Painting Headstone Lettering

Painting in letters of a v-cut headstone so it can be read more easily. This headstone is made of a speckled granite, which makes the lettering hard to read in it's raw cut form.

[@ViKee010]

You’re very kind for caring for the headstone of your grandparents. Many people don’t take the time to care. I feel every family or even every generation has one person who usually takes up the cause of making their stones clean and remembered. God bless.

[@foerstpeterson8977]

A wonderful restoration honoring your heritage! Families are not taking up the torch to care for these memorials. I struggle to care for our family lots. I pray the next generation will take over the caring. You are a blessing 🙏

[@Tomatoville]

Hi Brian. Don't let the naysayer crybabies here bring you down. You did a good job and I feel that you honored your grandparents by doing this. I've seen your headstone in person, as I do a lot of volunteer restoration and repair work in that section of the cemetery. My great aunt is buried under that pine tree in the background; small white marble stone, with her name and dates hand carved by my great-grandfather. She died of influenza at the age of five, when the Spanish Flu circled the globe. (I won't say the name of the cemetery here) Keep up the good work!

[@robertmcdonald4691]

Thanks for your Video Brian. The reason lettering no longer lasts is because before 1990s engravers used leaded paint; because of H&S concerns this is no longer allowed. After watching a similar video I decided to tackle my mother and father's headstone. I simply painted over the lettering and removed excess with a cloth soaked in paint remover (Tip: Hold cloth firmly so it doesn't get into lettering) I was very pleased with final result. As were other family members. Total time taken approx 15 minutes

[@hulitonuras4177]

I thought I was one of few people who care about the legacy and history of their family. Im sure we are still a minority but it makes me happy to see so many people in the comment section resurrecting their family history and working hard to preserve it. I hit the legacy jackpot with my family. I found a great grandparent who was a wealthy businessman. Found photos of him. Met neighbors who knew him. Turns out he had a large professional legacy tomb made that was abandonded and starting to chip apart but with the majority of the foundation strong and intact. The country its located in only required proof of lineage and a cheque and they were happy to have someone paying them and also maintaining the tomb. Its large enough to fit several people and I plan on renovating it and keeping it in the family. Thats how I came across this video. Awesome video and your grandparents are no doubt smiling with joy in the after life at all your dedication.

[@ctchickenmom]

For future reference, avoid anything metal when cleaning or detailing headstones. You run the risk of leaving scratch marks in the stone. A hard plastic putty knife will do the same thing, and won't leave marks.

[@LOGANIZM]

Using a flat scraping razor won't scratch a polished surface. It's actually the go to method for hard alkali staining..

[@jonesba2004]

Hello Brian, the headstone looks great! I am a professional cemetery headstone and monument restorer, and I just want to caution your viewers about some things: 1) This method worked wonderfully well because the surface is POLISHED granite. DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT attempt this method on a non-polished surface. Those surfaces are left best for professionals. With a non-polished surface, any paint you get into the letter will 'bleed' into the micro fissures on the outline of the letter, creating one big mess. 2) ALWAYS seek permission before making any change to a marker, even if that change is 'just' a cleaning. In Brian's case, he determined that no one in his family had been there and he wanted to make it look great, which it does now! But families are groups of people with opinions, so there may be problems in changing something that the deed-holder or heir doesn't want changed. (Deed-holder has FINAL say!) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. For example, moss and lichen may look like dirt to you, but may look like art and history to someone else. I actually do volunteer work as well as my professional work, but I won't touch any marker until I have received permission from the deed-holder or the heir. If that information can't be found, I receive permission from the cemetery. If I can't get that, I won't do it. Additionally, many markers may fall into the 'historical' category, and even cleaning them without permission may get you into deep trouble with the local historical societies. 3) ALWAYS educate yourself on cemetery policies. There may be insurance issues, historical issues, burial issues (you don't want to be spray painting when a funeral is in the area), consistency issues (every marker should look the same), etc. 4) I simply love to see people excited about taking care of their loved one's memorials! Ask questions, seek permission, have fun! And call a professional when you need help! Thanks Brian!

