Preserving Memories with the Right Materials
Tombstones and cemetery monuments are more than stone markers — they are lasting tributes to loved ones, meant to endure for generations. Unfortunately, time, weather, and accidental damage can leave even the most carefully placed monuments cracked, broken, or leaning dangerously.
With the right materials and a careful repair process, you can restore these memorials with strength, beauty, and dignity.
Epoxy.com Product #2005 — a semi-flexible, high-strength epoxy — is specially designed to bond stone while allowing for the natural movement caused by weather and temperature changes.
This guide will walk you through the complete installation and repair process, from preparation to final placement.
Why Tombstones and Monuments Break
Understanding why these repairs are needed is the first step to a successful restoration. Common causes of tombstone and monument damage include:
Freeze/thaw cycles causing cracks and movement Settling soil that shifts the base and foundation Vandalism or accidental impacts Previous repairs done with the wrong materials (brittle adhesives or rigid epoxies that fail over time)
Because natural stone expands and contracts with temperature changes, using a semi-flexible epoxy — Epoxy.com Product #2005 — is critical to long-term success.
Why Choose Epoxy.com Product #2005
Superior Flexibility: Moves with the stone as temperatures change Outstanding Bond Strength: Holds even under outdoor exposure and weight Excellent Weather Resistance: Resists freeze/thaw, rain, and UV degradation Easy to Work With: Mixes and applies easily for professionals and skilled DIYers alike
Choosing the wrong adhesive can lead to rapid failure. Product #2005 was designed specifically for the realities of monument and tombstone restoration.
Materials Needed
Epoxy.com Product #2005 (Flexible Epoxy Adhesive) Mixing containers and mixing sticks Stone dust or finely crushed stone of similar color (for seam blending) Clamps, straps, or bracing (depending on stone size) Rags or paper towels Acetone (for cleaning excess epoxy before it cures) Stiff brush Level Gloves and eye protection
Step-by-Step Repair and Installation Guide
1. Inspect and Prepare the Broken Stone
Examine the broken faces of the stone carefully. Remove dirt, loose particles, surface contamination, and old adhesives with the gentlest possible method to ensure a clean bond. Refer to our Surface Preparation Guide for more details on effective cleaning techniques. Dry fit the pieces together to ensure a good match before applying any epoxy. If surfaces are wet or damp, allow them to dry fully before proceeding.
2. Mix Epoxy.com Product #2005
Follow product instructions carefully for the correct mix ratio. Mix thoroughly in a clean container until fully blended. Only mix what you can apply within the product’s working time.
3. Apply the Epoxy
Apply a thin, even layer of mixed epoxy to both faces being bonded. If the stone is highly porous, a slightly heavier application may be needed.
4. Assemble and Align
Carefully press the two faces together. Wiggle slightly if needed to help the epoxy fill voids and create full contact. Wipe away any excess epoxy immediately with a rag dampened with acetone.
5. Secure the Repair
Use clamps, straps, or temporary braces to hold the pieces firmly in place. Be careful not to overtighten — you want good contact without forcing the stone to shift or fracture. Ensure the repaired monument is level and properly aligned.
6. Finishing Touch (Optional)
To make the repair nearly invisible, blend stone dust or finely crushed stone of a similar color into the uncured epoxy at the seam. This step can dramatically improve aesthetics, especially on visible front-facing repairs.
7. Allow Proper Curing Time
Allow the repair to cure fully per Product #2005 instructions before moving or stressing the monument. Protect from rain or freezing temperatures during cure, if possible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using rigid, brittle adhesives not suited for stone expansion/contraction Poor surface preparation (dust, dirt, or moisture can weaken the bond) Not aligning pieces properly before the epoxy begins to cure Skipping curing time — full strength requires patience
For best practices, be sure to review our Do’s with Epoxies and Don’ts with Epoxies.
Taking care at each step protects the monument and honors the memory it represents.
Need Help? We’re Here for You.
Every monument tells a story worth preserving. If you need technical advice, product recommendations, or help selecting the right materials for your project,
contact our experts at Epoxy.com.
For more detailed information
Contact Us Today:
📞 Call: 321-206-1833 (orders)
📞 Technical Support: 352-533-2167
📧 Email: sales@epoxy.com
🌐 Visit: www.epoxy.com
For more tips and case studies, visit our Tombstone Repair Blog Collection.
Posted by Norm Lambert 
