Headstone Letter Restoration, we specialise in carefully reviving faded or weather-worn inscriptions on memorials across the UK, restoring their clarity, beauty, and meaning.

Over time, exposure to rain, wind, frost, and pollution can cause lettering to fade, making once-clear tributes difficult to read.

Our team of skilled stonemasons uses traditional craftsmanship alongside modern techniques to restore inscriptions to their original standard—or better—ensuring the words remain a fitting tribute for decades to come.

Why Is Headstone Letter Restoration Important for Memorials? 

Headstone letter restoration is the process of cleaning, recutting, repainting, or regilding inscriptions so that they are once again legible and visually striking.

It preserves the dignity and respect of a memorial while ensuring that future generations can read and appreciate the inscription. Many families choose restoration after years of weathering, but it is equally important for maintaining the value and structural integrity of the stone itself.

Which Types of Lettering Can Be Restored on Headstones?

We restore many different headstone lettering types, including:

• Hand-carved inscriptions – Traditional, artisan-cut lettering restored to its original depth and clarity.
• Machine-cut lettering – Precisely re-cut or sharpened to restore legibility.
• Laser-etched fonts – Cleaned and enhanced to bring back fine detail and contrast.
• Raised lettering – Carefully repaired and refinished for a prominent, defined appearance.
• Recessed lettering – Cleaned, re-cut, and optionally repainted for improved visibility.
• Painted inscriptions – Reapplied with specialist paints for lasting colour and protection.
• Gilded lettering – Restored with fresh gold leaf for a bright, elegant finish.

How Much Does Restoring Headstone Lettering Cost?

The cost of headstone lettering restoration ranges from £100 to over £500, depending on the size of the memorial, the type of lettering, and the extent of restoration required.

Costs are primarily influenced by whether the work involves simple paint reapplication, gold leaf restoration, or full re-cutting of faded inscriptions, as well as the stone type, level of weathering, and any cleaning or preparation needed before work begins.

Contact Headstone Lettering Restoration to get customised prices for restoring lettering on your memorial.

Can Gold Leaf and Painted Letters on Memorials Be Fully Revived?

Gold leaf on headstone letterings can usually be restored, as we use high-quality 23.5-carat gold applied by hand for a rich, long-lasting finish.

Painted lettering can be refreshed using durable enamel paints in a variety of colours to provide contrast against the stone. Both techniques are sealed to protect against weathering, ensuring the results last for many years.

What’s the Process for Cleaning and Recutting Headstone Letters?

The headstone lettering restoration process typically begins with a gentle but thorough cleaning to remove dirt, moss, and lichen without damaging the stone.

If the lettering is shallow or worn, our stonemasons carefully recut each character to its original depth and shape, using specialist tools to maintain precision. Once the engraving is restored, the lettering is finished with gold leaf, paint, or a natural cut finish depending on the client’s preference.

How Do Memorial Specialists Match the Original Font and Style?

Matching the original font is essential for a seamless headstone lettering restoration. We analyse the surviving letters to determine the exact font, size, and spacing, sometimes working from old photographs or cemetery records when inscriptions are badly eroded.

Our goal is to ensure the restored section blends perfectly with the original design so that no visual difference is noticeable.

Do Restoration Services Work on All Stone Types, Including Granite and Marble?

We restore lettering and finishes on a wide range of headstone stone types, including:

• Granite – Extremely durable and weather-resistant, requiring diamond-tipped tools for precise, long-lasting results.
• Marble – Offers a smooth, elegant surface ideal for fine detailing, though it demands careful handling to prevent wear.
• Sandstone – Traditional and characterful, but softer and more porous, requiring gentle restoration methods.
• Limestone – Classic and easy to carve, though more prone to weathering, often needing protective treatments after restoration.

How Long Does Headstone Letter Restoration Typically Take?

The timeframe for restoring headstone lettering with a simple paint touch-up or gold leaf reapplication can be completed in a single visit, while extensive re-cutting or cleaning may take several days.

We always aim to work efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship.

Contact Headstone Letter Restoration for a consultation on restoring headstones of your loved ones.

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Make sure you contact us today for a number of great headstone letter restoration services.

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