Many diaspora families inherit a monument installed 30–50 years ago. The stone is tilted, the inscription worn, moss grown — what can actually be done. This article: what's realistic to restore.
1. Deep cleaning. Removing moss, lichen, dust, decades of soot. Tech: neutral non-damaging agents + gentle mechanical cleaning. All materials. $50–150 by size and complexity. Visible immediately, lasts 5–10 years.
2. Re-polishing. Restoring mirror finish to polished surface. For granite and marble. $100–300. Like-new appearance, lasts 10–20 years (granite). Not for too-damaged surfaces.
3. Inscription refresh. If letters faded but groove preserved — repaint (black or colored). If groove clogged — scrape gently and repaint. $100–400 by inscription size. If letters fully lost — re-sandblast ($150–400).
4. Tilted-stone leveling. Settling foundation — dig out base, check and reinforce, replace level. $200–500. If foundation fully destroyed — complete re-install ($400–800).
5. Ceramic portrait replacement. Old porcelain faded or cracked? Remove old, order new ceramic from digital source, install. $80–200.
6. Mounting restoration. Letters (especially bronze) or fence parts loose — re-mount with new epoxy and screws. $50–200.
What does NOT restore. Deep stone cracks — basically can't be «sewn» invisibly. Fully lost engraved surface — only re-issue of inscription. Cracked stone — replacing whole is usually cheaper than «restoring».
Our service. Free photo diagnostics (send photos, we tell you what's possible and cost). Full turn-key restoration; warranty 3–5 years by work type. For Bukharian Jewish families with especially valuable old matzevahs — priority service with a conservation specialist.
Frequently asked questions
If total work $400–800 — restore. If $1000+ — usually cheaper to replace. Emotional and historical value of the old sometimes outweighs.