Thread: Adhering moss to tombstone???

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I'm getting ready to put one of my freshly built tombstones in the yard, but am having issues with keeping the moss stuck to it. This is the bag of dried real moss you can buy at Michaels. I used spray adhesive to stick it on, but after a couple of weeks sitting in the garage, noticed it started to lift off in large patches. I had used a good amount of adhesive, spraying both the moss and the tombstone surface, waited until the adhesive became really tacky, and then pressed it in place. I patted it down really good to make sure the little fibers were good & stuck to the tombstone and to each other, but as I mentioned, it eventually began to lift.

I tried using some mat finish spray sealer, but that had the opposite effect and just caused to moss to instantly start lifting.

I just reapplied the adhesive, this time wetting the surface and the moss even more, waited until tacky, and pressed it down again. I'm pretty confident it's going to start lifting again; especially once it gets put out in the rainy fall weather.

Does anyone have a solution that will keep the moss stuck?

I used hot melt glue. Burned the bejesus outta my finger tips but it's staying on.

I used Adele's Tacky Glue for sticking moss to a wooden grave marker. Worked well to fill the gaps.

I use hot glue because I know it wont wash away when it gets wet.

Regular wood glue doesn't hold tightly as you put pressure on the moss.

Hot glue burns finger tips.


Try 2-part 5 minute epoxy from a hobby store. Once it starts tacking up, it feels just like hot glue, with less hot. You can then push the moss into it firmly and securely, and in a half hour, it's DONE. Also dries just as clear as hot glue. Try a few tests with the 5-minute stuff. If it cures too fast, use 30-minute epoxy. Will still tack up and get stiff but with much more play time before its too hard.

This year I tried hot glue, and like Doc Doom stated I also burnt my fingers pressing the moss into place. It holds very well. I've also used Elmer's wood glue, it holds very well the only downside is the color is darker tan/orange color that can show if you don't place your moss well. BTW I love your tombstone the detail is fantastic and very realistic. Good job.

first off...that is a GREAT tombstone, well done!

you said you already tried spray adhesive, not sure which type but have you tried Super 77 or Super 90 ? I've had good luck with those two for years and is fast becoming my 'go to' glue for quick repairs.

I used clear outdoor caulking and my moss is staying put so far; also rained this weekend and no issues.

i used a hot glue gun - but a low heat one. works great. Awesome job on the stone!

Clear caulking is brilliant! Not hot, can smear it exactly where you need it, cheap, quick!


Damn.... this is one of those "Why didn't I think of this before?" moments I always regret.


TO THE MOSS STORE!!!