Sandblasting and fine detail work on stone such as granite make for a tricky combo. An unforgiving material with high costs to replace, it gives new significance to ‘get it right the first time’. Given the sensitive nature of this kind of work (a headstone usually represents a final resting place and somewhere that friends and family will come back to visit on a regular basis), you want to make sure that your monument sandblasting results are on point every time. Here are 5 monument stencil tips for perfect sandblasting results.
While having a high quality sandblasting stencil is the key to success to any sandblasting project, it’s especially true when it comes to monument carving. This is because the stones that you’re typically working are harder than most, such as granite or marble. In sandblasting terms, these harder materials require a longer exposure to your sandblaster, and therefore your stencil has to be able to withstand the higher pressure for longer. You’ll want to find a more blast resistant stencil with a strong adhesive backing to make sure your stencil stays in place throughout the project.
When you’re working with headstones and other monuments, another key to success takes place before you even think about placing your sandblasting stencil. Preparing the surface makes it easy to adhere your stencil, and makes sure that you’re blasting through even layers of material. Before applying any stencil, the stone surface must be clean, dry, and free of dust or oils. Any debris left on the surface can cause poor stencil adhesion, leading to blurry edges or blowouts. Use a brush, compressed air, or a dedicated stone cleaner to prepare the area.
Once your surface is ready, then it’s time to get your sandblasting stencil stuck down. You have a couple of different options. Self adhesive stencil liner rolls come with a set amount of adhesive already on the back of your stencil, and these can be a life saver if you’ve got a lot of fine detail that will be hard to put adhesive on accurately. On the other hand, you can buy adhesive separately and apply it yourself. This can be a good option if you’ve got a bigger surface or you’re looking to add a layer of filler to ensure a good hold for a longer sandblasting exposure.
Controlled, consistent sandblasting is the secret to crisp designs. Hold the nozzle at a steady 90-degree angle to the surface, keeping a consistent distance from your target material. If you need to add texture or angled indentations, add these once you’ve got the base layer to your desired depth. Start with lower pressure and gradually increase as needed to avoid over blasting delicate parts of the stencil. Always move the nozzle in smooth, overlapping passes rather than hovering, which can erode the stencil and damage the stone. If you need to come back to a particular section of the project, be sure to turn the sandblaster off as you move back over the pattern to ensure that you get a consistent depth.
Once you’re happy with your sandblasting work, it’s time to apply the finishing touches to your sandblasting project. It goes without saying that you need to be super careful when it comes to removing your sandblasting stencil as any rips or tears will require extra work to peel off. Once the stencil has been safely removed, you need to run a cloth and cleaner over the whole design to pick up any adhesive residues as well as any dust or debris that will take away from the final finish. Finally, you might want to apply polish or sealant to preserve the quality of your project.
Following these monument stencil tips will make sure that you get a high quality finish every time. However, it can be easy to make a common mistake that will ruin your project. Avoid reusing stencils, as worn materials lose adhesion and flexibility. Never rush the application process—wrinkles or gaps can let abrasive material sneak underneath. Also, watch for overblasting, which can undercut the stencil edges and cause fuzzy lines. Paying attention to these details will save you time and prevent costly rework.
When you’re ready to take your monument work to the next level, come and talk to U-Blast’s sandblasting experts who will get you set up with the right stencil roll for your project.