Here’s how we complete the mobile lettering process:

First, the Monument Guy examines the memorial or headstone to determine the existing font type and size. Then, a unique stencil is cut from a computer software program that matches the existing font.

The stencil is then applied to the stone.  The individual letters are then peeled out.

A sandblaster engraves the stencil’s exposed areas to the appropriate depth to match the original lettering.

When the engraving is completed, the stone is cleaned. 

A family will contact us letting us know they need lettering added to their headstone.  Information will be gathered, a contract will be sent and the information needed to complete the work order.  Once we have a signed contract we will then add the contract to the routes we have in certain geographical areas.  When we are in the area of the cemetery where the work is to be performed, we will locate the stone.  We then verify the name(s), family name to make sure we have the correct stone.  We then inspect the stone, determine the font and spacing and precisely match it.  Once we are confident we have the correct font and spacing, the computerized drawing is cut into a rubber stencil which will be used in the final engraving process.  Each character is cut into the new stencil by a portable plotter.  The characters are then removed, so what is left is a rubber template. We then apply the rubber stencil to the headstone. Upon final inspection, the headstone is sandblasted to a specific depth that matches the existing lettering.  Once the sandblasting has been completed, we check for accuracy and consistency, apply the appropriate colored lithochrome and then remove the stencil.  Finally we blow off any residue or leftover debris and sand.

No. All of our work is done 100% remote. Our equipment is portable, so we can access the stone wherever it is.  We have 400 feet of hose to access even the most remote stone locations. 

We use the monument industry standard, Gerber software.  We also have access to similar Monucad software as well.  We are able to match any font you need.  That being said, we sometimes run across rare fonts that we are not able to match—at least immediately.  If this happens we may need to communicate with the original monument designer.  If that is the case, we have built a strong, trustworthy and cooperative relationship with the monument companies in the areas we serve.  We work alongside those monument companies to get the exact font and spacing to make sure the lettering is done right.

One more thing to note, families should expect that the freshly engraved lettering may look newer and brighter than the other letters that have been exposed to the elements.  Rest assured that with time, mother nature will do her part and all the lettering will look the same.