Typical older tombstones are made of Slate, marble, granite, limestone, and sandstone. Weather, wind, rain, vegetation and modern day chemicals, such as fertilizers and cleaning substances can take a toll on these monuments. These are the only vestiges of a marking to the final resting place of a descendent. Many of these monuments are worn beyond reading. Some are broken from vandalism. Some are crumbling because of natural flaws in the stone.
One cannot “restore” a tombstone as that means to make as new. To conserve is to be mindful and educated in the correct techniques of repair. To do less than our best means that these works of art may not last through another generation. Through careful cleaning, resetting, and repairs this can be accomplished.                                         
It doesn’t have to be expensive!    

                                 About Me                              
Ingrid McDonald has taken courses in cleaning, resetting , and repairs from professionals in the field of old stone conservation. I am dedicated to keeping these treasures around for many more generations as most modern cemeteries are either not allowing above ground monuments or relatives are leaning towards a less expensive burial traditions. I am dedicated to educating others about proper techniques. I not only offer to do the work for you, but we will give you the ability to continue or perform the work after I leave.

    Cleaning and resetting costs depend on the size and the condition of the monument. I will be happy to give free estimates. Travel costs may be necessary depending on how far I must travel. The cost of repairing stones varies. I will not gouge your pocketbook. I understand how tight budgets are. It would be my pleasure to work with you. 

I won’t promise something I can’t do.      

An old quarried white marble or limestone gravestone can never be restored to its original color. They should not look shock white as if they were painted.
All stones are porous. Throughout the years contaminants from the air, vegetation, ground, and even from vandals accumulate on the surfaces of these gravestones. Some are absorbed into cracks, crevices, and pores. This means that rusts, paints, polymers from items such as shaving cream, tree fungi, etc. deposit themselves far into the stone. Cleaning the surface will not remove those deeper stains.
There are individuals who claim to be restorers that show shock white stones as their testament to their work. They highlight the amount of stones they have worked on as their qualifications to work for you. The truth may be that these individuals essentially remove the outter skin of the stone using power washers, sand blasters, brushes mounted on motorized tools, or use harsh chemicals or acids. These processes cause damage and could accelerate the deterioration of the monument. The damage may not be apparent right away but over the years the carving becomes harder to read and adornments fade. 
Before employing anyone to work for you, you should ask some important questions.

What training have they had? In other words are they investing in themselves to learn as much as they can from professionals in the field? Self trained people who "learn as they go" are not necessarily doing a good job. If they employ other assistants, what training have those individuals had? Does any of that training  involve masonry work involving old mortars?  
 
Can you see their work and do they have references? Also ask those references if they witnessed the work being done.
 
Would the person(s) be willing to teach as they work? Meaning would they be willing to explain exactly what they are doing or going to do, and why?  

What materials will they use to clean, reset, or repair?

Will they document all aspects of a project both before and after? This should be included in the estimate.

Will you recieve a final report? This report should include before and after photos. It should document the stone from all sides. It should also include all methods used to clean, reset, or repair a stone or monument.

What do you expect from them and what do they expect from you? Clear and complete communication is vital from both sides. Don't assume anything. Estimates should be written and document what will be done. If unforeseen issues arise, how will that be handled and is there an understanding concerning possible increases in costs if those issues will require more time and repair materials?