Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Cleaning a military bronze cemetery plaque
Current question and answers:
Q. Will using WD-40 ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] damage the clear coat?
Frank Arellano- Orange County, California
February 17, 2013
A. I JUST FINISHED RESTORING MY BROTHER-IN-LAW'S MILITARY HEAD STONE WITH THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE, AND I HAVE TO SAY-IT LOOKS LIKE THE DAY IT WAS LAID ON THE GROWN. IF I CAN DO IT, ANYONE CAN. GOOD lUCK.
Steps to Restore a Bronze Headstone:
1.Choose a warm, dry day to do this process. If the area has sprinklers or gets watered, check the timing to ensure it will have enough time to dry.
2.Use the stainless steel brush to brush away dirt and corrosion that may be present on the surface. Move the brush in a variety of directions. It may remove some of the coloring, but that will be replaced in a later step.
3.Place a strip of sandpaper on the sanding block. Make it as tight as possible.
4.Following the lines on the stone, sand the tops of the letters using a back and forth motion. It will take some effort. You want to sand until the letters become brighter.
5.Use a folded piece of sandpaper to blend in any dents or chipped areas.
6.Mix a small amount of Ivory liquid dish-soap with water.
7.Use the scrub brush to apply the soapy water to the surface.
8.Scrub to remove any dust or residue from the brushing and sanding that was completed earlier.
9.Rinse with water.
10.Complete a second rinse with distilled water to make the surface as chemical free as possible.
11.Dry with a clean, soft cloth.
12.Allow the surface to air dry completely.
13.Next, you will darken the background with leather dye. Choose brown, black or a mixture. It may take several coats to achieve the final desired look.
14.Use the artist brush to apply the dye to the background and the sides of the lettering. Try to avoid getting it on the tops of the letters.
15.Let the dye dry completely.
16.Re-sand the tops of the lettering again to remove any dye that may have gotten on the tops and fix any blemishes that were missed the first time.
17.Brush any dust away with a soft brush or canned air.
18.Finally, spray a coating of lacquer over the surface of the plaque. Go over the plaque several times, using a different direction each time.
19.Protect the area from any blowing dust or debris (grass clippings, leaves, etc.) while the lacquer dries.
HANDYMAN - USA
A. There is all sorts of info on cleaning bronze in-ground markers. Some say it is difficult and others give wrong info. The markers are NEVER so bad we cannot make them look like new and so can you. We clean and restore these markers daily. Some of our customers are older seniors and cannot take care of their markers. We advertise in our area "we clean" or will help you perform the task yourself. We only want the cemeteries to restore their honor to the past family lying in rest. It is the right thing to do.
Lucy Cookgravestone cleaning - Youngstown, Florida, USA
October 19, 2013
Ed. note: Lucy offers some detailed advise about how to do-it-yourself on Thread 21436.
A. In regards to cleaning bronze plaques/markers that have been worn down by years of weather related issues, try using Brasso ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] , a product that can be found virtually anywhere, and apply liberally. Let it dry and wipe down with a non-abrasive cloth. You may have to do this several times but eventually you will restore the beauty back to its normal state and your "next of kin" will once again rest in peace! I hope this helps and comforts your thoughts!
Chris Stumler- Swansea, Massachusetts USA
April 21, 2014
A. If your Bronze marker is less than 10 years old and you have hard water stains it will take elbow grease and hard work. You will need a soap that is lacking in a lot of chemicals such as Ivory liquid soap and distilled water. Use a sponge, a soft brush and a soft toothbrush for in between the letters to apply the soap and fresh clean water to rinse. Dry off with a cotton towel or Microfiber towel, which I prefer to use.
After it is dry apply a paste wax such as Turtle Carnauba Wax. You may not be able to remove all the hard water marks especially between the lettering This will not fix the problem in a fast manner, it will take many times to get through the hard water stains. Later when you are happy with the results I use a car detailing spray for quick results. I figured some of this spray is used on $100,000 dollar plus cars it should work for my marker. I use only microfiber towels. It took me almost 3 months of cleaning mine two days and sometimes three days a week. I have read where some people are telling how to remove the protective coating on the marker, I advise not to mess with that. You will be having the marker redone before long which a 14 x 24 inch marker could be well over $500.
