Differences in Stone Engraving and Etching

Though decorated stones were primarily used for headstones in the past, they are now also used as house markers and garden stones. When choosing the design for your stone, you will also decide whether you want it to be etched or engraved into the stone. Most people confuse stone engraving and etching, with some believing they are similar techniques. Here are some differences between these two techniques to point you in the right direction.

The technique

Stone engraving is the most commonly used technique of creating designs in stone. It involves cutting designs into the stone to create symbols and letters. Engraving can be done using sandblasting, chisels, and hammers. Etching is the preferred technique when making detailed designs in stone. It sweeps a top layer of stone using acidic substances that will then form dull marks. Lately, etching is also done using lasers that burn away parts of a stone to create the desired design.

The uses

Stone engraving is particularly suited for lettering, while etching works best for images. Laser etching is primarily used to create detailed and accurate representations of actual designs and photographs. This is your go-to option when you want a clear photograph on stone. Etching can also create letters, but they will not be as deep and create as good a contrast as engraving.

The cost

The price difference between engraving and etching will primarily depend on the volume of your job. When you want to produce a lot of orders like rows of garden stones, etching is a cost-effective choice. Conversely, engraving is often cheaper than etching when producing one order, like a headstone.

You now appreciate the difference between etching and engraving stone from these tidbits. Before settling for one technique, discuss your options with the company you have hired. The one used on your stone will depend on the available skills, your preferable outcome, and your design.