Production of ritual tablets for monuments to order. Beautiful inscriptions on the monument with your own hands Making memorial plaques for the cemetery

Modern technologies make it possible to produce signs using laser engraving, sublimation printing, computer engraving, and spraying. But they all require expensive equipment and are not available for use at home.

The proposed technology for manufacturing metal plates is available for self-production with minimal costs time and money. The photograph shows a self-made ritual metal plaque mounted on a tombstone cross.

Grinding and polishing the base of the sign

As a base for a sign, you can use almost any sheet material that can withstand heating temperatures up to 200°C. Aluminum is best suited, as it is easy to process and is resistant to weather conditions, which is important if the sign will be installed on the street, for example, as an address or number of a house or cottage.

To make a ritual tablet from sheet aluminum 2 mm thick, a plate measuring 148 × 200 mm was cut out using a hacksaw for metal and four holes for fastening with a diameter of 6 mm were drilled in the corners, at a distance of 8 mm from the edge.

The surface of the sign's base was covered with scratches and had other mechanical defects. Therefore, before applying the inscription, the surface was sanded with fine-grained sandpaper using a surface grinder. To prevent the base of the table from moving during sanding, it was secured to a sheet of plywood using four self-tapping screws screwed into the holes in the corners.

After sanding, the surface of the base of the sign acquired a uniform matte surface on which a design can be applied, but I wanted a mirror shine, so I decided to polish it further.

To do this, instead of sandpaper, felt rubbed with GOI paste was attached to the sanding machine. There are many brands of polishing pastes available and you can use any that are designed for polishing metal.

In order to spend less force on pressing the grinding machine, you can put a load weighing a couple of kilograms on it.

After an hour of grinding and polishing, the surface of the base for the sign acquired a mirror surface and surrounding objects began to be reflected in it.

Making a template for a sign

To create a ritual tablet template, you need to download one of the files below into Word and edit it. To produce a sign using the proposed technology, it is necessary to mirror the image. Some printers allow you to set the print mode to Mirror Image in the Properties. If you have such a printer and are happy with everything, then you can print the template and start making a sign.

Ritual Sign Templates for Free Download
Number of buried	Template type	Download link
1	positive	Download
1	negative	Download
2 under the same name	positive	Download
2 under the same name	negative	Download
2 under different names	positive	Download
2 under different names	negative	Download

IN latest versions Word also has this option, but a much better result can be achieved when converting the image using Photoshop, since it allows you to change the size and placement of the inscriptions, which is impossible to do in Word.

The easiest way is to transfer a picture of a sign from Word to Photoshop via your computer’s clipboard. To do this, in Word, click on the Preview icon, zoom in so that the plate occupies the maximum area of the screen, and press the PrtSc key on the keyboard.

The next step is to crop the image to cut off everything unnecessary, using the Frame tool in the vertical panel on the left.

To change the size of the inscriptions, you need to sequentially select each word with a rectangular frame, as shown in the photo, and select the Edit / Free Transform tool.

In the next step after editing, you need to mirror the image and set the dimensions of the sides. To perform a mirror reflection, you need to select the entire image of the sign with the rectangular area tool and select Image/Rotate Image/Display Canvas Horizontally.

Now all that remains is to set the required dimensions of the sign. To do this, click on the top menu Size/Image Size and enter the required dimensions in centimeters in the boxes, and save the ritual tablet template prepared for printing.

The photo shows a mirror positive of a self-made template. If desired, the olive branch can be replaced with any other design, such as an asterisk or cross, drawn by yourself or taken from the Internet.

Applying a design to the surface of the base of the sign

The easiest way to apply a design to a sign is to use a template printed on a laser printer. In the printer, the toner is fixed to the paper by melting the powder applied to it after heating to 200°C. When reheated, the toner becomes liquid again. This property of the toner is used to transfer the design from the surface of the paper to the plate. I note that a printout from an inkjet printer is not suitable for these purposes, since the design is applied in ink.

When printing, modern laser printers apply a very thin layer of toner to the paper, and to obtain a high-quality image on a plate, you need to print the image three times on one sheet. Due to inaccurate positioning of the paper in the printer tray, the edges of the character pattern will be slightly blurred, but in this case this does not matter much, since the width and height of the letters and numbers are large.

