Your dearly departed loved one deserves a headstone that will represent their memory for years to come. But not all grave markers are created equal. Certain materials are better equipped to last the tests of time, weather, and normal wear and tear, particularly if you want to add a cameo to their grave marker.  

If you’re deciding between steel-backed cameo and pure-porcelain headstones, here’s what you should know.

Steel-Baked Cameos

Steel-backed photos are fired on a steel blank that contains iron. Generally, the cameo is affixed to a headstone using an adhesive. A steel-backed cameo may be cheaper upfront, but the material is loaded with problems long term. Steel rusts when it is exposed to oxygen, so if the cameo is chipped or scratched by foot traffic or heavy cemetery equipment, water may penetrate the surface, and the quality of the photo may degrade over time.

Pure Porcelain Cameos

Porcelain naturally has low water absorption, which means it is generally impervious to moisture. It’s also a very dense, durable material that is difficult to crack or splinter. While a porcelain cameo may have a higher cost upfront, it will likely last far longer than a steel-backed photo, particularly if you live in an area with high salt content or frequent rainfall.

Your loved one’s memory deserves to be preserved for years to come. Keep their cameo looking bright and vivid by investing in a material that will last the test of time. For a better idea of how different materials will weather the climate in your area, speak with a local monument company or funeral home for guidance. They can ensure you’re able to clearly view your loved one’s likeness for years.

Since 1915, Derrick Monument Company Inc. has created quality monuments to honor the memories of people throughout New York. Based in Le Roy, this family-owned business believes in customer service, artistry, and care. To inquire about their monument, headstone, or gravestone marker restoration services, call (585) 768-8470, or visit them online today to view a photo gallery.