Many of our monument experts have been running into this question lately: Why do you charge so much more than other companies for mounting bronze plaques on stones?. October 2016 Please see below some of the work we have accomplished to restore some of Melbournes beautiful old headsones. Some signs your marker may need professional bronze repair include: If your plaque displays any of these indications, consider professional repair and restoration to return it to its former glory. December 2016 Because a hammer drill adds in a hammering motion while drilling it causes much more chipping and damage to the stone around the holes. Finally a quality 2-component protective clear coat will be applied. They just bought a house and both of them frequently wonder how they ended up making their life in South Dakota, especially when it's -26 degrees Fahrenheit in December. Well be using a standard 12x24 military bronze throughout the rest of this article. The next step is to actually drill the four holes into the stone for the bolts to be inserted into. metal plaque commemorative restoration stuart Create a paste by mixing together equal parts of flour and salt in a small container, adding a few drops of vinegar until the mixture has a consistency that is similar to toothpaste. After removing the bronze paint from the face of the plaque, we darkened the recessed area and then relieved the text and border to a satin finish. After the epoxy is in, the plaque is immediately inserted into the holes and double- and triple-measured to ensure it is straight and centered on the stone. Any info is appreciated Sincerely, we respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously, Here at Family Memorials, we offer complete. Once the sign is exactly in the middle of the mounting surface and the holes are marked drilling can begin. December 2014 dedication In this photo, one of our setters is using an open house sign that is the exact dimension of the plaque they will be mounting. This is the best option out there because it is specifically designed to be used outdoors when attaching stone to other materials (such as bolts). The epoxy will become super hard and keep the plaque in place for decades to come. This makes it much more difficult to ensure that the plaque will be centered, flat against the stone, and adhered well. In order to ensure that we get the plaque perfectly centered, perfectly flat, and adequately adhered to the stone, it is critical that we are working on a flat surface where gravity is our friend, not our enemy. The plaques are shipped in a cardboard box along with the hardware that is needed for properly mounting it to the stone. bronze granite | Legal Notice | 2000-2007 Bronze Plaques. Will the monument be for someone who has already passed? restoration renovation #2153979238, September 2018 A brand new bronze plaque mounted perfectly on the back of the slant. Over time, plaques even those cast from bronze require repair and refinishing. Occasionally dusting your bronze memorial plaque can help slow down the natural oxidation process, but it wont prevent it completely. (hint: we do it better). We set it on four lead beads and seal it off with setting compound. Architectural Signage Division of Saxton Industrial Inc. Saxton Bronze can refurbish and restore an older bronze, aluminum or brass plaque to good condition with a reasonable cost. memorials markers bronze CLICK HERE to Give us a Call 1(800) 658-2294, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiIk8NLyVLk. [slickr-flickr type=galleria search=sets set=72157627612440303]. The plaque will be machined and hand sandblasted down to the raw metal to remove the old finish and discoloration. November 2016 Our high-quality repair and restoration processes offer valuable benefits like: Our approach to cleaning and repairing bronze plaques follows these steps: With more than 80 years of experience, were proud to highlight the accomplishments of our plaque restoration services. That is why we charge significantly more to mount a bronze plaque on a stone. January 2017 We use a two-part epoxy resin manufactured in Germany for this task. Its best to avoid touching the bronze with your hands, if at all possible. At Erie Landmark Company, a division of Paul W. Zimmerman Foundries, we understand the craftsmanship and care required to restore these plaques to their original luster, which is why we offer trusted in-house plaque repair and restoration services. Id rather not drill into the stone. Then we will follow our standard procedure for setting a tablet on a base. He has a Bachelor's degree in Architectural Design and a Masters of Social Work. Now, lets walk through the actual process of mounting a military bronze to a granite stone that is already out in the cemetery, step-by-step and compare our process to that of the competition. plaques Ceramic, Porcelain, and China Repair and Restoration. There are four bolts that are meant to screw into the corresponding, pre-formed openings in the back of the bronze itself. Continue rubbing as needed to restore the original shine. By taking the appropriatesteps in cleaning bronze plaques, as well as repairing and refinishing them, our team has restored many bronze markers to their former luster and appearance and at competitive prices. To help us better serve you, please include the following information in your message (if applicable): In which cemetery would the monument be placed? It restores your marker to its previous appearance and protects it from the weather and elements once more. Now that the bolts are screwed into the bronze, they must somehow be inserted and adhered to the granite stone itself. We make sure to lay the stone on wooden 2x4s and/or pieces of rubber and not on the ground to keep the stone safe from chips or scratches. This ensures that there will be as little breakage around the hole as possible and that there is almost no chance of creating bigger cracks within the stone itself. We will then give the stone a wash using our granite cleaner so it will look just like new! The four bolts have been screwed into the plaque. Dustin has worked