Memorial Cleaning & Restoration
The memorials we create to honor our loved ones face the same passage of time that touches us all. At Shevchenko Monuments, we understand that preserving these sacred tributes is meaningful to families.
As weather and time begin to wear away your loved one's memorial, our meticulous restoration work can restore its beauty and dignity. We help these silent tributes continue to tell their stories of love and memory for many years ahead.
Types of Damage We Address
The markers that honor our loved ones must face many years of harsh weather and other outdoor forces. Each issue leaves a unique mark on these valued memorials.
Our restoration approach combines reverence for what these monuments represent with technical expertise that addresses the specific conditions faced by memorials in central New Jersey and Staten Island, NY.
BEFORE
AFTER
Weather-related Deterioration
Our local monuments face significant seasonal challenges that silently affect their appearance and structural integrity. Freeze-thaw cycles create microscopic cracks that worsen over time, while constant sun exposure can fade inscriptions and cause uneven weathering.
Our restoration process specifically targets these climate-related issues with specialized sealants and UV-resistant treatments developed for our region's unique weather patterns.
We understand how our local environment affects various memorial materials, enabling us to provide protective measures that preserve the beauty of your loved one's monument.
Staining and Discoloration
The gradual accumulation of nature's touch can obscure the clarity and beauty of a memorial over time. We address multiple sources of monument discoloration using techniques that restore the original stone without harm. Our specialists gently remove biological growth, such as moss, lichen, and algae, using carefully formulated biocides that eliminate organisms while preserving stone surfaces.
Rust and mineral staining from nearby metals, soil conditions, or irrigation systems receive specialized treatment, as do tree sap and organic matter that can permanently etch surfaces if left untreated.
Even in cases of graffiti or vandalism, our team employs specialized removal techniques that preserve original finishes while erasing unwanted marks.
Structural Issues
The stability and integrity of your loved one's memorial require attention to emerging structural concerns before they compromise the monument. Our skilled artisans repair hairline cracks before they threaten structural integrity, and restore chipped edges and corners using material-matching techniques that blend seamlessly with the original stone.
Many older cemeteries in Staten Island and Central NJ have monuments with settling or foundation problems. For these, we offer careful stabilization work that protects both the memorial and the surrounding grounds.
We also address joint deterioration between monument sections that can lead to instability, ensuring the memorial remains a strong presence for decades to come.
Inscription Restoration
The words and symbols chosen to commemorate a life provide comfort and connection for generations of visitors. We specialize in restoring clarity to family memorials through techniques that match the original craftsmanship.
Our artisans offer hand re-cutting of faded inscriptions, lead letter restoration for traditional monuments, and modern enhancement methods for barely visible engravings.
Throughout the process, we meticulously match original fonts and styling, preserving the authentic character of the memorial while renewing its voice.
Materials Expertise
Each memorial material speaks in its voice and requires specialized care to preserve its unique qualities. Our restoration craftsmen bring material-specific expertise to every project, honoring the unique properties of each monument we work on.
Granite Restoration
As the most common monument material in local cemeteries, granite requires specialized care techniques that we have developed over generations of experience.
Our restoration process utilizes diamond polishing systems that restore the original luster without removing excessive material, along with proprietary cleaning solutions specifically formulated for various granite colors and finishes.
When addressing cracks, we employ repair techniques using granite dust from the original quarries whenever possible, ensuring seamless visual integration. Following restoration, we apply specialized sealants that allow the stone to breathe while protecting against future deterioration.
Marble Cleaning Considerations
The luminous beauty of marble monuments comes with unique sensitivities that demand especially gentle restoration approaches. Our marble restoration recognizes these special requirements through pH-balanced cleaners that prevent acidic damage to calcite structures and gentle poultice applications for deep stain removal.
For older monuments showing signs of sugar deterioration, we offer consolidation treatments that stabilize the surface without altering appearance. Throughout the process, we employ historical techniques consistent with those used in 19th-century marble monuments, which are common in our oldest cemeteries.
Bronze and Metal Monument Care
We offer complete metal restoration services. This offering combines the restoration of the original look through traditional patina methods with the application of clear wax coats made from the same high-grade compounds used by museums.
The warm glow of bronze and metal elements requires specialized attention to preserve both appearance and structural integrity.
Our process addresses corrosion mitigation techniques, particularly important for monuments exposed to coastal salt air. We can also restore polish to newer monuments with bright bronze elements.
Historical Stone Preservation
Shevchenko Monuments proudly preserves historical cemetery markers, connecting present generations with our community's past. Our approach includes period-appropriate materials and techniques for pre-1900 monuments, as well as the documentation of historically significant stones.
For monuments of community importance, we consult with historical societies to ensure restoration honors original craftsmanship, and we employ specialized cleaning protocols for soft or deteriorating historical materials.
Discover the Perfect Memorial
Choosing a memorial tombstone is a deeply personal decision. To help you find the perfect tribute, we invite you to download our comprehensive memorial tombstone catalog. Inside, you'll discover a wide array of designs, materials, and personalization options, allowing you to honor your loved one with dignity and lasting beauty.