When making a template for a sign, you can use any water-soluble paper, for example, for office printing. But I prefer tracing paper, since the design is clearly visible through it, and therefore it is convenient to position the template on the base of the plate, and tracing paper lags behind the toner better.

To ensure high-quality transfer of toner from paper to the surface of the plate base, you need to ensure its uniform and tight fit. To do this, five layers of newspaper were placed on the template, then pressed with a plate similar to the base of the sign. The plate was made at the same time as the base of the tablet to secure it to the cross. The plates were pulled together using screws.

Next, this sandwich was placed in an electric oven and, when the temperature reached 200°C, was kept for an hour, followed by cooling. To ensure that the template fits securely, a weight of several kilograms was placed in the center of the plate.

After cooling to room temperature, the tablet was placed in water to soften the paper for several hours and then the tracing paper was removed under a stream of water. The quality of the drawing turned out to be quite high. In case of unsuccessful application of the inscription, you can easily remove the toner using a rag soaked in acetone and, taking into account the experience gained, reapply it.

The idea was to apply the inscription with toner and etch the metal around it using an etching solution. Then remove the toner with acetone and leave the mirrored letters. But when the paper was removed, it turned out that the sign looked great and the black letters were quite appropriate for a funeral sign. If desired, you can coat the top of the toner with paint of any color. Therefore, all that remains is to apply a thin protective waterproof layer in the form of epoxy resin.

A small amount of epoxy was applied to the center and then smoothed over the surface in a thin layer using a card. A few hours later the sign was ready for installation.

Before transferring toner and covering the plate with a protective layer, it is imperative to degrease the surface.

To do this, just wash it with a brush and laundry soap or any dishwashing detergent.

Attaching the sign

Since the cross was an ornate structure, and I didn’t want to drill holes in it, it was decided to secure the sign with an additional aluminum plate of the same size as the sign.

The fastening was done using four M5 screws 50 mm long. To make it impossible to remove the sign without a tool, two nuts were used, tightly tightened together.

The photograph shows a tombstone cross with a ritual tablet attached to it, made with one’s own hands at home. As you can see, the sign looks quite decent and is clearly readable from a distance of several meters.

Ritual tablets can be temporary or permanent. The first ones are mounted on a cross or on a preliminary monument, the second ones can also look decent on a permanent tombstone. When choosing a sign, you must first decide what size and shape it will be, what it is made of, and how it is decorated. The size depends on the size of the base to which it is planned to be attached. There are a variety of shapes: rectangular, round, oval, and less often figured.

Temporary

They are usually indicated only by the name and dates of life of the deceased. Such plates are most often made of metal or a more modern material - plastic, plain and metallized.

Therefore, a more optimal option is a plate made of mirror stainless steel. It is more expensive, but much more reliable, has a more presentable appearance and is not so susceptible to atmospheric influences.

Inscriptions are applied to it by computer (laser) engraving, thermal printing or milling. But even good metal requires regular maintenance to look good. It must be wiped with special protective compounds at least once a year (and more often in humid climates).

A temporary ritual tablet can be decorated with an exquisite font, the addition of decorative (primarily ornaments, corners) and religious elements (for example, crosses or crescents), frames, and simple symbolic images.

You can choose different backgrounds and mounting methods (double-sided tape or colored screws). Another newfangled detail is the application of a QR code on the sign, with which you can read the necessary information.

Permanent

These are placed on gravestones and stone monuments and are designed for long-term use. They are made from ceramics, glass, marble and granite. In addition to inscriptions, you can also place a photo of the deceased on them.

Such plaques can serve as decoration for various monuments: a simple block of stone and a sophisticated monument made of colored granite. They are also used as the best option for columbaria.

Ceramics and enamel produce excellent color photographs, which are applied to ovals or rectangles by direct printing with a printer.

Such signs look great, are easy to make, and therefore relatively cheap. They are easily and securely attached to the base using self-tapping screws or liquid nails.

However, they have significant disadvantages.

