Questions?
Find clear answers to common questions about our sandblasting services, granite memorials, and process.
Find clear answers to common questions about our sandblasting services, granite memorials, and process.
Get straightforward information about our granite memorial sandblasting process, services, and support.
Sandblasting (also called abrasive blasting) is a traditional engraving method where high-pressure abrasive material (often steel grit or sand-like media) is blasted onto the granite surface through a rubber stencil. The stencil protects areas you want to keep intact, while exposed areas are carved away, creating deep, precise lettering, designs, symbols, or artwork. This results in incised (recessed) details with sharp edges and lasting depth.
Sandblasting cuts deeply into the granite (typically 1/16" to 3/8" or more with skilled techniques), producing durable, three-dimensional results that withstand weather and time exceptionally well. It works on virtually any granite color (not limited to black like most laser methods). The lettering and designs have better shadow contrast and longevity compared to surface-level laser etching, which only removes polish without deep carving.
The full timeline varies by design complexity, size, and workload, but typically:
Sandblasting excels at clean, bold lettering, simple line art, religious symbols, flowers, borders, and basic portraits (in silhouette or limited detail). Highly intricate photos or fine shading are better suited to laser etching or hand-carving add-ons. We can combine techniques if needed for the best result.
Yes—unlike laser etching (best on black granite for contrast), sandblasting creates excellent visibility on gray, white, red, blue, or any granite shade. The carved areas appear lighter or shadowed against the polished surface, providing natural contrast that endures.
Extremely durable. Granite itself lasts centuries, and deep sandblasted engravings resist fading, weathering, and erosion far better than surface methods. With proper design depth and quality execution (e.g., double processing for sharper edges), the lettering and artwork can remain crisp and legible for generations with minimal maintenance.
