What’s stone engraving anyway? And is it the same as sandblasting?

We get this a lot! As with any specialty, profession, industry, or trade, there’s a whole new vocabulary to learn. 

Curious to learn about the process of stone engraving and what it actually entails? Read on for a deeper dive into our process.

Stone engraving vs. Sandblasting.

First, let’s get on the same page with our words.

Stone engraving

This is what it sounds like, and it can be used as a verb or noun. A stone engraving refers to a piece of stone where some of the surface has been removed to create a design, logo, or words. 

• Stone engraving can also be used as a verb to describe the action of engraving into the surface of the stone.

• We might use the word inscribe when we’re talking about engraving words, names, or numbers into the surface of the stone. We might also use the word etch when we’re referring to engraving a decorative design or fine art image on the stone.

Sandblasting

Sandblasting is a verb that describes a method for stone engraving. A vinyl stencil is adhered to the surface of the stone, and then we use pressurized air and sand to engrave the stone with guidance from the stencil.

Design Process.

Collaboration with our clients is at the center of every job, in all aspects of our work at Stonescapes. Every client is unique, and every job is custom. (Read more about working with us here.)

Clients come to us with their idea or concept, and most also come with a budget in mind. There are unique aspects to every job such as specifications for a date for completion, materials, embellishments, placement, or the limitations or assets of a site. 

We take into account all of these components as we work up our initial hand-drawn sketches, then meet with the client to get their feedback on the sketch. From there, we either proceed with the next steps, or return (literally) to the drawing board to make modifications to the design. 

Once the client approves the design, we move ahead with the production phase.

Production.

Once the design is finalized, it’s time to upload it digitally so we can print the stencil using a vinyl cutter. 

How does the stencil stick to the stone? 

The vinyl is sticky, so it adheres well to a smooth or polished stone surface. With a more natural or irregular stone surface, we use an adhesive filler to help the stencil stick. That adhesive gets removed later. 

Do you have to do anything to the stone to prepare it?

It starts with the selection of the stone that best meets the client’s vision. Since we don’t purchase pre-cut or pre-polished stone, this phase includes all the preparation and fabrication of the stone — cutting, smoothing, or polishing — so the stone is ready to receive the engraving. If we’re engraving on a more natural stone surface, we need to balance our preparation of the surface so that the design will be visible while still retaining that natural appearance.

How long does the actual stone engraving take?

Again, this is completely variable and dependent on the size of the project, the complexity of the imagery or lettering, word count, and any special finishing details like gold leaf accents. 

Have more questions?

We’d love to answer them. 

Sometimes chatting about the process is what helps our clients start to imagine the possibilities for their project. We’ll explore the universe of custom design and leave the pre-fab world behind. 

Use this form to be in touch or email us at stonescapesllc@gmail.com.