Planning Funerals for Young Children, Infants and Stillborns

Key Points to Consider about Granite Etching for Headstones

27 December 2018 by Sophie Barnes

Choosing a headstone and deciding on the etching are part of funeral planning. You will be asked what material you want to be used for the headstone as well as what type of etching options you want. One of the most common choices is granite stone. If you have never had granite etching, specifically for memorial headstones, there are a few things you should know.

Colour of Granite

One of the first things to keep in mind is related to the colour of granite you are using. Depending on the colour of the granite, your etchings will come out slightly differently. You need to be aware of this before the etching is done. For example, if you use a dark granite, then the etchings will have a white tint to them. If the stone is a lighter grey, then the etching will be dark or black. If you want to confirm how this will look on the finished product, many engravers can show you on a proof of the work. This allows you to make sure the granite colour works for you and that the layout of the design is what you want.

Sealant for Durability

One of the final steps in the granite etching process is to have a sealant placed over the granite. This will help with the longevity and durability of the etching you choose. Keep in mind, this sealant, like other water and weatherproofing seals, will need to be reapplied on a routine basis. Your engraver will be able to tell you how long the sealant will last and how often it should be reapplied. Keep in mind, the reapplication time will depend greatly on your location and the normal weather in that area. This is a maintenance step that you will need to prepare for in order to maintain the integrity of the etching.

Pre-Planning Granite Etchings

The key point to keep in mind with granite etching for funeral services is that it is not generally included in the cost. The cost of the funeral planning generally covers the vault, casket, service and a basic headstone. If you want a memorial stone to have etchings, this would need to be scheduled with a third party. In many cases, funeral homes do keep a number of etching artists in mind to help you locate one that is suitable for your etching needs.

By keeping these key points in mind when you begin choosing the granite and granite etching you want, you will be better prepared to make the right choices. If you have any questions about the etching process, you can ask your funeral director or find funeral homes in your area that also offer memorial stones and etchings.

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