[@briancorey9690]

You make really great points! The key is definitely to be be tasteful and above all respectful of other cemetery go-ers, those whose monument you are honoring (at least in your mind, lol), and those that have the right to make decisions on behalf of the people that the stone is for. I also love seeing people excited about taking care of their loved ones memorials. It's sad to walk by an older section or a cemetery where all the monuments have been forgotten about after generations.

[@DianaRodriguez-jp8dx]

Jones Family do you think this method would be safe on Marble? Thank you in advance.

[@jonesba2004]

+Mala Rodriguez Hello Mala! Marble is extremely porous and will present with the same issues as non-polished granite. However, and this is a BIG HOWEVER, if the marble is completely smooth and polished, you may be able to use this method. But you'd have to carefully inspect the surface to make sure that there aren't micro fissures and breaks that would permit the paint to seep through. Once it's in there, it may never come back out again. I highly recommend having a professional look at the individual stone to assess the situation. Marble is much less forgiving to errors than granite. I hope this helps you! And have fun if you do it!

[@DianaRodriguez-jp8dx]

Jones Family it's not polished marble. Very porous, paint is chipped in the letters. Any ideas on how we can cut cost in doing it ourselves. This is my Nana s headstone. And it looks forgotten but I go every week. I live in S. AZ, VERY HOT. 115 SUMMERS. thank you

[@briancorey9690]

Mala Rodriguez You would be fine with the same method, but substitute a plastic razor. That wont hurt the surface at all

[@createyourwebsitenow]

Well Done Brian... I love to see Grandkids taking the time and making the effort. As long as someone is telling their story; they will never disappear...

[@Swede1066]

Very nice video. I can't tell you how nervous I was when you were talking about using molasses, spray paint and razors on a headstone, but the results look very nice. I agree with comments left by Jones Family. It is all good advice. Believe me, some cemeteries would have a fit if they saw you doing this. Another thing to note... at the 26:25 point in your video, you start talking about making granite markers to put in the cemetery for other family members. That might be difficult to do because of cemetery rules, especially if you do not own the plot. Last year I bought a grave marker for a great-great grandfather after I found his burial place. I had to jump through all kinds of hoops to get it done though. He was buried in a pauper's grave with no marker of any kind, in a section of the cemetery that had very few headstones or markers and was not even mapped out. I spent several afternoons there, mapping out that section of the cemetery myself and finally located where his plot is. I had to get permission from the cemetery to buy a grave marker and have it installed there. I was fortunate that all deed-holders and contacts on file have been gone for many years and there was nobody left to contact. Being a direct descendant, they finally gave me the green light to go ahead and have a grave marker installed. However, I could only buy the marker from a company on a list of approved monument companies the cemetery gave me. It was time-consuming and expensive, but in the end, I'm glad I did it, and the marker looks pretty sweet. Now he is no longer forgotten to time.

[@e.conboy4286]

PolarOwlBear, what a wonderful tribute to your great- great grandfather! I appreciate your dedication and determination to insure his life was indeed significant and you, Sir, are the living proof. God bless you, Elizabeth

[@RangerM98]

If I was dead, I wouldn't mind you experimenting with methods of painting my gravestone to show others whether it works or not ;)...haha ...you are awesome...thanks for sharing...and thanks to your great great grandparents!

[@stingraybeach9710]

A lot of people couldn't do as good a job as this their first time. This young man may be either naturally talented and careful, and/or used to working with his hands. Not to say "don't try this at home!" It's your family's headstone. Respect.

[@luked4911]

It is true that it is best to talk to cemetery reps about doing something like this.However, your main concern seemed to be with the family, maybe, not liking what you did? I would say that your Grandparents were and still are busting with pride for what you did. It was truly noble. Time is to short for us all and doing this to honor your grandparents was an act of kindness and caring that is so seldom seen now a days. Myself I have never seen this done this way with molasses and love the idea. Would have saved me a bunch of time and a stiff neck and sore back after I did my parents markers with a black indelible marker. This is a very unique way of doing it and makes all the sense in the world. Job well done!!!!

[@texscot316]

Thanks for documenting this! The result looks amazing. I'm sure anyone in your extended family who saw it would be very grateful for your work.