Ron Weiss- Modesto California U.S.
June 4, 2019
⇩ Related postings, oldest first ⇩
Q. I am trying to find a cleaner for American Legion grave markers that have turned almost black from the weather.
Gilbert T [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Dudley, Massachusetts
2002
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Q. I'd like to know how to clean a bronze military plaque that has been in the cemetery for about 11 years. We've tried polishing it over the years and it now looks very dull. One of the products we've tried is Brasso ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] which apparently added to the dullness of the stone. Sandy K [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Bay City, Michigan 2003 Q. Hi: - Sacramento, California 2004 Q. I too am searching for advice on the best way to clean, brighten up, a bronze historic plaque placed in the 1920s on an outdoor boulder. Last year it was hit by a black paint ball which we washed off with detergent and water. The appearance is very dull and dingy. E K Johnson- Easton, New York 2004 Q. I wish to clean a 12" x 24" nameplate that was cast in bronze. It has raised letters and a smooth background and has weathered over time to an almost black shade of coloring overall. The nameplate is affixed to a stone pillar and will most likely have to be cleaned while still in place. After cleaning, I would like to protect the finish to prevent it from turning black again. I would appreciate your advice. . Thanks very much. Bill C [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]Retired Do-gooder - Wethersfield, Connecticut 2004 Q. I NEED TO FIND SOME CLEANER THAT WILL CLEAN MY WIFE'S BRONZE MARKER. LEONARD C [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- DOUGLASVILLE, Georgia 2004 Q. My mother's grave marker is made of copper, it looks kind of bad from weather, water etc. Can you tell me if Wright's Copper Cream ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] is ok to use? It is tarnished from wind, rain, weather, etc. Louis Russell- Boise, Idaho 2004 Q. I am trying to refinish my brother's bronze name-marker on his grave. It has had a coat of some type of paint put on it in the past and I've used acetone ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! highly Flammable! to remove most of that … still trying to get it all cleaned off. I want to know how to get the dark glossy color back to the finish. Do I paint this again with another type of paint or is there a special finish I can use to achieve this? KEN WILESTROOPER - DELAND, FLORIDA 2004 |
A. Most plaques and markers come with a clear lacquer finish, this only slows down the oxidation process and after some time depending on the exposure you have to refinish the bronze to maintain the original look … so here we go.
If you have raised letters and trim and you are ok with a satin grained look, then you can sand in uniform direction to remove the clear coat, as you are doing this you will notice it is also cleaning and removing the oxidation.
If you have a recessed background color use caution not to damage the color, once you are done sanding and have done your detail work and are satisfied with the look … Now you can spray on a clear finish coat with a UV inhibitor.
VERY IMPORTANT
Don't touch the bronze after you clean, you have acid and oil's on your hands and this will leave finger prints that will show up in a couple of weeks.
Have Fun
- Los Angeles, California
Q. I would like to refinish or clean my parents' bronze grave marker. It is almost 30 years old. The cemetery office claims there's no product available in Hawaii.
Ellen Yamamura- Haiku, Hawaii
2006
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Q. What do you use to clean bronze cemetery markers. I am told at the funeral home, nothing will clean it ,has to be refinished. Very expensive! Hope someone can give me a method. Markers are over 30 years old. Thanks for any help. Jeannie Boring- Houston, Texas 2007 Q. Yes I would like to know how to clean the bronze plaque that my dad has on his grave. Tom H [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Fowler, Michigan Q. Hello I would like to know what is the best way to keep a bronze plaque in good condition? We would love to keep my daughters bronze plaque at the cemetery looking its best. - Dallas, Texas |
A. General Purpose Bronze Cleaner: Salt, vinegar
⇦in bulk on
eBay
or
Amazon [affil links] , salt and flour mixture on a brass raw water pump that was completely caked in black and green because it came off a 1968 Chris Craft salt-water boat. The pump was pure ugly!
Using an old basting brush, I gave it a nice even coating of the mixture, then let it sit. An hour later, I rinsed it off in warm water and ... well ... I'm humbled! This thing looks new!
If it can do this to an old pump, I'm sure it would work for brass or bronze plaques.
- Port Angeles, Washington, US
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