Renovation & Cleaning
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.
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- Before Renovation
Cleaning
Wash, machine clean or reface
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 Lettering
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.
Renovating and Re-fixing Memorials
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.
We can help
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I design my own Memorial Stone?
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 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.
Can I pay by instalments?
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 12 weeks after receipt of second installment).
Do we need to make an appointment to visit your showroom?
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.
TESTIMONIALS
We can not recommend Memorials of Distinction highly enough. As a family we wanted to order two memorials for two cemetery family plots, this could have been very stressful. From the moment of making the initial phone call to book an appointment at the Dunstable branch to completion of the memorials, the staff were very polite, friendly and helpful with a good knowledge to advise on how the end product would look. This was all during the COVID pandemic and although there was a delay at the docks on the material being delivered we were constantly kept updated with the progress. Now the memorials have been placed we could not be more pleased with the quality of the workmanship and without doubt would certainly recommend this company. Many thanks to all staff involved.
Jennifer & Lorraine T. Google Review: 17/03/2021
I was really pleased with my husband’s memorial.. all of the staff (especially Natalie and Sim) were extremely helpful and kind during a very tough time. Thank you so much!
Alanna W. Google Review: 13/03/2021
An excellent service. They have designed three beautiful bespoke memorials on my guidelines – two not based on anything in their catalogue – and were always very prompt, friendly, and helpful with their advice. I am more than satisfied with the results. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Rosemary G. Google Review: 02/03/2021
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