Rubbing An Impression

You can get an impression of an engraving by rubbing wax over a white cloth.

Rubbing an impression is a simple task and only requires a few basic supplies. Whether you are rubbing an impression of an ancestor’s headstone or a relative’s name on a memorial, you can be fairly sure that you can get a good impression rubbing on anything that is engraved on a flat surface. Rubbed impressions are often used in genealogy or by people who want to keep a physical reminder of a loved one’s memorial.

Things You'll Need

• Interfacing (non-fusible, medium weight)
• Microfiber cloth
• Rubbing wax cake (colored)
• Scissors
• Tape

Instructions

1. Brush the dust or debris off of the selected area with a microfiber cloth. You need the smoothest surface possible for a clear impression rubbing.

2. Cut your interfacing to match the area to be rubbed, leaving a margin of several inches. Tape it securely to the surface of the engraving.

3. Press the wax cake firmly to the cloth and begin rubbing in even strokes keeping your pressure consistent. It doesn't matter if you rub vertically, horizontally or at an angle as long as you stick to one of them. Continue rubbing the cloth until you have recorded the entire section.

Tips & Warnings

• Interfacing can be purchased at any fabric store. It is very important to get non-fusing and medium weight.

• Colored wax cakes can be purchased at an art supply store.

• This method also works for coin rubbings or for leaf rubbings.

References

• Ancestry Graphics and Printing: Headstone Rubbing Techniques That Get Results