A marble headstone is a timeless picture for our dearly departed. It takes time and ability to carve a lasting monument. Each step will be carried out in a sequence. Care must be taken in every phase.
1.Selecting the Marble
The first step is to pick the right kind of stone. Quality is imperative. The marble must be quite solid and smooth. The color and the grain affect other distinct characteristics. A proper selection infers longevity.
2.Cutting the Block
Big blocks are excavated from quarries. Workers split them into slabs. A saw with diamond blades is used to cut the stone. Water is used in this to keep the saw cool and minimize dust. The slabs are carved into dimensions and sizes of headstones.
3.Shaping the Stone
The next step will be carried out by carvers in the form of grinders and chisels. Using them will entail cutting out the rough shape of the monument. Some stones will have rounded tops, while others will have straight lines on the top. This depends on what the customer wants.
4.Smoothing the Surface
The stone, after its shape has been formed, will then need to be smoothed. For this, Sanders and a polisher are used. Fine grit abrasives remove the scratches. This is what imparts a clean look to the headstone.
5.Engraving the Design
The next stage comes engraving. Sand-blasting or laser etching is employed. The stencil will protect the surface except for the lettering and images. Sand-blasting sprays very fine grit at high velocity to cut into the surface and carve the images. Laser etching burns the details on the stone.
6.Carving the Lettering
The names, dates, and messages are attached. When heavily engraved or for deeper engravings, sandblasting is generally applied. Hand-carved fonts usually indicate special requests. Readability varies depending upon depth and styles.
7.Artistic Enhancement
Some headstones may hold carvings or pictures. These are usually hand-carved by an artist or sometimes done with machines. Symbolism sometimes includes flowers, crosses, or portraits. The details must be sharp.
8.Polishing
It will then be polished once carved. They take precision tools with fine abrasives and put it into water. This is done so that it can have that polished look. There are a few areas that remain rough to give contrast in the final item. The polish protects it over time from wearing down by the weather.
9.Checking on the Finished Piece
Quality control is essential. They also inspect the carving. Look for cracks or mistakes. If it finds some, it will do touch-up work. The stone should be maintained at a very high standard.
10.Installation
The newly completed headstone is carried to the cemetery. Workers place it onto a base. The base keeps it stable. Cement or pins can be used to hold it in place. The final fixing helps it to stand for several years.
Conclusion
Finishing a marble headstone requires enough practices. Each detail here counts. From cutting the stone to polishing, experts ensure that the stone is beautifully crafted. A good headstone really gives honor to our deceased loved one and restores our reflection in our memories.