The photoceramics on the sign will not last long and will begin to fade and crack over time.

The ceramic base is quite fragile and can crack due to impact or exposure to the external environment.

Engraving on stone is truly durable

The marble tablets look decent. But over time, they can still crack and fade. To prevent this from happening, they need to be looked after and treated with protective enamels.

Products made from the “eternal” stone - granite - are in particular demand. The inscriptions on it can be made simple, in relief, with gilded letters. Granite is resistant to natural vibrations; tablets made from it give a solid and elegant look to any grave.

Sometimes they can even replace a full-fledged monument. Engraving on a dark stone looks truly amazing.

Recently, grave markers made of specially tempered glass have appeared. They are more reliable than photoceramic ones, since the colorful image is hidden not under a layer of, albeit durable, but still thinly applied special varnish, but under a solid transparent thickness.

According to generally accepted traditions, it is necessary not only to designate the burial place with a monument, but also to indicate who rests at this place, as well as when this person was born and died.

There are many ways to apply inscriptions, it all depends on the material from which the tombstone is made. The most popular of them are engraving, as well as photo or metal-ceramic plates. More information about engraving: http://danila-master.ru/articles/gravirovka-risunkov-na-poverxnosti.html. The application of memorial inscriptions is usually ordered at the same place where the monument is purchased. But, for example, if the words have already been erased or for some reason are severely damaged and require replacement, it is not at all necessary to turn to professionals. You can do everything with your own efforts and at the same time not only save money, but also present your efforts as a tribute to the memory of a loved one.

Paints

The easiest way to apply inscriptions to a monument is with paints. You can buy suitable paint in any department with art supplies: you should explain to the sales consultant how you plan to use it, and they will offer you an option suitable in composition. For such purposes, mixtures based on an alkyd binder are suitable; you can also purchase acrylic paint, but it will most likely have to be additionally coated with varnish.

This method is good because you can experiment with colors and textures, in addition to inscriptions, and make beautiful patterns with the same color. However, for such work you must have a certain skill. If you have no artistic experience, but have, for example, an original idea and confidence in your abilities, it is better to first practice first on a sheet of paper, and then on some vertical surface, so that your hand is well positioned and the strokes are applied confidently.

Overhead letters

This method is also quite simple and is ideal if you are not confident in your artistic skills. Overhead letters can be purchased at the appropriate stores, ordered in a workshop, or made yourself. To make it yourself, you should first use a stencil to make letters from cardboard, and then, using the resulting blanks, cut them out of thin metal, wood, or sculpt them from ceramic clay. When the letters are ready, they should be glued using epoxy glue to a previously cleaned and degreased surface of the tombstone. To prevent the letters from jumping, level their position using a building level.

Signs

There may be several options for making your own sign with inscriptions:

Glass. To make inscriptions on glass, stained glass paints are used or words are drawn in a graphics editor and printed on thick paper. In the second case, the inscription is placed between two glass plates, and then in a dense metal or plastic frame, which will serve to seal the holes between the two glasses.

Wooden. Since wood does not tolerate external influences well, such a sign will not last long, at best several years. However, with a competent and creative approach, inscriptions on wood will look very beautiful. Words are burned or cut out with a jigsaw on a well-polished wooden plate. Additionally, you can depict all kinds of patterns, and also use wood paints. An antiseptic is applied on top of the finished wooden sign, and after it is absorbed, the surface is coated with wood varnish for external use. In order for the product to last longer, the varnish layer should be periodically renewed.

Metal. The most reliable and durable option is to engrave the inscriptions on a metal plate using a special engraving pencil. In this case, especially if you lack experience and confidence, you can use a stencil, then the letters will be even and neat.

Plaque for the grave loved one – traditional way identify the burial and distinguish it from many others. In ancient times it was made of wood or iron. Nowadays, you can more often find products made from composite materials, granite, aluminum, brass, and plastic. The technique of applying inscriptions to the front side has also improved. Previously, it was an ordinary engraving, which over time lost its original appearance due to bad weather. Now thermal printing, laser engraving, appliqué, graverton and other technologies are used for production. Such a grave sign can withstand harsh climatic conditions for 10-15 years.

