Top 5 Tips for Sandcarving Memorial Stones

Memorial stones hold a special place in our hearts, as they serve as lasting tributes to loved ones and pets who have passed away. Sandcarving is a popular technique used to create beautiful and personalized memorial stones by permanently etching your design into the stone or brick.

At IKONICS Imaging, we understand the importance of preserving memories, and that's why we've compiled these top 5 tips to help you achieve the best results when sandcarving memorial stones.

Creating Personalized Memorial Stones With Sandcarving

Creating memorial stones through sandcarving is a meaningful and artistic way to pay tribute to loved ones. By following these top five tips and using IKONICS Imaging's UltraVinyl photoresist film, you can achieve remarkable results with your memorial stone projects.

1. Use IKONICS Imaging's UltraVinyl Photoresist Film

When it comes to sandcarving memorial stones, the choice of photoresist film is critical. We highly recommend using our UltraVinyl photoresist film because it is 10mil thick and easy to reposition. UltraVinyl offers exceptional durability and easy application, making it the perfect choice for carving designs on memorial stones.

2. Utilize the Carrier Sheet for Protection

To ensure a successful application of the UltraVinyl photoresist film, you can utilize the carrier sheet that comes with it when applying the film to your substrate. The carrier sheet acts as a protective layer, preventing any damage to the film when using the squeegee during the application process and also helps to lay down the film nice and flat. This simple tip can make a significant difference in the quality of your sandcarving work.

3. Employ a Double Layer of Tape

To further enhance the protection of your design, consider using a double layer of tape around the perimeter of the design area. This additional layer of protection helps to minimize any risk of abrasive leakage or unintentional blasting outside the designated area. It's a small step that can save you time and effort in the long run.

4. Choose the Right Sandcarver and Grit

The equipment you use plays a crucial role in the sandcarving process. At IKONICS Imaging, we offer a range of sandcarvers to suit your needs. For large monuments, the CrystalBlast MonuBlast is an excellent choice, but any of our CrystalBlast sandcarvers can be used for smaller memorial stones. When it comes to selecting the right grit for your sandcarver, we recommend using 150 grit of either Aluminum Oxide or Silicon Carbide. This grit size provides excellent abrasion while ensuring precision in your designs.

5. Color-Fill Your Design (optional)

Once you've completed the sandcarving process, it's time to add the finishing touches by color-filling the design. Color-filling not only enhances the visual appeal of the memorial stone but also helps the engraved design stand out. Check out our comprehensive guide on color-filling, which covers the steps and materials needed for the process. Be sure to refer to this guide for detailed instructions.

When sandcarving memorial stones, remember to protect your film with the carrier sheet, apply a double layer of tape for added security, choose the right sandcarver and grit, and master the art of color-filling. With dedication and attention to detail, your memorial stones will serve as lasting memorials that honor the memories of those we hold dear.

At IKONICS Imaging, we are committed to providing you with the best tools and resources to make your sandcarving projects a success. For more tips, tutorials, and information, please visit our sandcarving blog and explore our range of high-quality sandcarving products on our website.