In a message dated 1/24/02 1:16:48 AM US Eastern Standard Time,
skifri(a)qtm.net writes:
I have recently received a couple of different queries in regards to
sealing
bronze markers to keep the gold from fading, etc. From what I can concur, it
would be safe to seal these with a polyurethane substance, providing they
are not attached to another headstone. Can anyone shed some light here?
Cindy L. (Skiles) Frie
Please visit the Berrien County Genealogy Society website
Cindi,
I know You probably already have an answer to your question, but if not the
following is what I have found out since I first read your E-Mail. I was
curious myself. Checking with several Monument CO's. they tell me If you
clean the Bronze Tablet very good and let it dry, and on a warm day outside
with the Temp. 70% or above, spray them with Something like a clear
Polyurethane, or a good clear marine finish it will make them look good for a
while. NOW, the bad part, after a period of time the finish will weather and
begin to get dull itself. The sun, along with rain will cause this to create
a problem. Then you would have to remove that finish and start over again.
Also, if it is a Flat Bronze marker it will be run over by the
wheels of the mowers and begin to get small nicks and scratches in the finish
you apply. You may, and no one will say for sure, end up with a worse problem
than you may already have now. A friend of mine in the Monument business said
a Large cemetery here in New Albany, In. sometimes bring them in after a few
years and have them lightly blasted with micro Glass beads and take them back
to their Cem. shop, polish them up and replace them. Outside of that, no one
does anything around here, or the Louisville area. Good Luck!!
Jack E. Briles Sr
jb502000(a)aol.com
Floyd Co. INPCRP Coordinator
P.O. Box 444
New Albany, In. 47151-0444
(812) 282-6585