Unsightly and Nearly Illegible Headstone 

The Nemitz family was concerned that grime, pollutants, and contaminants could cause the surface of their loved one's granite and bronze headstone in Mesa, Arizona, to deteriorate. They reached out to Beyond Stone Solutions for professional headstone restoration services. We explained that in addition to taking care of their concerns about preservation, we could restore the appearance of the headstone by removing the calcium deposits causing the dark granite to have a light, chalky appearance. This discoloration was obscuring the name and epitaph on the headstone.  

How We Restored the Headstone

The calcium and mineral deposits likely originated from a combination of the water from the cemetery irrigation system, rain, and chemical reactions within the environment. 

Our highest concern was to remove the deposits without causing without causing any harm to the stone itself. That meant we had to start with the gentlest methods possible. We removed loose debris, used plain water to wet the stone, and applied a professional stone-safe cleaning solution designed to remove calcium and mineral deposits. Using a soft brush, we agitated the solution and worked it into the porous surface. It had taken years for the deposits to build up. With some dwell time, patience, and persistence, we were able to remove most of the deposits this way. We used a mildly abrasive cleaning pad to carefully remove the remaining discolorations.

“We sealed the granite with a penetrating sealer and the bronze with a product developed specifically to protect the bronze from patina and ensure the easiest maintenance moving forward.”  -- Ryan Tonnemacher, General Manager, Beyond Stone Solutions

The family was very pleased that we were able to achieve the desired results. The impressive, deep, rich color of the granite once again serves as a proper backdrop for the most important element of the memorial, the bronze inscriptions.

To learn more, visit our Granite Services page.