Lettering / Inscription

LETTERING / INSCRIPTION
Types of letter
Hand Cut is the traditional method of cutting the letters into the stone using a chisel, leaving a V cut shape.
Uses: In Churchyards and Cemeteries, on all stone types, incised only, painted or gilded
Sandblasted is the more modern way of lettering. A computer generated stencil is produced which is then laid onto the stone before being sandblasted to produce the letters.
Uses: In Churchyards and Cemeteries, on all stone types, incised only, painted or gilded
Raised Lead Letters are proud of the surface of the stone. Firstly holes are drilled into the surface of the stone, before lead is beaten in to act as an anchor. The lead left on the surface is then cut by hand to produce the letters.
Uses: In Cemeteries but not commonly allowed in Churchyards, on granite only, can be painted or gilded
Flush Lead is similar to raised lead, but the letter is firstly cut into the stone before the lead is beaten in and the excess lead removed to leave the letter flush with the face of the memorial
Uses: In Cemeteries but not commonly allowed in Churchyards, on marble or nabresina only, not suitable for painting of gilding.
Incised only Incised & Painted Incised & Gilded Raised Lead Flush Lead
Celtic Limestone YES YES YES NO NO
Granite NO YES YES YES NO
Marble YES YES YES NO YES
Nabresina YES YES YES NO YES
Portland YES NO NO NO NO
Purbeck YES YES YES NO NO
Slate YES YES YES NO NO
Yorkstone YES YES NO NO NO