in the monument industry for just over three years. This is evidenced by the V shaped holes that we have seen over and over again on stones where the plaques have fallen off. Here is the final product! Dustin is married to his beautiful bride who he met while traveling in South Africa. At Erie Landmark Company, we provide plaque repair services for many types of markers, including: When its time for bronze repair and restoration services, trust Erie Landmark Company were industry leaders with a dedication to craftsmanship in bronze repair and refinishing. This is definitely the cheaper and easier option but is almost guaranteed to give you problems. This hammer action also puts the entire stone at risk of fracturing. Now that the plaque is free of dirt and grime, its time to tackle the discoloration. We use a standard driver drill to drill a nice clean hole with a consistent tubular shape about 2-3 deep depending on the stone we are working on. We have over 25 years experience in this field and all our work is fully guaranteed. bronze plaques signage dedication custom specification customized include portraits detailed logos meet artwork any Our hope is that when you are able to understand all that this process entails and how our process ensures it will last for decades, youll have a better understanding of why we have a higher price for this service than most of our competitors. We are a family business that has been in the monumental trade for over 25 years. We dont claim to be the cheapest monument company out there, but we do claim to have the best product you can find. Now that the plaque has been securely attached to the stone and has had time to set up, its time to put the stone back in place. bronze cast signs So if you are looking to restore your family memorial, please don't hesitate to contact us for a free apraisal. The oil from your skin can increase the level of discoloration from oxidation. He originally started working in the art department at Family Memorials and has also spent some time in our manufacturing shop. In the early days of the business, Zimmerman Foundries created custom parts for the U.S. Military and various businesses throughout the United States. This is where our process begins to vary greatly from our competitors and why our prices are higher. Thats why historical societies, local governments and businesses trust the Paul W. Zimmerman Foundries and Erie Landmark Company name. This means that we dont take shortcuts or use cheaper/easier to use materials. This is the stone the military plaque will be mounted to. The plaque is now ready to be mounted to the stone. It's our mission to treat every family we serve with dignity and respect throughout the process of capturing their loved one's memory in stone. Using a few simple materials, you can keep the plaque looking great for many years. Our competitors will often use a hammer drill to accomplish this step. Let the wax dry for half an hour, then buff it with a clean dry cloth. Well get started by looking exactly at what a bronze plaque is and what we are given with it. We'd love to be able to connect with you further. Once dry, apply a thin even layer of paste wax to the bronze memorial plaque. We transport the plaques to site in their cardboard packaging to ensure they dont get damaged in transit. Can you give me a ball park estimate of the cost to mount a 32 X 7.5 plaque on granite the right way so I know what to expect from local companies? plaque bronze relief bas plaques cast custom 3d memorial engraved brass x36 outdoor rounded garden etched buffed satin military leatherette The epoxy starts out as two different pastes that when mixed together undergo a chemical reaction that will cause the epoxy to harden after a few minutes. They just use silicone or a similar compound to attach the bronze plaque straight onto the back. medallions plaques That passion is why our experienced team dedicates themselves to their craft, ensuring every plaque refinishing meets our high standards for quality and service, as well as yours. And how much would it cost? markers bronze cast grave captions launch slideshow any Specialising in restorations and renovations of old monuments. If the plaque is mounted on a wooden or stone base, wipe the base down with a wet cloth. To keep the plaque in a state of maximum beauty for years to come, just follow this cleaning and waxing procedure once a year as a maintenance routine. Heres another angle of the stone. Sign up for our mailing list to learn more about who we are, what we do, and to have early access to any specials and deals we may offer in the future. Dry with a clean dry cloth. dedication Its easier and quicker but creates the potential for many more problems, both now and in the future. I found myself Googling how to do it because I just purchased a bronze plaque to update a tombstone with a third burial. All Rights Reserved. Soaps can cause quicker wear to the factory-applied finish, so consider using them carefully, if at all. P.S. Because bronze is a copper alloy, time and weather conditions causebronze plaquesto become dull and eventually form a green patina on the surface. It also has holes marking exactly where to drill. They dont since they never took it off in the first place. I live in Maryland so I know your services are not available here, BUT I like the info for whomever I find to do the installation locally. bronze cast Here you can see our setter using a tube to blow all of the dust from each hole. Using a hammer drill is much quicker than the traditional drill, but that is the only benefit for two reasons: Some companies dont even drill holes at all! That way we will be working on a nice flat, level surface. While some people like the look of an aged bronze plaque, many would prefer to keep it looking the way it did on the day it was purchased. September 2016 What epoxy would you use to place a bronze marker on a stone that is 110 years old? Great info on how to mount a bronze plaque to a tombstone. Now works in the office doing payroll, managing our social media profiles and website! Drilling granite creates a lot of dust which needs to be cleared out of the holes to ensure proper adhesion. This means the bolts will always be wiggling around ever so slightly allowing water and air to get the holes and under the plaque. Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PMThursday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PMFriday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PMSaturday: ClosedSunday: Closed, Copyright 2022 Saxton Bronze. Here you can see our setter using a standard driving drill (not an impact drill) to drill nice and snug holes for the bolts to fit into. Its normal for plaques to require refinishing as the following factors affect their appearance over time: Bronze is one of humanitys oldest, most durable and most beautiful materials thats why you chose it for your commemorative plaque. Repeat if necessary. This method all but guarantees that the bronze plaque will fall off within a matter of years. Please contact us for a quote on professional bronze plaque refurbishing. In order to respond properly to this question, well first take a look at a typical bronze plaque. At Erie Landmark Company, we care about the meaning and history behind every plaque, from a bench plaque to a roadside marker. Learn more about our plaque restoration services, as well as our process for completing bronze plaque repairs, by contacting us today for a price request. So, working quickly, well mix up the two parts, pour it into the holes we have drilled and then insert the bolts into the holes. We also let the stone lay level until the epoxy is fully set up to ensure that the plaque doesnt become dislodged or move around while we are sealing the stone back onto the foundation or base. This shape of a hole is terrible for actually holding a bolt tightly in place, in fact, its impossible for it to do so. XX. In 99% of cases, we will actually take the tablet or slant off of the base and lay it flat. The drill does not create a nice clean hole, but rather a V shape. Begin by wiping dust and dirt off the plaque with soft cotton cloths. Hi Dustin, Over time, especially when combined with the V shaped holes from the hammer drill, as well as the fact that this is all being done while the stone is vertical, a plaque that is adhered to the stone by silicone is sure to fall off. For tablets well lay it on our cart and for slants like we have in our example, well lay it on wood and rubber. Once we understand this, we can compare how we do each step with how weve seen it being done by other companies (with photo evidence). Or is it a pre-need monument? Due to the historical value, as well as the financial worth of many of these markers, the importance of plaque refinishing cannot be emphasized enough. Established in 1937, Paul W. Zimmerman Foundries Company is one of the few continually operating, family owned and run foundries in Pennsylvania. plaque riverview plaza building office After the epoxy is fully set, the plaque and stone will be given a nice scrub down using proper granite cleaning materials. Then well explain what is actually being done when a bronze plaque is being mounted. Preserve its beauty with periodic upkeep by: During routine maintenance, its also essential to inspect your plaque thoroughly for indications of damage beyond normal wear and tear. It works by scraping away the stone a little at a time, rather than pounding at it. dedication The refinished plaque twill look as good as a brand new plaque. Look at this picture to see what were talking about: Now that we have the holes drilled, we need to use some sort of adhesive to ensure that the bolts on the plaque will stay inside of the holes for years to come. First, we will clean off any of the old setting compound that is on the base and the bottom of the tablet to ensure a clean seal. Signs That Your Plaque Needs Repair or Restoration, Surface scratches that dont buff out easily. Once on site, our setters will then open up the plaque and begin to assemble it. additional inscriptions, cemeteries, cemetery headstones, inscriptions, bronze, bronze art, bronze garden scuptures, bronze statues, bronze sculpture, bronze plaques, bronze plaque, cemetery headstones, cemetery memorials, cemetery plaques, commemorative plaques, dedication plaques, dog memorial, engraved plaques, fawkner cemetery, springvale cemetery, beautiful memorials, garden memorials, garden memorial, garden plaques, garden plaque, garden statues, granite headstone, granite headstones, granite plaques, granite plaque, graves, grave, grave headstone, grave headstones, grave plaques, grave inscriptions, grave stones, grave stone, grave plaque, gravestones, gravestone, headstone, headstones, head stone, headstone cleaning, headstone design, headstone designs, headstone epitaphs, epitaphs, headstone inscriptions, headstone inscription, headstone memorials, headstone plaques, headstone prices, headstone quotes, headstones, headstones epitaphs, headstones for graves, headstones melbourne, melbourne headstones, inscriptions, house plaques, large statues, memorial garden plaques, memorial headstone, memorial headstones, memorial monuments, memorial plaques, memorial plaque, memorial stone, memorial stones, memorial tree, memorials, memorials melbourne, memorial headstones, memorial, monuments, name plaques, name plaques, outdoor statue, out door statues, pet memorials, pet headstones, pet headstone, pet memorial, pet memorials, pet memorial plaques, pet memorial stones, pet plaques, plaques, plaque, plaques, statues, tombstone, stone, stone statues, tombstones. plaques memorial franklin bronze Rub this mixture onto the bronze plaque with a small soft cotton cloth. They have also stacked the generator (sitting on wood to protect the bronze and stone) to keep the plaque snuggly up against the stone while the epoxy hardens. dedication We can handle the removal and reinstallation nationwide, as well if you need that service. Cleanse your plaque gently with water and a clean, lint-free cloth to keep the protective coating intact. It creates that nice tubular shape that will better hold the bolts.
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