To sandcarve a pet memorial, start by applying a photoresist stencil to a flat piece of granite or tile. This works best when the surface is flat and polished as uneven or porous stones may be more challenging. Use a pressure-pot system, which provides quick results. The artwork determines the mil thickness required for the stone project. A six mil gives you more sand resistance, allowing a greater depth in your project.
Apply a water base and brush the adhesive onto the back of the stencil. Clean the surface of your stone with water and let it dry.
Heat the surface of the stone using a torch and apply the stencil with adhesive. Squeegee with pressure to push any air bubbles out from under the surface. Then, remove the clear carrier and press the masking down with your fingers. Make sure to tape off any exposed areas with blasting tape; painter’s tape does not work well for this.
Finally, sandcarve at 35-45 psi with 120-, 150-, or 180-grit aluminum oxide or silicon carbide and paint-fill before removing the mask. Let the stone and paint dry before removing the tape and masking.
-Liz Haas, Rayzist
