Our workshop staff have many years of experience cleaning and renovating memorial stones. The techniques will differ according to the material and the age of the stone but the results can be stunning. Sometimes, as with the example below, we will reface the inscription panel and cut brand new lettering which not only leaves the memorial looking great but can also allow for extra words to be added or corrections to be made.
Cleaning is most often required for porous stones such as Marble, Nabresina, Portland and York Stone as they suffer more from the effects of time and weather. Some masons choose to use a stone cleaner to ‘wash’ the memorial, this will achieve a certain standard but is not always very effective or long lasting. At Memorials of Distinction we prefer to ‘machine clean’ the stone – this involves removing a thin layer from the surface of the memorial revealing fresh stone, stone that was formed 1000’s of years ago! This technique can leave the memorial looking almost new and retains the original lettering.
With some very old memorials however, where the lettering is not cut very deeply or the weathering is severe, machine cleaning is not suitable. The inscription would not be clear enough. Where this is the case we would suggest ‘re-facing’ the stone and re-lettering it (the example above is a re-face and re-letter). As you can see, this leaves the memorial looking like new.
Lead filled lettering stands proud of the surface of the stone so can often be difficult to clean with a machine. To address this we use a combination of stone cleaner and machine cleaning. Unfortunately, some stains are so deep they will never come out – see example front centre of base – an orange stain that was not obvious before it was cleaned.
When we renovate memorials they are re-fixed to the current NAMM regulations which involves new stainless steel dowels and ground anchors where relevant. Sometimes foundations will also have to be replaced. Often renovation work has to be carried out at dry times of the year as wet stone is difficult to clean.
If you have a memorial which needs cleaning or renovating, our staff will be able to advise on the best course of action for your individual circumstances and budget. Contact us for more information and a no-obligation quote.
If the particular shape or style of memorial you would like is not in our standard collection, we will be happy to work with you to create something bespoke. Whether it is just swapping one type of vase or grave statue for another or creating a whole new design, we have the expertise to guide you through it. Call or email us to discuss in more detail or use our Live Chat feature on the bottom right of your screen.
Our standard terms for payment are as follows:
First Installment
20% Deposit when memorial ordered as above.
Second Installment
75% of balance plus burial ground fee payable when permit received from cemetery or church authority. Obtaining permit takes on average 2-3 weeks from first installment.
Final Installment
Final balance payable on completion (ie. when memorial is in place, approximately 16 weeks after receipt of second installment).
You are welcome to drop by and see us if you happen to be in the area but we prefer customers to make an appointment if possible. That way we can make sure there is a member of staff available to help you for as long as you need.
Everyone at Memorials of Distinction have been so professional, caring and excellent from start to finish with providing me a wonderful memorial to my dad. They listened to my requirements, kept me up to date with the progress and the memorial produced was perfect. I would happily recommend Memorials of Distinction to anyone and so very pleased I chose them. They so deserve the 5 star rating.
Frances H. Google Review: 28/04/2022
Great service from start to finish. Very happy with gravestone design, materials used, installation, staff communication and value for money. Thanks from all the family.
Beckenham Crematorium, Kent.
Peter K. Google Review: 06/04/2022
Absolutely outstanding service from start to finish. I am so glad I found this company! Every single person I have been in contact with has been so kind, understanding and there to cater to my needs. My sons headstone and kerb is fabulous and much more than I could have dreamed of. They dealt with me with compassion and talked me through every step of the process.
This was a bespoke memorial
Spring Gardens Cemetery, Abingdon, Oxfordshire
Chelcie B. Google Review: 11/03/2022
Factory & Showroom (Head Office)
The Memorial Works
Southfields Road Dunstable LU6 3EP
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