Bronze headstones are highly popular types of grave markers in cemeteries across the United States. They provide outstanding durability and a very distinguished appearance, and you can be certain they’ll never go out of style. It is important, however, to keep up with at least some degree of bronze marker maintenance in Walterboro, SC. By regularly cleaning and maintaining the marker, you’ll be able to prevent a dulled finish and ensure it keeps its luster for many years to come.
Keep in mind that it is normal for the protective coating to wear down over time, especially when the grave marker is outside and deals with prolonged exposure to the elements. Some of the biggest factors that can affect the wear and overall appearance of the markers include exposure to the elements (especially in areas that get four distinct seasons), the age of the material (the older it gets, the more likely it is to experience the finish fading away) and simple human error due to landscaping mistakes or improper installation.
So, how do you maintain a bronze marker? Here’s a quick overview of some of the steps you can take to keep the grave marker looking great:
- Use the right equipment: Before you begin cleaning, gather up a pair of clean clothes, some distilled water, a non-ionic soap, a soft-bristled brush, a toothbrush, an applicator brush and some wax paste. This should give you everything you need to properly clean your bronze grave marker and restore it to its initial appearance.
- Remove all debris: When you arrive at the grave marker, start by removing any loose debris that is on top of the marker, including any leaves, foliage, dirt or other types of debris that might be on or near it. The idea is to clear the area so that you’re able to get to work on scrubbing the marker down.
- Scrub the marker: The next step is to get the grave marker wet with the distilled water and scrub the surface with your soft-bristled brush. You can use the old toothbrush to get into some of the smaller spaces and crevices that your larger soft-bristled brush won’t be able to reach, such as in between letters or designs.
- Wash the marker: After you’ve given a good scrubbing with just water, you can add a soap and water mixture and scrub the bronze marker further to remove some of the stains and other debris buildup that have marred its appearance. Here again, use the soft-bristle brush and the toothbrush as needed to clean the surface.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse off the marker with clean water and use a cloth to dry off the surface.
- Apply protective coating: This is important. Once the marker has fully dried, you can use a high-quality wax paste in a thin layer to restore the finish. Use an applicator brush to do this. This process fortifies the protective coating that’s in place. You can then buff the surface once it’s dry to create a smooth appearance.
For more tips about how to maintain a bronze marker in Walterboro, SC, contact Steedley Monument Works today.