You might not notice it right away, maybe the letters just seem a little dull at first, but over the years, weather starts to take its toll. Rain, frost, and lichen can slowly wear down headstone lettering and, before long, names and dates that once stood out clearly begin to fade into the stone.
We restore memorial lettering across Gloucestershire, from Coney Hill to Cheltenham Cemetery, so your family’s words endure. Whether it's light repainting or detailed gold re-gilding, our work focuses on preserving what’s already there, not replacing it. That’s the value of skilled restoration, it keeps the original tribute intact while bringing it back to life.
Our headstone lettering restoration Gloucestershire service is carried out by hand, with attention to detail at every step. It’s subtle, careful work, but it makes all the difference when a name can be seen again.
What’s Included in Our Headstone Inscription Restoration Service
Most of the stones we see have been out in the weather for decades. The lettering fades gradually, first it’s just a bit dull, but over time, entire words can vanish into the surface. Our job is to bring them back, clearly and respectfully.
We usually begin by cleaning the area around the inscription. It’s not a heavy scrub, just enough to clear off moss, lichen, and dirt so we can see what’s left. Some stones need more prep than others, depending on how long it’s been.
If the letters are too shallow, we’ll re-cut them by hand. Sometimes just a little deepening makes a huge difference. Once that’s done, we move on to the finishing stage, either repainting the text in black or re-gilding with 23.5-carat gold leaf. We try to match the original look wherever we can.
In some cases, people ask us to add a name or date while we’re working on it. Others want the full inscription panel repainted to give it a uniform finish. That’s always an option.
We also send photos after the work’s done, especially if family members aren’t nearby to see it in person.
Our headstone inscription repair Gloucestershire service is done by hand, with care. We don’t rush jobs, we take the time to complete careful restorations that ensure what was written once is seen again, clearly, and for years to come.
Why Choose GraveClean for Gloucestershire Lettering Restoration
We’ve worked at sites all across Gloucestershire, from large cemeteries like Cheltenham and Coney Hill to small, tucked-away churchyards near Cirencester and Tewkesbury. Every site is different, and knowing how each one is managed makes a big difference. Some require specific permits, while others have restrictions on materials. We stay on top of all of that so families don’t have to.
Because we’re local, we also know the stones themselves. Gloucestershire headstones are often cut from Cotswold limestone, Forest-of-Dean sandstone, or granite, each with its own unique needs and requirements. The tools and materials we use are chosen to match, not force a result that doesn’t suit the stone.
When it comes to finishes, especially Gloucestershire headstone gilding, quality matters. We don’t use shortcuts or imitation gold paint. Our gilding uses 23.5-carat leaf and follows techniques inspired by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s maintenance standards. The result is a crisp, long-lasting finish that catches the light just as it should.
We also follow local regulations. Our work adheres to Gloucester City Council’s cemetery guidelines, and when we’re restoring older stones in churchyards, we apply eco-safe paints that meet Caring for God’s Acre recommendations.
Add to that our fixed, transparent pricing and before-and-after photos with every job, and you’ll always know what’s being done, and why. There’s no guesswork or surprises, just a respectful, careful service from a team that’s done this work for years.
How Much Does Headstone Inscription Restoration Cost?
We try to keep the process as straightforward as possible, including the cost. Pricing depends on the type of work and the condition of the stone, but everything’s quoted upfront so you know exactly what’s involved before we begin.
A basic single-colour repaint starts from £ and full 23.5-carat gold re-gilding begins at £. If you’re adding a new name or date, that’s priced separately, usually from £ per inscription. We’ll always confirm everything in writing so there are no surprises later.
Some families choose to have the whole inscription panel repainted at the same time, just to give the stone a uniform finish. Others ask us to match a colour or lettering style that’s already there, we can do that too. It’s all about working with the memorial, not against it.
We also include before-and-after photos so you can see the result, even if you’re not close enough to visit in person. Most restorations are scheduled within four weeks of booking, weather permitting.
Professional restoration often costs less than replacing the memorial and preserves the original craftsmanship. It’s a small investment that brings the words back into view and keeps the memory intact.
Testimonials & Customer Experience
Restoring a memorial isn’t just about fixing something old, it’s about bringing something meaningful back into focus. And for many families, the difference can be quite emotional. We don’t take that lightly.
One recent client shared this with us:
“Both Nathan and Lynne were a delight to work with - responsive, informative and provided great customer service. The results of the relettering and cleaning are a delight and both my father and I are very appreciative." - Stephen
This is the kind of feedback we never take for granted. Whether we’re repainting a single name or restoring an entire panel with gold leaf, every job gets the same level of care. You’ll have one person managing your booking from start to finish, and we’ll keep you updated with photos via email or text so you can see exactly what’s been done.
It’s that kind of transparency and attention to detail that keeps families coming back or passing our name along.
How to Book or Set Up a Restoration
Booking a restoration with us is simple, and it doesn’t take long to get things moving. You can either fill out our short online form or give us a call now, whichever feels easier. Most people upload a photo of the inscription so we can take a proper look and get a same-day quote back to you.
Once we know what’s needed, we’ll handle the rest. That includes applying for any cemetery permissions if required. We’re already familiar with how it works in places like Gloucester, Cheltenham, and Tewkesbury, so you won’t need to chase forms or paperwork.
Most restorations are scheduled within four weeks of approval, and you’ll be kept in the loop at every stage. We’ll send confirmation of the booking, updates when the work begins, and detailed photos when it’s finished, so you can see exactly how the memorial has been restored.
Request your free lettering-restoration quote today and keep your loved one’s words alive.
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