Just read your interesting problem. Perhaps if you brought some talcom powder with you on the next visit to any headstone in such bad shape, aply it to the stone and let the powder creep into all the crevices, this may help to make it more readable. Of course when you'll have to be careful in then cleaning the stone with the thought that water (for cleaning) might not work well. Here, the soft brush would be quite handy. Just thought I'd throw this in for what it's worth. If it doesn't work, nothing's lost. Have an awesome day. Anne [email protected] wrote: > Tina Marie, > > Where is the Irish cem. you are writing about ? Your local Genealogical > or Historical Society may supply eager volunteers. It sounds like fun to > me. > > The first time I tried to photograph a moss and lichen covered granite > headstone, I couldn't read most of the inscription. > > Using what I had on hand, water and a rag, the crusty, grey growth just > slid off the headstone, leaving dark stain on the lettering. It was > perfect. The patina on the granite was not lost by cleaning agents or > rough scrubbing. A soft brush might be good to have, but used > cautiously. > > I believe very old buildings are cleaned with just water. It is so great > you are doing this. > Diane > > ==== IRELAND-CEMETERIES Mailing List ==== > Always send your replies back through the list. > Other people may be looking for the same information and your > answer will be stored in the archives for future researchers.