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Make Your Family's Bronze Grave Marker
Beautiful Again by Following These Simple Cleaning Tips
By Jasmin Legger
Bronze grave markers are dignified, elegant and
timeless. Bronze is a very popular choice for grave
markers. After a while it tends to develop a patina
which is darker. Many people prefer this antique look,
yet others do want the original bronze color back.
Whether one chooses to clean the bronze marker in order
to remove the surface or have it professionally cleaned
is a personal preference. There are many refurbishing
and refinishing services available that for a price will
help you get the patina off the marker and restore the
bronze marker to its original beauty. However if you
prefer to clean it on your own without the additional
expenses of having it cleaned by a professional team,
here are the steps for you to follow:
* If the marker is placed horizontally in the ground,
make sure to clean off the debris, leaves and any other
particles from the top of the marker.
* Use water on the marker to make it wet and use a soft
bristled brush to cover any large and flat areas. You
can use an old toothbrush for the areas around and
between the letter or on the raised decorations. Rinse
off with water a couple of times to remove the
accumulated debris.
* Use a non-ionic soap to mix according to the
directions on the package. Use any brush to scrub it
with this mix on areas that still have stains or debris
on them.
* Use lots of water to rinse and then dry the marker
well. Go over the whole area for a final checkup and if
needed, use the brush one more time for a final scrub.
Rinse and dry again.
* Do not use household cleaners, soaps, bleach or
detergents as they can damage the bronze for good. Also
bleach and ammonia can kill the grass around the marker.
If you've heard of using shaving cream on cleaning the
bronze grave markers, ignore that urban myth. It is
acidic and it will leave behind a residue that
eventually will damage the bronze grave marker
permanently. If your bronze marker is mounted on
limestone, use caution and be gentle as limestone is
porous in nature and it can scratch very easily.
Sometimes distilled water is also used instead of
regular water, both seems to be OK for the marker.
When the marker becomes damaged in due time, talk with a
professional conservator who will undertake repairs and
will restore it to it original beauty. |
