Cleaning marble gravestone.

[Dollychris]

My mum-in-law's White marble headstone has become dull and dirty and the Black lettering has faded.
Could someone advise me on cleaning and re-lettering please?
Thanks in anticipation.

[CheekyChops]

See the answer to this question a bit lower down:

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Home-and-Garden /Question418455.html

[RATTER15]

Now we have to a little careful here!! on many marble gravestone the lettering is sitting flush with the surface of the stone, looking like it has been painted on, well it isn't paint and hasn't been painted at all. The lettering is incised and then lead is hammered into the incised lettering, the lead being a very dark grey. To clean this lettering and the gravestone, I would recommend the use of 220 grit wet and dry abrasive paper wrapped around a piece of wood along with a bucket of water to keep it really wet. Do not attempt to paint the lettering, do not use pumice stone on this type of lettering.

[Dollychris]

Thank you for your prompt answer and advice to look at the answer from Ratteris concerning similar enquiry CheekyChops.
The lettering is incised and is definitely painted as it has just disappeared with time with some Black lettering still left. It is getting very hard to make out the inscription though.
Also could you let me know how to clean the marbel gravestone please Ratteris as it is very dirty.
Many, Many thanks to you both.

[Dollychris]

Oops sorry Ratteris and Cheekychops I've just re-read the advice and it says to clean the gravestone with the wet and dry 220 grit paper and water.
Sorry been taking care of the grandchildren all day and so tired!
Thank you both once again.

[picklesjones]

White marble is delicate so make sure you test anything you put on it in a small incospicous area. I would get an actual marble cleaner and then apply a sealant after relettering. headstonecleaning.info has some good information.