[@deannateuschler604]

My husband and I used your method on our mailbox granite inlay on our numbers. It worked perfect! What a great idea! We could not be happier. Thank You So Much, Deanna

[@brendakennedy3238]

I tried this proceedure cause I figured I had nothing to lose as you could not read the lettering on my great-grandparents/grandparents grave stone & it turned out AMAZING! I was so happy! Make sure to have some hot soapy water on hand (I had to bring mine as no water source at cemetary) cause it does get messy! Also, do NOT do it on a hot day as the molasses dries too quickly. I did one side on a warm day & went great but I did the other side on a hot day & had a much tougher time getting the molasses off! Thank you for posting this video as I am so appreciative!

[@martyrhea6173]

So nice to see a younger family member taking care of those long gone. God bless you.

[@hankfacer7098]

That was just amazing, you should not have felt bad about the situation. You have honoured your grandparents wonderfully, well done, impressed

[@pattimessenger6214]

Very nice! Your great grandparents would be proud of you!

[@wogcharriot]

thank you for this video. I learned from it and restored the lettering on my dad's headstone today. I didn't use molasses. instead I used liquid latex, which worked better when I tested it (obviously I let the latex dry before spraying over it). I found that once I'd done the lettering and the paint had dried, removing the masking latex came off a lot cleaner with a scraper. the stone I worked on isn't polished, and had a slightly coarse texture. so when I removed the latex, I first used a scraper, then water with a pumice stone to smooth out any scratches I left, then soapy water and a cleaning brush before rinsing off. again, thank you for posting this video.

[@elfowl135]

OH WOW!!!!! Wonderful job Brian, and some good tips on headstone letter restoration.

[@pdunc1976]

a good tip when scraping like this with a razor blade,do it in a slicing motion instead of a plowing motion.good video,he did a good job.it really stands out and the deceased are smiling as they watched him.

[@e.conboy4286]

If I may add: use a light touch when you begin, a scratch is unlikely but lasts forever. .

[@trudybrunk4868]

Brian Corey, great work! Your family must be very proud and grateful that you honored your ancestors in a beautiful way. Thank you for sharing this.

[@jojo-ir9um]

Good job..your great grandparents Im sure would be pleased that you care enough to do this...very sweet

[@nathancagle143]

The best paint to use is lithochrome . It’s specifically engineered to stay on stone for years. I’m a stone engraver and lithochrome is best and standard for letters and designs

[@cmc300m]

Whats the best way to do this to an old sandstone crypt door? Just use a brush and litho?

[@tankmann1144]

How do I use it on military white granite without messing up the white granite?

[@joshharris9044]

The sorgum molasses does not need to dry. I apply lithocrome immeaditly after I'm done with the molasses. I allow the paint to dry for about 15 min then take soap and water and a scrub to clean the molasses off then use the cleaner stone to take off paint. Rinse and done.

[@Vermontita]

Wow. Stumbled on this. That looks amazing. Great job!

[@marter2006]

Good job, Brian! The headstone looks great!

[@Mari-B]

Such a great job and I admire you so much for caring to do this and honor your great grandparents. I am presently trying to clean my 2nd and 3rd great grandparents markers. Some as far back as early 1800's. It's a job but I feel so good to do it. The older ones are losing their letters as they made them raised instead of indented. I am thinking I could put paint on the raised letters and they will be readable. Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@alankeyes1836]

Great video! Shows lot of patience and care when doing this project. Very informative, too. I can't wait to try it on my ancestors buried in upstate New York. Thank you.

[@davidedwards9591]

Don't use a common spray paint from Lowe's, they make a paint for carved granite. Lithochrome is the brand name, probably can find it online if not it will have to be a supply house that caters to monument industry

[@Theesaladshooter69]

Granite city tool or Miles granite supply is where we order our litho

[@raywhitsell6614]

Well done.....good grandson, and very thoughtful!

[@lindapierce4726]

You are a very smart young man!!!! Great Idea. I love your thoughts about the stones letters

[@noreliagaeta8505]

Amazing! The end result is Beautiful and Professional looking. If I had not seen your video and walked by your great grandparents grave I would have thought the painting was done by a company. Wish I had seen your video sooner before I hand painted each letter individually on my brother's headstone. Thank you so much for your video. You have s new subscriber.

[@rebekahfabina8919]

i just lettered my Fathers stone and your process worked great! Thank you

[@riverluvr1]

You have done an amazing job! Proud of you for taking time to honor them this way.

