Painted lettering restored
See existing inscriptions restored, with combined cleaning and lettering work explained.
Painted lettering
Headstone re-lettering
Restore faded painted lettering on an existing memorial.
Paperwork managed
We manage the cemetery or council administration where permission is needed.
Talk to our team
We aim to complete the work within four weeks of booking, subject to cemetery permissions. Speak to us about the timing for your memorial.
Lettering restoration, before and after
See the existing lettering before and after restoration. The captions explain any cleaning or additional work shown.
Before
AfterBlack lettering on a pale headstone
The existing black lettering was restored as part of cleaning and re-lettering this memorial.
Before
AfterLettering on a granite plaque
This example shows the same plaque before and after cleaning and lettering restoration.
Before
AfterA plaque and flower vase
The plaque and vase were cleaned, with the existing lettering restored as part of the work.
Before
AfterA headstone, base and vase
This combined project included cleaning the memorial and restoring its existing black lettering.
Before
AfterWhite lettering restored on granite
The existing white lettering was restored on this granite memorial.
Before
AfterHeadstone cleaning and black lettering
This example combines cleaning the headstone and base with restoration of the existing black lettering.
Before
AfterCleaning and black lettering on marble
The pale headstone was cleaned and its existing black lettering restored as part of the work shown.
Restoring the lettering already on the stone
Our technicians restore existing painted inscriptions by hand, on site, using enamel-based paint. We remove old paint before applying the new finish, with the preparation suited to the lettering and stone.
Preparation for re-lettering concerns the inscription area. If you also want the whole memorial cleaned, choose cleaning in your enquiry so the quote can include it.
For new wording, see additional inscriptions. For gold-leaf lettering, see headstone re-gilding.
What helps us assess the lettering
A whole-memorial photograph and a close-up of the letters are a useful starting point.
The existing letters
Show us the colour, finish and areas where the lettering has faded.
The stone’s condition
Tell us about damage or other concerns you would like us to look at.
Where the memorial is
Include the cemetery or churchyard and any location details you have.
Any permission needed
Let us know about any requirements you have already been given.
From your photograph to a quote
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Send the details
Choose re-lettering and send the memorial’s location, your contact details and photographs if you have them.
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We discuss the work
We review the lettering and any other work requested, then explain the proposed finish and what the quote includes.
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Review your quote
Consider the work and price before deciding whether to go ahead. We can discuss any questions with you.
Headstone re-lettering FAQs
Is re-lettering the same as adding a new inscription?
Re-lettering restores the finish in the wording already on the memorial. If you want to add a name, date or message, see our additional inscriptions service.
Is cleaning included with re-lettering?
Preparation for the lettering concerns the inscription area. A full memorial clean is separate unless included in your quote. Choose cleaning as well if you would like us to quote for both.
Can you match the existing lettering colour?
Send a close-up of the lettering so we can assess its existing finish. We can discuss the options after looking at the letters and the stone.
What if the lettering is gold?
Gold-leaf lettering is covered by our re-gilding service. Send a photograph if you are unsure which finish the memorial has.
How much does re-lettering cost?
The quote depends on the lettering, its condition and the work requested. We can explain the price and what it covers after reviewing your enquiry.
What photographs should I send?
A clear front-on photograph of the whole memorial and a close-up of the lettering help us assess the existing finish. You can still enquire if you do not have a photograph.
Does the work need permission?
Requirements can vary between cemeteries and churchyards. Tell us where the memorial is and about any instructions you have already received, so we can discuss what may be needed.
See what customers say about GraveClean
Ask us about re-lettering
Send a photograph of the memorial and tell us what you would like restored. You can also speak to the team.
