Answering Common Questions About Cemetery Headstone Engraving and Lettering

"Can you alter the text or graphics on a headstone already in a cemetery?"

Yes! In fact, people asking to make changes to headstones is more common than you might think. From updating quotations to adding more information about those who have passed, to undoing the effects of weathering over the years, there are a lot of reasons you might want to update a headstone. Fortunately, the same headstone engraving and lettering techniques used to create the memorial can also be used to update it later on.

Larsen's Memorials is here to help you honour your passed loved ones for years, and we're always happy to help update an existing headstone - even one we did not create originally. So, let's answer a few questions about the process.

1 - How does the headstone engraving update work?

It's a multi-step process.

First, we gather all the important information from you about the location of the gravestone, and the changes you want made. Then we visit the site - in full respect - and take a variety of measurements of the stone, as well as making a rubbing of the existing text and graphics. This rubbing allows us to ensure the new text exactly matches the font, size, kerning, and style of the existing work.

Then we use a CAD program to design the new text or artwork to be added, and we show you our work for final approval. Once you're happy, the CAD file is used to create a rubber stencil for creating the new material. This stencil acts as a template, ensuring that the final headstone engraving work matches the approved design.

When adding text or art to a gravestone, we typically use sandblasting. This is preferred over hand carving, specifically so that the new additions will perfectly match the old work. Occasionally, hand carving may also be used to finish up the additions.

Finally, we clean off the stone, and leave the grave looking even better than when we began work.

2 - Do you need to remove the gravestone?

No. Most of the time, we're able to do our work in the cemetery, updating the stone without moving it. Our headstone engraving equipment is lightweight enough to allow for portable work. We try to avoid moving memorials, if at all possible, since there's always the chance of an accident.

3 - What is the best time of year for gravestone updates?

Late spring to early autumn is best. Basically, the weather should be mild, and with a low chance of precipitation. We try to avoid doing this sort of work in winter, since the weather makes it more difficult and increases the chances of accidents.

Larsen’s Memorials

If you need to update the gravestone of a loved one for any reason, Larsen’s Memorials can help. Our expert artisans can alter, renovate, or restore headstones as needed, and always to your exact specifications. We're here to help you honour those who have passed, in any way we can.

Please contact us for more information, if you need headstone engraving services.