[@johnfolan3712]

9

[@e.conboy4286]

You are a wonderful young man. Thank you for caring for this stone and showing others how we can address ours.

[@joshharris9044]

Kinda slow going some times but this does get the job done very effectivly. I do jobs like this everyday and this little trick will save you time and money. Love the history lesson of your family also. Good Job.

[@e.conboy4286]

Josh, you are very inspirational. One day I pray a loooooong time from now, our Lord will say to you and others like you who cared, “Well done, thou good and servant.” Thanks, Josh.

[@HappierHeadstones]

I watched the video that you learned this from and feel the same way as you (where it feels so wrong). I still haven’t had the nerve, but am sure glad to see somebody watched the same video I did and I found you doing this. It looks GREAT! Ours is right on a busy street...literally, I am sure I would get the cops called on me for doing the one I am still thinking about doing, simply becasue of it’s heavy traffic location. (I do have documentation to prove that they are my parents though...I’ve given it THAT much thought). Yours looks fantastic!

[@chezyvette7139]

You are amazing thankyou for sharing your ideas 🇬🇧🥰❤️👍

[@GreatIraqYoutube]

Nice video, the upper line was written in Arabic my friend, it says "Mary Jaleet Abu-Hatab". Abu-Hatab is a last name, well known in Jordan and Palestine. Hatab means wood in English, it was mistakenly translated, as you know the last names must stay as they are. You're welcome!

[@briancorey9690]

Oh wow I totally missed this comment. Thanks so much for the translation. I love seeing this and getting context!

[@jeanniegutierrez7385]

Seven Seas i

[@staciemckenty-assal8949]

Thank you for explaining that. Could you possibly explain my last name which is said to be from Lebanon. It is Abboud Assal. I once heard it meant black honey but I'm not sure the person was being serious. Thank you

[@shrookbashir4839]

@@staciemckenty-assal8949 Assal means just "honey" without any specific type. Good name!

[@AddisonVolz]

I know this is a seven-year-old video, but wanted to thank you for making it. Just did this today and your video made it go very smoothly.

[@ryandariushwood225]

Hi Brian! I am a Wood of Syrian and Iranian descent also. We are probably related! You did an outstanding job on this project. I am doing something similar for an aunt's headstone. Salaam, akhy :)

[@greenharvestproductions6743]

wonderful job your grandparents would be very happy with you God bless you never forget your loved ones

[@rcharlton1973]

Awsome job. Thanks for posting this. I’m going to do my great grandparents headstone.

[@oneummah6795]

You have done a great job, looks fab.

[@nastyamy]

Hi Brian, a liquid mask or thin layer of Elmer's school glue might have been easier than the molasses. With the layer of spray paint dried over it, it would peel off easily. Your results look terrific!

[@e.conboy4286]

Amy, that’s such a great suggestion! I’d never thought of using Elmers School Glue. I must admit, I am wary of the molasses due to the bait factor. Don’t want anything to invite more critters. Thanks, Elizabeth

[@Mommaandherminis]

I actually am pretty sure the reason they don’t use glue is because some glues will bubble up when the spray paint hits it.

[@artist6135]

Great job Brian!!! Your Great, Great Grand Parents would be proud!

[@shellbacksclub]

awesome job! seem like a great dude. thanks for sharing!👍🐢

[@xenonkii6739]

This is amazing and that’s beautiful Arabica words so much love well done

[@annettescott7692]

Good job, it looks great! 0:55

[@fintan3563]

Beautiful! Your grandparents have been well honored.

[@jacquelinedelfonso1776]

That is very cool. Thank you.

[@PatriciaGarcia-ip6ge]

I am going next week to clean my parents big standing black marble headstone. I ordered a product called A-maze. from home Depot . the mortuary where I purchased headstone recommended that. I'm so scared to scratch it. The product came with a special type of sponge. I'm going to go purchase more hopefully at home Depot. It has water stains on it. I wanted to clean it tomorrow since it is my dad's Birthday tomorrow. but to much to do before I feel comfortable doing it. I will have my oldest grandson help me. because that stone is big and it has writing on front and back. I will call cemetery to make sure again that it's alright that I clean it. I think you did a beautiful job. and I know you never knew them and what you did makes it much more special. they are an extension of you. thank you for the video.

