Engraving Is Just the First Step
Engraving on a pet tombstone is only the first step. To make the text visible, most tombstones use paint to fill the grooves. Unfilled engravings are hard to see from a distance. With filled color, names and dates stand out clearly.
But different fill materials have very different durability. Some last over 20 years. Others start fading in two or three years.
Comparison of Common Fill Materials
Epoxy paint: Most durable. Epoxy cures into a hard plastic-like surface. It resists UV, water, and chemicals. Outdoors, it can last 15-20 years without fading. Disadvantages: higher cost, requires professional equipment. Limited color selection (mainly black, white, gold).
Acrylic paint: Medium durability. Acrylic is water-based, easy to apply, and available in many colors. But UV resistance is lower than epoxy. Outdoors, it starts fading in 3-5 years. Suitable for limited budgets or indoor use.
Oil-based paint: Traditional choice. Good adhesion, deep colors. But water resistance is moderate. Long-term rain exposure may cause peeling. Outdoor lifespan about 5-8 years.
Gold leaf / metal foil: Most expensive, most luxurious. Real gold leaf never tarnishes or corrodes. On granite, gold leaf can last over a hundred years. Disadvantages: very high cost (typically adds $100-300), difficult application, not all artisans offer it.
No fill (natural stone color): Most natural choice. No paint. The grooves remain the stone‘s natural color. Best for textured stones like slate. Disadvantage: hard to read from a distance. Lifespan: infinite (nothing to fade).
Choosing Fill Color by Stone Color
Black or dark gray granite: White or gold fill works best. White gives highest contrast and clarity. Gold is warmer and more luxurious. Silver also works. Avoid black fill—invisible.
Gray granite: Either black or white works. Dark gray stone: white fill. Light gray stone: black fill. Gold also works but less crisp than black or white.
Pink or red granite: White or gold works best. Black would be too dark. White gives a soft contrast with pink.
White marble: Black or gray fill works best. Gold also works but less crisp than black. Avoid white—invisible.
Slate: White or light gray fill. Slate is dark, needs light fill. Gold leaf also works beautifully on slate.
Maintaining Fill Material
Even the best fill material may need refilling after decades. You can do it yourself:
- Clean the grooves with a soft brush and water to remove dust and moss
- Use a fine brush to apply acrylic paint into the grooves
- After the paint dries, wipe excess from the surface with a damp cloth
For epoxy paint, hire a professional.
Laser Engraving Needs No Fill
Laser‑engraved photos and text need no fill. The laser burns the stone surface directly, creating permanent light and dark areas. Even without paint, the image is visible. Though only 0.2-0.5 mm deep, the contrast is sufficient.
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