Gold lettering is one of the most striking finishes on a memorial — but sun, frost and rain wear it away over the years until names become hard to read.
Why gilding fades
Gold leaf is incredibly thin. Over time UV light breaks down the size (adhesive) beneath it, frost lifts the edges and lichen grows into the letter cuts. Paint-based 'gold' fades even faster.
How we restore it
Our re-gilding follows a careful, hand-finished process:
- Clean the stone and each letter cut thoroughly
- Remove failing old gilding and paint
- Apply a quality oil size and leave it to reach the right tack
- Lay genuine 23.5 carat gold leaf by hand, then burnish and tidy every edge
How long does it last?
Genuine gold leaf doesn't tarnish, and well-applied gilding typically lasts many years — far longer than gold paint.
Re-gilding across Sussex
We re-gild memorials throughout East & West Sussex, usually completed in 1–4 weeks, with photos sent when finished.
Sussex Grave Care
Need help with a memorial?
Free, no-obligation quotes across East & West Sussex.
