Laser-Etched Flat Markers: What You Need To Know

Laser etching is a relatively new technology being offered when designing headstones. Traditionally, designs and lettering have been created using the sandblast method, which achieves very deep engravings into the surface of the granite. The sandblasted design is then painted with special paint to make it really stand out. This method has stood the test of time for decades and allows the inscription and design to remain on the surface of the granite for many, many years – if not forever!! And when you think about it, that is the purpose of a headstone: it should be readable even 100 years from now!

Laser etching uses a laser to very lightly “etch” the design into the surface of the granite. There is no paint applied. Furthermore, laser etching can ONLY be done on BLACK granite. Imagine this lightly etched design on a marker which is going to be flat in the ground, getting dirt, water, mineral deposits, and fertilizer on it for many years. In no time, the design will disappear under all the layers of gunk. Unlike traditional sandblasting, we believe that laser etching is very difficult to clean and restore to its original beauty. Sandblasted designs can be FULLY cleaned and repainted over and over forever to restore them to the way they looked on the day they were created.

Laser etching is the “latest thing” and is very popular on many Internet headstone websites. While it may be a good technique for other types of headstones (uprights) we believe it is NOT the best choice for flat markers. These markers have become prolific because laser etching is quite honestly much easier/cheaper to produce than traditional sandblasting. Before you “fall” for the “amazing” design on a laser etched headstone, we urge you to consider if it will actually stand the test of time!