Bring Old Tombstones Back from the Dead

Styrofoam tombstones are a staple to just about every Halloween yard display but unfortunately Styrofoam is very easily damaged.  
Because of this, most just toss them out & buy new to replace them.  Even as cheap as some of these tombstones can be, for a home haunter, like myself, every penny I can save counts and I would rather spend the money on a new tombstone to increase the size of my display or make it better looking!  I mean creepier looking! ;)
You can also use this method to improve the look of a new, yet plain, tombstone.
With this Instructable, I will show you how to take those old damaged tombstones and bring them back from the dead!  It's Cheap & it's easy!

Step 1: What you will need

1. A Tombstone - Damaged or New

2. Rubber Gloves

3. Clear Silicone - Won't melt the Styrofoam and areas of Silicone that are visible will add a slimy wet look to your tombstone.

4. Some Moss - Dollar Tree usually has a great selection of colors.  You can use just one color, but multiple colors will give you a better & more realistic look.

Comments

[Kitana Kellaway]

I love it this is great i really hope you win in whatever you put this in! (this is my real reactoin)

[pinatawoman]

Another idea is to use some dryer lint and mix it with some green and brown paint and a little Elmer's glue to make some "moss". Just smear this over the cracks or damaged spots and let dry.

[Valster]

Nice job! Actually looks better (worse?) than new. I like the way you put the moss on the lawn, too.

How about posting a photo showing your entire cemetery. I can't be the only person wanting to see it!

Thanks!

[PaHalloweenFreak]

Thanks! I will get a pic of the whole cemetery up when it is done. Still have some work to do on it & some repairs to make after the nasty winds we had yesterday. No repairs needed on the tombstone in this Instructable though! :)

[miss vern]

Great idea. i also have some that need fixed.

[scoochmaroo]

great reuse!

[PaHalloweenFreak]

Thanks! I just hate to throw anything Halloween out, if I can help it! :)

[l8nite]

great idea ! We believe that a little damage just adds to the age of the "stone" , I usually use craft paint to disguise the damaged area but this idea will work on any "stone" . I'm going to suggest this to the graveyard crew tomorrow

[PaHalloweenFreak]

Thanks!
You are right too, a little damage adds to the age of the stone and can be a real plus for a creepy old cemetery scene. Unfortunately, sometimes the damage is too severe, as was the case with the stone in this Instructable. Sometimes I swear the metal mounting rods have a mind of their own. LOL!
Have a wonderful Halloween! Happy Haunting!