How to Engrave in Rock
From cave men to high school couples, people have been engraving images and designs on rocks for centuries. Whether the carvings are for religious ceremony or a demonstration of love, there are several methods used to etch lasting memories into rock or stone. The challenge is one of precision.
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Things You'll Need
- Electric engraver (ball, cylinder, and cone tip)
- Safety goggles
- Table
- Newspaper
- Wax-based pencil
- Damp rag
- Tissue paper or tracing paper (optional)
Instructions
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1
Select a rock to engrave. Choose a small rock with a smooth, flat surface for your first try.
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2
Place the rock on a table covered with newspaper. If the rock is too large to move, skip this step.
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3
Draw the design you wish to engrave on the rock. Use a wax-based pencil to draw the design on the rock. If the design is from a printed drawing, trace the outline of the drawing over tracing paper. Turn the tracing paper over and place it on the rock. Using the pencil tip, gently outline the design again. The result will be a transposed impression of your design.
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4
Put on your safety goggles. Test a small area of the rock (outside of the design) or another rock of similar texture to gauge how much pressure to apply with the engraver.
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5
Use a ball tip on the electric engraver to outline the design. Replace the ball tip with a cone tip for increased precision and accuracy. Use a cylinder tip to fill in large areas. Use the pattern of the rock to your advantage.
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6
Use a damp cloth to remove dust. Repeat the process until your design is complete. When finished, wash and let dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Engraved lines are always lighter than the actual surface of the rock.
