Difficulty reading an existing inscription

Older Inscriptions

We frequently take calls from people stating that they cannot read the inscription on the headstone.

Here are the reasons:

• Most likely it is that the headstone itself is wet.  When a monument is made without the use of hilite the lettering becomes a very similar color to the headstone itself.  The lack of contrast makes the stone difficult to read.  Go back when its dry or sunny.  An interesting fact – In parts of the world with frequent rain, ie. the UK, gold is introduced into the lettering so that they are always legible.
• Certain stones have a poor natural contrast and therefore require hilite.  Grey’s in particular.  It is possible that the hilite is no longer in the lettering and the monument itself will need to be “repainted”.  Never attempt this on your own.  Call us and we will be happy to look after it.
• The monument may need cleaning.  Conditions like soot, dirt, bird droppings, grass clippings and oxidation may have penetrated the lettering or the panel in which the lettering is and make legibility difficult.  Simply call us and we will look after it.