Custom Sandblast Designs for Memorials

Personalize Your Memorial with Timeless Detail

At Borth Memorials, we believe that even the smallest details carry meaning. Sandblast design allows us to bring those details to life on stone — whether it’s a floral border, religious symbol, scenic engraving, or a meaningful phrase.



For more than 30 years, we’ve specialized in custom sandblasted artwork on granite and stone. This time-tested technique uses high-pressure air and fine abrasive to carve clean, permanent designs into the memorial surface. The result is lasting beauty and clarity that won’t fade or wear over time.

Monument with a colorful landscape scene, black base, and a gray textured lower base.

Popular Sandblast Design Themes

We offer an extensive catalog of artwork, and we can also create custom illustrations upon request. Some of the most popular categories include:

Religious Symbols

  • Crosses
  • Angels
  • Open Bibles
  • Rosaries
  • Praying hands
  • Stained glass window effects

Nature & Outdoors

  • Trees (oak, pine, weeping willow)
  • Flowers (roses, lilies, wildflowers)
  • Birds in flight, cardinals, doves
  • Deer, fish, and wildlife
  • Mountains, rivers, or lakeside scenes

Hobbies & Heritage

  • Farm scenes with barns or tractors
  • Musical instruments
  • Sports equipment
  • Hunting or fishing gear
  • Cultural symbols or flags

Frames & Backgrounds

  • Frosted panels to highlight text
  • Floral or scroll-style borders
  • Heart shapes or double panels for companions
  • Custom corner accents or trim patterns

What Is Sandblasting?

Sandblasting is the process of using a controlled stream of abrasive material to etch or carve into granite, creating letters, symbols, textures, or artwork. It is the most common and trusted method for engraving headstones and monuments.

This technique allows for:

  • Sharp, clean lettering
  • Deep, permanent carving
  • Smooth or frosted panel effects
  • Decorative borders and motifs
  • Artistic elements with texture and depth

Unlike surface printing or laser-only methods, sandblasting produces engraving that remains legible and beautiful for generations.

Where Sandblasting Is Used

Sandblast engraving is used on nearly every granite memorial we produce, and it can be applied to various components:

  • Names and Dates – Deep-carved lettering that remains crisp and readable
  • Epitaphs and Quotes – Sayings, scripture, or poems in your chosen font
  • Borders and Panels – Classic or decorative frames for inscriptions
  • Religious Symbols – Crosses, rosaries, doves, praying hands
  • Nature Scenes – Trees, mountains, animals, lakes, and more
  • Farm & Rural Imagery – Barns, tractors, deer, windmills, etc.
  • Military & Civic Emblems – Service seals, flags, or badges
  • Floral Artwork – Roses, lilies, wildflowers, vines

These details help make each memorial not only functional but also personal and expressive.

Custom Artwork & Personalization

If you don’t see a design that matches your vision, we can create something new — based on a photo, sketch, or idea you share.

  • Convert family photos into stylized line art
  • Add meaningful quotes or phrases
  • Blend symbols (e.g., military + religious)
  • Match design elements from an existing family monument

We’ll provide a layout proof before production, so you can approve every detail.

Gravestone for the Williams family with engraved landscape and names: Morgan E. and Juanita M.

Personalization & Design Features

While laser etching is ideal for photographic realism (especially on black granite), sandblasting is the preferred method for:

  • Deep, bold inscriptions
  • All granite colors (not just black)
  • Outdoor readability
  • Decorative engraving with texture

In many cases, we combine both techniques — using sandblasting for main text and layout, with laser etching for portraits or fine detail.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Does sandblasted engraving fade over time?

    No. Sandblasting cuts into the granite itself, creating permanent detail that will remain legible for decades — even centuries — with minimal maintenance.

  • Can you add sandblast artwork to an existing headstone?

    In many cases, yes. If the stone has enough space and the finish is compatible, we can add names, dates, or new symbols after the original installation.

  • Can I request custom artwork or special symbols?

    Yes. We offer a wide selection of standard artwork and also create custom designs based on your ideas, photos, or family themes. Our team will provide a full design preview before engraving to ensure everything looks just the way you envision.

  • Can sandblast designs be done on any granite color?

    Yes. Sandblasting is compatible with nearly all granite types — from gray and red to black and pink. We adjust depth and style for the best visibility on each stone.

Ideal for Cremation Memorials

  1. Design Consultation - We'll discuss your vision and suggest layout options or themes that fit the person or family you're honoring.
  2. Artwork Selection - Choose from our library of sandblast designs, or submit your own ideas for custom engraving.
  3. Proof & Approval - We’ll create a design mockup showing text, symbols, layout, and artwork placement.
  4. Precision Engraving - Our skilled team uses high-quality stencils and advanced sandblasting equipment to deliver consistent, crisp engraving every time.
  5. Finishing Touches - Optional color-fill, panel frosting, or polishing is applied depending on your chosen style.

Add Meaning Through Detail

Sandblast design adds artistry, character, and meaning to every memorial. Whether it’s a simple floral corner or a full scenic engraving, our team will help you create something truly personal and lasting.

Start your design today by contacting Borth Memorials. We’re here to turn your vision into stone.