Headstones are important. Once a loved one has passed, the only physical remnant you have of them is the headstone in the cemetery.
Obviously, you have the memories and the photos, and the special memories that they left with you. But sometimes, you need a place where you can go to feel like you are close to them once more.
When preparing a headstone for a loved one, there are a few things you need to know in order to make it special. Headstone etching is the process of actually writing into the stone in a way that will last forever.
But it’s different than engraving. Want to know why you should opt for memorial etching rather than engraving? Wondering what you should even include on the etched headstone? Keep reading to find out now.
Etching vs Engraving
Most headstones utilize the engraving process. It’s cheaper and gets the job done when it comes to simple designs and lettering.
Engraving is the process of sandblasting the headstone using stencils to create the desired headstone design. However, this process is limited. It isn’t capable of handling intricate designs and details such as portraits or floral designs.
If that’s what you are hoping for then etching is a better option for your loved one’s granite headstone.
Etching is the process of carving a headstone design one dot at a time. It can be done either by hand or automatically with a laser.
Hand vs Laser Etching
Etching in the old days was a unique art form. But modern memorial etching is quite a bit different.
It takes an incredibly skilled artist to craft images and designs by hand into a granite headstone. Today, these are very expensive. However, for the finest level of detail, and customized images, hand etching is the best option.
If you want detailed designs, without the high cost of a hand-etched headstone, consider headstone laser etching.
This process is still managed by an artist, as everything needs to be set up perfectly in order to achieve the intended result. But beautiful designs can be burned into the headstone with a computerized laser automatically.
However, since the design is burned into the stone, laser-etched designs don’t have nearly as much depth as hand-etched headstones, which means they will lack contrast.
Preparing for Headstone Etching
Are you confident that you’d like an image included on the headstone of your loved one? The first step is to select a headstone. There are many different shapes and sizes to choose from.
If you’re looking for an affordable option, consider a wholesale monument memorial supplier, as prices are often much lower.
Then, spend a good amount of time looking for the perfect image. Whether you choose laser or hand etching, you’ll need a clear picture of your loved one in order for the final result to be detailed and accurate.
Make sure it’s an image that you want to remember forever since it will be the one you see every time you visit the headstone.
Spare No Expense
Headstone etching is a beautiful option when it comes to memorializing your loved ones. It’s never easy to see them go. But the fact that you can create the perfect headstone to immortalize their memory is very rewarding.
And it’s worth every penny, knowing it’s the last thing you’ll ever get to do for them.
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