Planning a funeral for a loved one involves deciding details for their headstone or grave marker. What you choose will influence what engraving process the gravestone maker uses to create it. Below is more information on the three most common types used to create tributes to the deceased. 

How Are Headstones Engraved?

1. Sandblasting

Sandblasting replaced chisel and mallet engraving in the early 1900s, making it one of the oldest and the most traditional engraving methods. It may not be suitable for complex designs or small details like filigree work, as it’s difficult to achieve that precision with this process.

Sandblasting uses a stencil that’s affixed to the front of the stone, and then sand is power blasted over it, wearing down the stone where the stencil doesn’t cover. It’s best used for standard lettering and dates.

2. Etching

Etching provides more detail and precision, making it ideal for flat but realistic artwork and stylistic fonts. There are two types of etching: laser or diamond.

Laser etching is popular, but it doesn’t penetrate quite as deeply as diamond engraving, so it may need touchups over time. It works best on dark-colored stone.

Diamond etching involves using a diamond-tipped tool to create detailed art that resembles a painting more than a realistic photograph. It can be used on any color of stone.

3. Carving

Shape carving is a more refined and complex sandblasting method that’s only done for images and artwork that require depth and contour. It involves a multi-stage sandblasting process to enhance lines and provide curves to artwork on a grave marker, such as trees, flowers, or other nature scenes. It gives the image a 3D aspect, so it looks lifelike and rounded. The depth of the image also helps it resist weathering or corrosion. 

Family-owned and -operated since 1915, Derrick Monument Company, Inc. in Le Roy, NY, offers detailed, heartfelt gravestone maker services that are customized to your needs. They can add details like Veterans’ plaques, in-ground vases, and porcelain portraits. They provide meticulous restoration and on-site lettering services. Learn more about their engraving services online. Call (585) 768-8470 to get started on your design.