Granite Headstone Lettering – Sandblasting, CNC & Gold Leaf

Granite headstone lettering is the finishing process used to place memorial information on a headstone after its dimensions, layout and stone have been confirmed. Depending on the typeface, engraving depth, granite color and desired appearance, the work may use sandblasting, CNC machining, hand carving, painted infill or gold leaf.

This page covers the general service for granite headstone lettering, memorial plaque fabrication, sandblasted lettering and CNC engraving. If you are selecting the headstone size and proportion relative to the grave, see granite headstones. For work specifically at Thiên Đức, see headstone lettering at Thiên Đức as a separate local-service page.

What methods are used for granite headstone lettering?

Sandblasting

Sandblasting uses abrasive media on a masked stone surface to create recessed letters or motifs. It is suitable for many lettering styles and can produce a relatively consistent engraved area on granite.

CNC engraving

CNC machining follows digital design data to control the tool path. It is useful when dimensions, geometry and repeated details need to be controlled precisely. Final quality still depends on tooling, machining parameters, stone hardness and post-engraving finishing.

Hand carving

Some lettering or motifs may be finished by hand when the design calls for a specific character. Because granite is a hard material, this approach should be selected according to the complexity and practical feasibility rather than treated as the default for every headstone.

Painted infill and gold leaf

After the lettering is cut, the recessed area can be finished in a contrasting color or with gold leaf where appropriate. Black granite often provides strong contrast for light or gold lettering, but the final color should still coordinate with the complete memorial.

Should you choose sandblasting or CNC?

Criterion	Sandblasting	CNC
Detail type	Suitable for many lettering styles and engraved areas	Suitable for geometry controlled through digital data
Repeatability	Depends on the stencil and process	Useful where a layout must be repeated accurately
Depth	Can be adjusted through the process	Controlled through machining parameters
Post-engraving finish	Can be painted or gilded	Can also be painted or gilded

The technology should not be selected by name alone. Typeface, letter size, information density, desired depth, granite color and final finish all need to be considered together.

KANNO headstone fabrication process

1. Receive the exact information

The family provides the name, dates, place of origin, memorial wording, religious symbols and any other details to be shown. This information should be checked carefully before layout begins.

2. Create the layout for the actual headstone size

Name, dates, portrait and secondary lines should have a clear visual hierarchy. Text should not be reduced excessively just to fit too much information onto a narrow stone.

3. Approve the artwork before engraving

The approval file should be checked for spelling, dates, portrait position, typeface, proportions and edge clearances. Correcting the artwork is far simpler before the headstone has been engraved.

4. Select the fabrication method

Based on the approved design, KANNO determines whether sandblasting, CNC, hand work or a combination is appropriate. Gold leaf or painted infill is confirmed at the same stage where applicable.

5. Engrave and finish

The headstone is fabricated according to the approved file, then checked for letter clarity, depth, contrast and surface condition before delivery or installation.

Information to provide when ordering headstone lettering

• headstone dimensions or a headstone drawing;
• granite type and color;
• all text to be engraved;
• portrait photograph, if used;
• religious symbols or motifs, if required;
• typeface reference, if the family has selected one;
• letter color or gold-leaf requirement;
• required completion date so lettering can be coordinated with memorial installation.

When should headstone lettering be finalized?

The size and usable inscription area should be defined during the design stage so that the headstone remains in proportion with the memorial. The actual text and portrait can be approved later, provided they are finalized before engraving. This allows the main memorial components to proceed without forcing the family to lock every inscription detail too early.

If the overall memorial design still needs to be resolved, see granite memorial design.

Headstone fabrication from custom drawings

If the client already has a design file, the workshop should verify the actual headstone dimensions, edge clearances, manufacturability of fine details and contrast against the stone. For other custom granite components, see custom granite fabrication.

Common headstone lettering mistakes

• incorrect names or dates because the final artwork was not approved;
• type that is too small for the viewing distance;
• letters or portraits positioned too close to the stone edge;
• too many typefaces on one headstone face;
• poor contrast between lettering and granite;
• choosing a fabrication method before the typeface and engraving depth are defined;
• engraving before the headstone dimensions or layout are finalized.

Is headstone lettering included in a complete memorial project?

It depends on the agreed scope. In a complete memorial project, the headstone and inscription may form part of the contracted work; where the client only needs a headstone fabricated, it may be a separate order. The scope should be stated explicitly. See complete granite memorial installation for the broader workflow from drawings to installation.

Frequently asked questions