Simple answers about cemetery lettering.
Short answers to the questions families ask, from the first photo to the finished inscription.
- Stone Care
Why does a marble headstone have rust colored stains?
Iron in soil can leave rust colored stains on marble headstones. Request a photo review for a stained stone in Southern Vermont.
- Stone Care
Can lichen hide the lettering on a headstone?
Lichen can obscure a headstone inscription and contribute to stone decay. Request a photo review for a stone in Southern Maine.
- Stone Care
Why is a slate headstone splitting into layers?
Weathering can separate the natural layers of a slate headstone. Request a photo review for a damaged stone in Southern New Hampshire.
- Lettering Craft
What should I do if a name is misspelled on a headstone?
Send a photo and the correct spelling for a Massachusetts headstone so the options can be assessed before any changes.
- Stone Care
What should I do about graffiti on a headstone?
Photograph graffiti before cleaning a historic headstone, then request a photo review for a stone in Rhode Island.
- Stone Care
Should I seal a historic headstone to protect its lettering?
Coatings that trap moisture can damage historic headstones. Request an assessment for worn lettering in Southern Vermont before applying a coating.
- Stone Care
What should I do with broken pieces of a headstone?
Photograph broken headstone pieces and preserve their locations before seeking a restoration assessment in Southern Maine.
- Stone Care
Can I use a drill brush to clean a headstone?
Drill brushes can remove grains from weathered marble and limestone. Ask about careful headstone cleaning in Southern New Hampshire.
- Process
How can I confirm a death date before headstone lettering?
Check a death certificate to confirm a date for headstone lettering, then review it on the layout proof before carving.
- Stone Care
Can I use bleach to clean a headstone?
Avoid bleach on headstones because it can leave damaging salts in the stone. Ask about careful cleaning in Rhode Island.
- Stone Care
Can you clean a headstone if a freeze is forecast?
Headstone cleaning should wait during freezing weather or if a freeze is expected within 48 hours, because water can freeze inside the stone.
- Lettering Craft
Should worn lettering on a historic headstone be recarved?
The National Park Service advises against recarving eroded inscriptions on historic headstones.
- Lettering Craft
Can you add lettering to a cracked or leaning headstone?
We review a cracked or leaning headstone before confirming new lettering.
- Lettering Craft
How can I photograph faded headstone lettering?
Light from one side can make faded headstone lettering easier to read without applying anything to the stone.
- Lettering Craft
Can you add another name to a shared headstone?
We can assess a shared headstone for an additional name and dates beside the existing inscription.
- Cemeteries
What cemetery details do you need for lettering?
Include the cemetery name, town, and any section, lot or grave number you have.
- Pricing
How are characters counted for cemetery lettering?
Our calculator counts letters, numbers and punctuation, while leaving out spaces.
- Cemeteries
Who handles the cemetery paperwork for lettering?
We coordinate the cemetery paperwork needed for the agreed lettering work.
- Stone Care
Is headstone cleaning the same as restoration?
Cleaning addresses surface dirt and growth, while restoration considers worn inscriptions and other work the stone may need.
- Pricing
How much does it cost to add a year to a headstone?
Adding a four digit year costs $360 under our lettering formula of $300 plus $15 per carved character.
- Process
Does the headstone need to leave the cemetery?
Our lettering work is normally completed at the cemetery, with the headstone staying in place.
- Process
Will I receive a photo of the finished lettering?
We share a photo when the agreed lettering work is finished.
- Stone Care
How much does headstone cleaning cost?
Headstone cleaning is $450 flat per stone.
- Process
What is a headstone lettering proof?
A lettering proof shows the proposed wording and layout before carving begins.
- Lettering Craft
What if there is not enough room for more lettering?
We review the available space on the stone before confirming a lettering job.
- Process
How long does cemetery lettering take?
During our April through October working season, approved lettering orders are completed within six weeks.
- Cemeteries
Where does The Stonesmith provide cemetery lettering?
Our Massachusetts team serves Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, Southern Maine, Southern Vermont, and all of Rhode Island.
- Lettering Craft
Can new lettering match the existing headstone?
We review the existing letter style, spacing and layout when planning an addition to a headstone.
- Process
How does a photo become a finished headstone inscription?
Send a clear photo, your requested inscription, and the cemetery name and town so we can prepare a quote and layout for approval.
- Process
Which photos should I send for a lettering quote?
Send a clear photo of the whole headstone, including the base and the space where the new lettering will go.
- Stone Care
Why does headstone restoration need a custom quote?
Restoration depends on the condition of the stone and the work it needs, so each job receives a custom quote.
- Process
Can I request cemetery lettering in winter?
You can send your photos and request a lettering quote during winter.
- Process
How a Name Is Added to an Existing Headstone and What It Costs
An honest look at what's actually involved in adding a name to a headstone already in the cemetery. The craft, the on site work, the cemetery paperwork, and our pricing formula.
Have a question we haven't covered?
Send us a photo of the stone and what you're trying to do. We'll quote it; and if it raises a good question, we'll write a guide answering it for the next family.
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