I posted my question on the Cemetery Preservation page of
Findagrave.com
--the following is a copy of that query and an answer from Raq Digati, a
cemetery preservation professional.
I know we just want to get that damage off the stone and make it look good
again, but please proceed with caution. More harm might be done by trying
to remove the paint, than has already been done by those who painted it.
Connie Fairchild
-------------Question----------
Is there anyway to remove the paint from the tombstones? By a volunteer or
even a professional?
Connie
-------------Answer------------
Hi there,
Paint removal is definitely a professional process... but depending on
several factors that include the kind of paint the type of surface and
stone etc. even a professional may not be able to get the paint off the
stone. In cases where the paint is on a very hard stone (like granite) and
in areas where there is no inscription and plenty of smooth open space the
last resort can be having the paint removed off by sand blasting which
will alter and compromise the surface of some stones. I have never
recommended sand blasting myself as most of the stones I've worked on were
too delicate and old for the process. In cases where I've had to remove
paint the success rate of getting it all off without changing the look of
the stone (i.e. spots, residual images, blast marks etc.) is about 50/50.
"Rustoleum" is an example of one of the types of paint that is the most
difficult to remove.
Raq
Edited by RDigati (10/01/08 03:10 AM)
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