Plaque for crosses and graves in Moscow

The tablet for the crosses is a small rectangle made of appropriate material, on which information about the buried person is given. Typically this is:

full name of the deceased;
date of birth and date of death.

A vignette or frame from a strict frame is drawn around the inscription. If space allows, a plaque on a grave in Moscow and the Moscow region may contain farewell words from relatives and friends. The epitaph is usually limited to a few phrases. For the deceased, your true feelings are more important, not florid expressions.

A grave plaque made of natural stone can serve as a monument. It is slightly larger in size and is mounted on special metal supports. Various drawings can be applied to it: an image of the deceased, angels, candles or other symbols. A budget option Tombstones sometimes last 15-20 years.

Price of a ritual tablet for a grave

Plaque for the grave. Photo

The price of a ritual plaque for a grave is determined in several stages.

Special purpose. Would you like to order a small plaque for a temporarily installed cross or will it be a permanent burial memorial?

Choice of material. Granite or marble will be more expensive, but will last for decades. Plastic or metal signs are not as durable.

Size and form factor. The more refined and larger the sign, the higher its cost.

Decor. A strict inscription, without decorations, is a democratic option. A vignette or design increases the price of the product.

Imaging technology. Hand engraving requires special skills, laser engraving requires expensive tools and precise application. There are also budget techniques for temporary signs on crosses.

Only after deciding on all the above factors will it be possible to calculate what the final price of the ritual tablet for the grave will be.

Order a plaque for the grave from the website

Organizing a funeral is a troublesome procedure that takes a lot of effort from relatives and friends. Sometimes such nuances as ordering a ritual tablet for mounting on a grave cross remain unattended. The ritual agency Ritual.ru has been taking care of conducting a worthy burial ceremony for deceased Muscovites and residents of the Moscow region for a quarter of a century. Our employees pay special attention to detail and burial ceremonies, wakes and other mourning events always take place without any hiccups.

Then various types of signs are made and fixed in the required place.

It is possible to make a plaque for a monument using a wide range of materials. The choice will have to be made based on how and what exactly will be applied to it. It is also taken into account whether the installation is carried out temporarily while the monument is being made, or whether a permanent option is being installed.

The temporary plate of the sign is usually made of plastic. Manufacturing from such material has the lowest price. And everything you need can be applied quickly and efficiently.

A natural stone

When applying manual engraving, making bas-reliefs and ornaments, natural stone will be an ideal option. But it is impossible to use engraving directly on the surface of the monument, since the base stone does not lend itself well to this type of processing. For the sign, take a stone that is optimally suited in texture and contrasting in color to the main stone, but easier to process.

Signs can be secured with bolts (stainless steel) or liquid nails. If the base of the monument is artificial stone, then the plate can be immediately poured into the mold when making tombstones and monuments. As a rule, you can order such a plate at any granite workshop.

Metal

Metal allows you to apply letters and images using a computer method. There is practically no image that computer engraving cannot recreate. The quality of the metal alloy and the procedure by which the image was applied affects how long the original appearance will last. Such signs are attached with self-tapping screws.

Ceramics, enamel, porcelain

Photoceramics is the most common type of printing images and inscriptions. It is possible to use color images. Such signs are fastened with self-tapping screws or using “liquid nails”. The production of ceramics for monuments can be done in series.

The disadvantage is the fragility of the image. Under the influence of the environment, paints lose their brightness. And the plate of the plate made of ceramics does not have the degree of strength that, for example, steel can boast.

Plastic

The image is printed on a plate and then laminated. Used as a temporary solution, since the image fades very quickly, and plastic itself is not a durable material.

Glass

Glass plaques are not mass produced. Typically these are monuments, headstones and memorials that are custom made and designed. The glass is usually tempered; inscriptions and images are applied in the form of computer or laser engraving.

Many monument manufacturing companies offer to order and buy a monument for a grave. The choice should be made in favor of the one that will provide the full range of services. Our company has a well-equipped workshop, which allows us to provide a full range of services, including the production of plaques for monuments in Moscow and the region.

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