[@jonesba2004]

Hello Patricia. I've never used this product. However, if you did use it, would you please tell us your experience with it? Thanks!

[@wolfielonesomepine]

I enjoyed your video and I also am about to repaint my Grandparents (stone1) and Great Grandparents Headstones (stone 2). They are similar being made of granite with a polished surface. I too will be using 'Molasses' to repaint stone 2 with black paint but stone 1 is 'gold' lettering and think I'll use 'golf leaf' which needs a gilding paste/oil base. I've another 2 stone which don't have a polished surface which will need a slightly different approach. They needed very carefully cleaned, which I've started by just using water and towelling. I am now about to clean them with an approved headstone cleaning solution spray. I'm also gonna look deeper into the painting of the lettering because its different to the polished surface, When those stones are repainted and completely dry, I'm going to apply a wax coating. (However those stones are also needing their mounting repaired/replaced.) To scrape off the molasses covered paint from the polished surface you can use a diamond stone cleaning block or cuttlefish.

[@jenniferneisler7219]

what an awesome thing to do! I'm gonna do that for my dad and grandparents!

[@gerrbaby90]

It looks brand new! Great job!

[@sorelarrow6535]

Really impressive!

[@almontepaolilli4909]

Great video. Job well done. It was a labor of love to restore the gravestone so that their names and biographical information was readable.

[@sadiela1999]

Good job.. I am sure your family would be happy with your work. It really looks nice. Blessings to you and your Family

[@YouTubeStudio101]

Great job!! Very thoughtful and dutiful of you.

[@jennacide8513]

Remember lol intentions r what mean the most. And ur intentions were pure ur aurora was peaceful and ur video turned out amazing! They r honored for your time and restoring their significance to you 🌛🌝🌜

[@Alf-75]

That should be V-sunk lettering. you could tell for sure if there is a distinct line in the center of the letter. The craftsman who work on your stone would have use a chisel to smooth the sides of the letters and amplify the center line. when new those letters are quite readable. a good cleaning should have brought those letters back. With that being said, it is nice to see you careing for your family's monuments. Looks nice.

[@armiesep8710]

Bless your heart, I know you were a little nervous. Came out very nice, now I need to go to Forest Lawn Cemetery, and repaint the writing on my dad & stepmom headstone.

[@alexstewart8975]

A labor of love. I'm sure everyone would be pleased with your effort.

[@acelis007]

Looks great! Thanks for the video.

[@nlafaive]

Here are some items you DO NOT want to use when cleaning tombstones as they may cause irreparable damage to the tombstone you are trying to preserve: Wire bristled brushes or metal instruments Acid or acidic cleaners Household cleaners - soap (Ivory), detergents (liquid or powder), Borax, Clorox, TSP, Calgon, Fantastik, Formula 409, Spic and Span (or any other abrasive cleaner) Pressure washers Sealants of any kind

[@johnbaptist6254]

Such an excellent labour of love! 😀

[@stephenjordan7647]

He did an amazing job, people will definately pay you for it.

[@gaggymott9159]

Brian, that's a fantastic job 👍. I live in the UK, and my granny and granda's headstone cost £250.00 to get repainted recently.

[@lewiswebb1853]

Me and my wife have got a really big problem we went and tried to clean her Mum,nan and grandads grave stone because they are all buried in the same plot but the cleaner that we brought on amazon has made all the lead lettering lose all the black colouring and it’s all running down the head stone and i tried to scrub it with a Brillo pad and made it way worse. So now we have got to find a professional to repair the lettering back to black and clean all the rusty looking crap and my parents just told us it’s going to be very dear! What a dear lesson aye? LOL.

[@sarahwhite8698]

So very well done!

[@jencampbells]

U did an amazing job! What a thoughtful tribute to ur late family. I am doing the same for mine and just come across ur video! 🫡

[@Liz_S702]

I enjoyed your video and your humor! If everyone only had your patience.

[@yomothalova8245]

You did a beautiful job!!

[@lindapierce4726]

You shouldn’t feel bad about this you should feel good about bringing the stone to it’s beautiful it is very thoughtful of you!

