Portraits on stone

Images engraved on polished stone are gaining increasing recognition. This unique and durable way of immortalizing people or objects important to us is gaining a wide following. The popularity of this type of portraits is determined by their elegance, precision, and affordable price.

Portraits made on granite or marble are remarkably original gifts for various events, especially those unrepeatable such as baptism, Holy Communion, wedding, anniversaries, jubilees. Recently, they are very fashionable thank-you gifts which are given by the bride and groom to their parents during the wedding.

Portrait of chimney sweep made on stone

What can we engrave?

Images can depict people we gift to, but also figures of Jesus, Mary, angels or saints. They are also ideal for all kinds of granite memorial plaques or plates showing patrons of institutions e.g.: John Paul II, John III Sobieski. They also function as decorations, they embellish the interiors of our apartments and houses. Not only the portraits of the ones we love, but, e.g., precise model of motorcycle, car, quad, or animals are interesting decoration of the room. Surely our relatives or friends have a lot of passions which can be the subject of such image. We have encountered the following terms for images on stone: photograph on headstone, headstone photograph, headstone portrait, photo on monument. Engraving of chimney sweep in work uniform. Portrait from photo on black granite plate. Cross with Jesus and lilies. Combination of techniques: engraving, hand forging and cutting.

Portrait engraved on stone

Making image directly on headstone plate

Images are usually made directly on headstone plate or on granite slab. To achieve the best effect, the submitted photo should be of good quality. Before a specific order, please send the selected photograph (by email or letter) for evaluation.

Photo made on granite plate

On a granite plate for attaching to a headstone

Our standard portrait size is A5 (20 cm x 15 cm). We also offer other sizes, for example:

  • 30 cm x 45 cm (A3)
  • 30 cm x 20 cm (A4)
  • 15 cm x 20 cm (A5)
  • or any custom size on request.
Open book memorial portrait

Curved surfaces

It is also possible to use material provided by the client. It is not a problem if the material does not have a perfectly flat surface. Any curved stones are acceptable, e.g.: granite in the shape of an open book). The limitation is the width of the shorter side: 2.4 meters (width of the entrance gate)

See completed portraits and graphics (from catalog)

In the catalog, each image is marked and example dimensions are given. Of course, each image can be reduced or enlarged while maintaining the proportions of the sides. We have already completed over 2000 religious-themed images.

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Before and after portrait engraving comparison

Highest quality

More customers, more orders

The sample engraving of the parish priest on the left was made from an archival photo of very poor quality.

For some orders we sometimes need to spend several additional hours to achieve the best results.

Do it yourself

Methods for mounting memorial accessories:

Granitowa podstawka z tyłu klina

Mounting a memorial portrait on a horizontal plate

A granite wedge can be glued to the back of the plate to allow mounting on a horizontal granite base. To secure it, apply clear silicone to the bottom of the wedge. Angled placement prevents leaves and snow from collecting, and the portrait is presented facing the viewer.

You can find the adhesive wedge in our online shop here.

Przyklejona płyta granitowa z grawerem na nagrobek

Mounting a memorial photo on a vertical plate (adhesive)

Mounting on a vertical plate is also straightforward. The backing of our plates is matt, which increases adhesion. Use clear construction silicone applied evenly to the back of the plate and press it onto the headstone. Depending on the silicone type, curing times vary, so it is advisable to tape the plate (e.g. painter's tape) until the adhesive sets. After 24 hours the tape can be removed. Any gaps can be filled with silicone to prevent frost damage in winter.

You can buy mounting silicone in our online shop here.

Granitowa podstawa z nacięciem do której wstawia się wygrawerowaną płytkę

Mounting the photo in a slotted base

A popular option is to place the engraved plate into a granite slotted base. The base can be made in various sizes and colors to suit your needs.

You can find granite slotted bases in our online shop here.

Technology

Portraits are produced using a needle-etching technique, which delivers far better quality than many other methods. The final image is hand-touched with specialist paint to protect it from moisture and ensure long-lasting visibility.
Note:
It is not a problem if the material is not perfectly flat. Slightly curved materials are acceptable (for example granite shaped as an open book or pillow-shaped granite). Weight is not an issue either, as we have lifting equipment and can safely handle stones up to 1 tonne.