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By Burton Fletcher
Question: I see a lot of polished finishes with the
manufacture of new monuments that was not present in older
monument styles. What are the types of monument finishes?
Answer: This is a good question. Today, the polished
finish is commonly observed coming from the factory production
lines originating from quarries around the world. Modern
production techniques allow machines to efficiently grind
stone to a smooth finish. While a polished finish is currently
the most popular, other finishes should be considered as well,
both for their durability and a more natural appearance. I
learned the particulars regarding the variety of finishes
while attending a seminar at the Elberton Granite Museum in
Elberton, Georgia.
Stipple Finish: The stipple finish is produced from
granite that was first cut from a quarry block, with a saw
cut, using the large diamond tipped blades that make easy work
carving large blocks of granite, after removal from the
quarry. A stone cutter stipples the sawn finish by using a
pneumatic tool and a 16-point chisel.
Steeled Finish: To achieve the steeled finish, the
granite is first sawn, and then steeled using a circular wheel
with steel shot. Another technique uses steel shot, mixed with
an abrasive, to score the granite. This finish is rough to the
touch and my favorite.
Diamond Saw Finish: This finish is created by the use
of a diamond saw. Depending on the accuracy of the cutting
blade, this finish may be relatively straight.
Wiresaw Finish: The wiresaw finish is created by using
a “wire saw” machine. A small one-half (1/2) inch spiral steel
wire pulls silicone carbide abrasive over stone surfaces at a
high speed to create this look.
Polished Finish: To achieve the polished finish, the
granite is first sawn. It is then polished with emory rings,
using three or more grades of abrasive. Then, for the final
process, a heavy buffing wheel is used with a mixture of water
or tin or aluminum oxide.
Stoned Finish or Frosting: A “stoned finish” or
“frosting” is created using a pneumatic tool and a scraper to
remove the surface layer of any of the above finishes;
usually, this finish is used to highlight an area within the
surface area of another finish.
Rock Pitched or Rustic Finish: This finish is as common
as any finish found in the modern cemetery. A stonecutter uses
a hammer, pointer, and chisel to achieve the desired rustic
finish. This finish is frequently used on the top and sides of
an upright monument, and on the bottom of the base, giving a
rugged appearance. I have observed BRP-5, or Balanced Rock
Pitched, on all sides of a monument, with a different finish
only in the areas of lettering or ornamentalization.
Personally, I believe the rock pitch or rustic look is
overused modernly. Memorialists like this finish because it is
easier to make repairs if dings occur during shipping,
storage, or installation.
Shell Rock Finish: A stonecutter uses a hammer,
pointer, and chipper to create the desired scalloped finish on
the exterior of a monument. Working skillfully, the stone
cutter clips out semi-circle spheres to finish the monument.
Though this is not my personal first choice in monument
finishes, I admire the skill and workmanship when this finish
is used. Like the rock pitched finish, this finish is usually
used on the top and sides of a monument.
In terms of overall surface smoothness, polished is the
smoothest, followed by stippled, steeled, diamond saw, and
lastly, wire saw. Rock pitched and shell rock finishes are
exterior finishes. Any combination of these finishes may be
used depending upon budget and artistic preferences.
Within the industry, a memorialist might communicate to a
stonecutter, that the requested monument is to be P-2, P-3, or
P-5. This is a request for a polish on the front and back
sides, or front, back and top, or front, back, top and sides,
respectively. P-2, BRP is a polish on the front and back sides
of the monument with the top and sides, or balance, rock
pitched, or chipped.
When shopping for prices, it is important to know whether the
same stone is being sold to the consumer. There are varieties
of stone, and one should expect to pay more for a P-3 monument
than a monument that is only P-2 and BRP.
Burton Fletcher, with over 20 years business experience, owns
ValdostaMemorials.com. He is a licensed memorialist in Georgia and Florida. He enjoys genealogy and
visiting and studying Southern monuments. Reach Burton at
229.245.8858 or
Burton@ValdostaMemorials.com |
