tombstone with plain water to clean off bird droppings or other unwanted materials. Ninthly, build a miniature greenhouse over the tombstone with the wood and polyethylene pieces. Cover one or two openings with the wire or fabric for ventilation. Tenthly, fill a bucket with snails collected from the cemetery or other location. Place them inside the greenhouse. Seal all the exits to prevent the snails from escaping. Eleventh, allow the snails to feast on the lichens and other biological material on the tombstone for at least two weeks. Check on their progress from time to time to ensure they have enough lichen to eat and won't not starve. Twelfth, when the tombstone is clean, remove the greenhouse and release the snails. Tips & Warnings Purchase non-ionic soap at feed stores or sheep or horse supply companies. Use Option 2 only during the spring months, to prevent the greenhouse from overheating and destroying the snails. Avoid cleaning tombstones with plastic brushes to prevent coloring from the handles staining the stones. To prevent irreparable damage to the tombstone during the cleaning, do not use Portland cement, acid or acidic chemical cleaners or abrasive household cleaners such as Borax, Clorox, Formula 409 or Spic and Span. Do not use wire-bristled brushes, any metal objects, pressure washers or any type of sealant for cleaning tombstones. Finally, let me have a conclusion. As a first-rated business E-platform of promoting stone industry, our client resource has accounted over 100 thousand spreading more than 100 countries and regions, with a visit volume exceeding 5 million times annually. If you are interested in us and want to consult us freely, you can also see polishing compound or become a loyal follower of us by @ https://twitter.com/stonebtb.
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