Perth Monumental Works
483 Great Eastern Highway Redcliffe WA 6104
Phone 08 9478 2633
Our skilled staff can inscribe text in english and a variety of foreign languages. We will send you a photograph of the inscription stencil before engraving commences for you to check, to ensure that no errors can occur.
A proof stencil of Macedonian Text ready for approval before carving.
Arabic Text proof, ready for approval before carving.
Chinese Text in Gold Leaf
There are many different methods to inscribe text onto the stone. Mostly this is a personal choice however, the type of stone often dictates what is the most suitable. Some of the methods are listed below:
Flush Lead
Leads lettering is the traditional method of inscribing text onto marble. In the older sections of Karrakatta Cemetery, there are many examples of this style of lettering that has lasted through the years. The Olds East Perth Cemetery is another example as well as many foundation stones on Perth's historical buildings. Some of these examples are up to 100 years old. Each letter is sandblasted into the marble, Small pining holes are then drilled into each letter before the lead is beaten in, Any excess is then cut away and the surface is rubbed smooth.
Raised Lead
This is a very old and traditional way of placing an inscription on a granite headstone. It is rarely used today. We are very fortunate to have workmen who are skilled in this art and are able to match older work that may need an update or for adding to an existing inscription.
The lettering template is carved out and small pinholes are drilled in to help secure the lead. The lead is poured into the lettering and flattened, the letters are then shaped out in block letters and carved by a skilled monumental mason.
V Cut
This is the traditional way of hand cutting inscriptions. Whilst often not used today we are fortunate to have workmen who are skilled in this art and are able to match older work that may need an update or for adding and existing inscription. Using a chisel the outside shape of the letter is duplicated as a line in the centre of the letter. The V cut if formed by the sides of the letter sloping to this point over the depth of the cut.
Sandblasted
This type of inscription is not suitable for the lighter coloured stones and works best on black granite. When the letters are cut into a polished black surface they become a dull grey colour and will remain readable for the life of the stone. (The only time one is not able to read the text is when the headstone is wet.)
Gold Leaf
For gold inscriptions, the letters are sandblasted deeply onto the granite then gilded with monumental masonry standard 23-carat german gold leaf. As the headstone is outside and therefore exposed to elements, the inscription will require some maintenance over time in order to keep that shiny finish.
Polished Letters
This can be likened to a reverse way of inscribing text into sone, where the background is cut away from the letters. Polished letters can be left natural (however it's hard to read when wet and recommended on dark granites only) or painted.
Painted
Inscriptions can be painted in various colours instead of being filled with gold leaf our most popular colours are black and white however, other colours can be obtained if required. Whilst this looks very nice initially it does have a limited lifespan.
The lifespan depends mostly on how much the weather, wind, bore water, sand, etc impact the paint. A painted inscription would be expected to last about five to eight years.