Thread: Tombstone weathering

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So, based on lots of suggestions I've read here on the forum, I decided to try a different weathering technique for my tombstones. 3 years ago I made my first 5 tombstones which were very unrealistic looking because I didn't weather them enough. Last year, I tried to make them more realistic looking by heavily weathering the fronts. Now, I've tested the spray paint and water technique on the stones, and I think I've found a decent weathering technique. I tested it on the back of the stones since they've been relatively untouched since I first made them. I've also used a little bit of the weathing on the front, but the straight spray paint weathering I did last Halloween is a little too overwhelming that it's hard to notice.

So my question for all of you is, what are your opinions on the back of the stones? Is it enough weathering? Should I do anything differently?

Also, do you think I should repaint the fronts of the stones grey, and re-weather them the new way, or do you think they look okay as-is?

Lastly, does anyone know if this new weathering needs to be sealed in with a clear coat? Will it wash away in the elements?

Thanks!

I used the spray paint and water spray method too and it hasn't washed off yet being exposed to the elements. Yours look good as-is.

Another thing I did to add some realism was glue some spanish moss along the bottom and up one side. Also, don't be afraid to take some big chunks out of the side of a couple stones to mimic heavy decay.

With that said...I've found most people don't pay too much attention to the details when the crap is being scared out of 'em.

HH: I think they look good as is, but I also like stonegate's suggestion about the Spanish moss. I hot-glued some to some store-bought (I know, I know, sacrilege!!!) tombstones several years ago, and it's still there. Also, ghostess had a tutorial video about aging tombstones (follow this link and click on "tips and techniques") that showed a "mildewed" look with paint. Check it out.

Originally Posted by stonegate

Also, don't be afraid to take some big chunks out of the side of a couple stones to mimic heavy decay.

Thanks for the comments guys! So you don't think I need to redo the fronts, huh? They look alright in the dark. Maybe I'll use the spray paint and water with white and gray paint to lighten them just a little.

Stonegate, I agree about taking chunks out of the stones. These were the very first I made these 3 years ago, 2 years before I found this forum so I really didn't know any better at the time. I wanted for them to look so perfect that I forgot that they're supposed to be anything but perfect. If I get around to making some new ones for this year, I definitely will heavily decay them.

Originally Posted by MHooch

(follow this link and click on "tips and techniques") that showed a "mildewed" look with paint. Check it out.

I think you forgot the link.

Hey Haunt! Hope the week is going well for you.

I think they look great but maybe the weathering could go all the way down? (Around here it seems that they are darker at the bottom due to the rain drops splashing dirt from the ground onto the stones.)

As far as the fronts I think they are ok either way. I'd go by the amount of time and energy you have. If you have the time and the mood strikes ya, change them so they are consistent with the backs, if not no big deal, leave them be. (How is that for a politician-type answer? ) Only I'm sincere! lol

As far as sealing them, I think that's only necessary if you use acrylic paint. I've never sealed spray paint anyways, and it's been fine so far.

Hmmmm...I've entered this thread way too late to offer any additional good advice here, I'd say you've already gotten it..but, very good job on your tombstones! (To avoid peeping myself out any further, I shall take my leave...carry on!)

HH your weather looks great.

Thanks for the comments, and Jackie, good thought about going all the way down. I'll do that. I think I might also trickle white spray paint down them as well, because it should make the contrast more dramatic. These are the first tombstones I ever made, so I already knew they weren't perfect. That's also why I'm using them as guinea pigs before I get my columns built and need to weather those. I'd take chunks out of these tombstones, but I don't want to tear them up.

Your welcome. I'm curious to see how adding the white will look, I think it will definately add some dimension to them.

I would have a hard time damaging them myself. Then again, I don't have too. All the damn wind around here does plenty of that. Grrrrr!!! (your comments about perfect made me smile, I can completely relate)

Kinda off topic, but has anyone else come across old tombstones that are white? I found an old cemetary last fall and the stones from the late 1800's and early 1900's are white.