Flat bronze grave markers are a beautiful way to mark the site of a loved one’s grave. They are often flat plates that are built onto the face of a granite marker. Many of them have designs and artistic elements that are raised to enhance a personalized message on the headstone. This type of market comes in many shapes and sizes and commonly incorporates imagery related to the religion or nationality of the deceased.
The bronze that these markers are made from are a copper alloy, which means that over time, weather conditions can cause them to become dull. They may also begin to develop a green coating on the surface. Some appreciate this coloring, but others would like to keep the bronze looking the same as it did when it was purchased. The good news is that cleaning bronze markers is fairly easy and will have it looking like brand new.
Soft Cleaning
The first thing you want to do is use a soft cotton cloth to wipe any debris and dirt from the surface of the flat bronze grave markers. You can also utilize cotton swabs to get into the grooves and crevices of the design. Do your best to avoid touching the bronze with your bare hands. Further discoloration from oxidation can occur from the oils in your skin.
Next, if you have a grave marker that is mounted on a stone or wood base, you want to gently wipe down the base using a wet cloth.
Remove Discoloration
After all of the dirt and debris has been brushed away, it’s time to work on the oxidation and discoloration. To remove this, you are going to want to create a paste using equal parts salt and flour. Next, you should add a few drops of vinegar and stir until the consistency of the paste is similar to toothpaste. At this point, you’re ready to move forward.
You’ll take this mixture and use a small cotton cloth to rub down the bronze plaque. You may need to do this several times to get the bronze’s shine back. Once you’ve satisfied with the results, use a different clean, dry cloth to dry the surface.
Final Touches
After this is complete, you will apply a layer of paste way to the grave marker. You can allow it to dry for about half an hour and then buff with a clean cloth. Buff until the plaque is shiny and repeats as needed. That’s all there is to it!
At Etched Impressions, we provide custom, high-quality grave stones in many sizes and styles. If you would like to learn more about our services, you can reach us at 904-693-1720.