[@corineknight6631]

I t. Looks. Great. After. The. Molasses. Was. Added. The. Letters looked. Very. Clear I love it

[@moonolyth]

Very finished looking ! Molasses is an incredible material for health... masking techniques and even mold making for metal. It will even de-rust any thing if left in a vat for 2 weeks.. 1 to 9 parts water the best !! mixed in sand you can make molds for casting metal. I used it for making a fish tank back ground mold... Designed the back ground using mud stones etc. then sprayed it with molasses/ dried it with a torch then paper mi-shay with cloth and silicon calking... then backed up with insulation spray foam. Washed all the mud away and Vila One mold.The molasses was used as a parting agent to keep the mud in place like glue and create a surface that would not glue/attach to the silicone.... worked wonderfully. I really liked the tip and your work keep it up friend.

[@BobTX041966]

Very helpful. I'm going to do my grandparents Theirs is flat as opposed to upright, and I was thinking of brushing, but masking with molasses is brilliant The lettering was white because the granite is much darker

[@Luke-ds5xl]

Hi Brian ,great job ,you did good I need to do it also but with white paint on salmon colored granite ,I will try like you ,thanks for the tip and Molasses who would have known :-))

[@1mean1]

Remember to always start your spraay pattern off the stone and bring the apray onto the stone. This way, you won't create any runs from starting the paint spray directly onto the stone and then trying to move without getting a run.

[@michaeldanello3966]

Brian, I don't read Arabic but I do know Arabic numerals. The topmost named person was born in 1895 and died in 1948 (what looks like an inverted "v" is the number 8; a stylized capital "E" is the number 4; and what looks like an "o" is the number 5.). Since they are the same dates as Mary Jollit Wood, it's probably just the original Arabic version of her name.

[@almontepaolilli4909]

You did a great job. Shows respect for your relatives.

[@kimc.4969]

That turned out great 👍

[@VampDaVegan]

Brilliant job well done 😁👍

[@cindybaird2492]

LOOKS GREAT!

[@jcmhanel1]

Beautiful!

[@mjnc3672]

Great work. I have always preferred Krylon spray paints as it dries fast, so allows multiple coats if needed without runs. In my experience with Rustoleum spray, it takes forever to dry, and more chance for runs & sags if you need 2 or 3 coats.

[@dwaynemerry6996]

Don't use anything but monument paint . Lithochrome

[@williamallison3444]

Good straight forward honest video.

[@AkSonya1010]

Thank you, my Mother and Grandmother's headstone is only 8 years old and it makes me sad that you can't read it any longer. I called the cemetery to find out what could be done last summer, 2020 and they said they would get back to me. Since they haven't I thought I would research what I could do for myself. Thank you for the ideas.

[@alightweightflying2978]

Did you try to do this for your mothers grave stone? And if you did did you use molasses or PVA glue and did you use either a gold or silver spray

[@AkSonya1010]

@@alightweightflying2978 I’m actually going to go tomorrow and work on it. I’m going to use molasses. I haven’t decided if I’m going to use white or silver. I was white but I like the idea of silver.

[@jimcrad]

Really great job

[@cherylmatthews4066]

Thats a brilliant job. I was worried at first. Xx

[@herbertainsworth160]

LOVE IT GREAT JOB I THINK I WILL TRY IT

[@MrRonny411]

this is great, well done

[@marysmith5509]

Great job ,,,looked very nice

[@elizabethmoroney1259]

Great job - well done

[@janicegilbert4029]

You did a great job

[@lenhowl]

Well done, good job.

[@janecharlton6780]

A beautiful job .

[@hottmommajudy275]

I’m surprised the cemetery let you do this on site, we had to have repaired somewhere else and then returned to cemetery. Especially since there’s a chance for spray contamination on to other headstones. Good video.

[@e.conboy4286]

Well, that’s up to the cemetery. There have been problems resulting from inexperienced people’s over zealousness, trampling on graves, littering, noise, curious children running around as in an amusement park, etc. Imagine this occurring during funeral service for one of your loved ones. Permission and scheduling is a courtesy necessity. .

[@syedmammar1]

Thank you!

[@AmyRessa]

It looks really nice. Not sure that I would try it myself...

[@davidjohnston351]

I'm curious to know that anybody in your family have anything to say about what you did I think you did a wonderful job