Granite war memorial plaque

Granite war memorial plaque. This week it has been our privilege to create a new war memorial plaque. The plaque will remember those who gave their lives in the first and second world wars.

The effect it had on the team was interesting. We're normally a very light-hearted and fun bunch, but there was a very respectful and sombre mood in the production team whilst making this particular sign.

This is a granite sign with sandblasted and gold painted lettering. It's a hand-crafted process that began on the computer.

Stage 1 -  design and cut vinyl

The words for the sign are typed into our specialist software and a typographer creates a visually aesthetic layout. This layout is then cut-out on vinyl.

Stage 2 - affix vinyl to granite and weed

The granite sign is cut to size and polished. The vinyl is adhered and smoothed down to prevent bubbles. Great care is taken to ensure that the edges of the letters are well fixed or the sandblasting will spread.

vinyl protective covering on granite war memorial plaque vinyl protective covering on granite war memorial plaque

 

Stage 3 - sandblasting

This is a fascinating stage. Despite it being a soft material, the vinyl actually protects the background areas of the granite from being sandblasted. The unprotected lettering is carved out by the sandblasting.

Sandblasting the war memorial plaque Sandblasting the war memorial plaque

Sandblasting Sandblasting

Quality control of the granite war memorial plaque Quality control of the granite war memorial plaque

You can buy a granite plaque here

Stage 4 - hand painting and spraying

With the vinyl still applied, the next stage is to carefully hand paint the lettering. When dry, a second coat is applied with an airbrush.

Hand painting the granite war memorial plaque Hand painting the granite war memorial plaque

Gold paint applied to granite war memorial plaque Gold paint applied to granite war memorial plaque

You can buy a granite plaque here

Stage 5 - removing the vinyl and polishing

The granite sign is then left to completely dry. Then the vinyl is removed and the sign is polished and quality checked, before being packed ready for delivery.

Removing the vinyl from the granite Removing the vinyl from the granite

Polishing the granite plaque Polishing the granite plaque

 

Dave presents the finished product Dave presents the finished product

 

You can buy a granite plaque here