Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Rubbing to Duplicate Monument Designs



When designing a memorial, families often start with monument designs and shapes already in their cemetery. Many headstones are aged and weathered, and the designs are no longer available; through monument dealers or manufacturers. Many families copy monument designs by transferring the face of the headstones to "transfer paper" - Creating what's called a Monument Rubbing.

Can I duplicate any monument in the cemetery?
Check with the cemetery to see if rubbing is even allowed in the cemetery. Rub only solid stones in good condition. Check for any cracks, evidence of previous breaks and adhesive repairs. Test paper and color before working on stone to be certain that no color bleeds through. Rub gently, carefully. Leave the stone in better condition than you found it.
  
When do I need a rubbing?
Any time that you want to duplicate a design or letter style or if you are duplicating a monument with the same Family Name.

When do I need a picture?
You will always need a picture if you are sending a rubbing to be duplicated.
Take pictures of the monument; One of the entire stone and one close up of the carving. Digital photos are by far the best photos to use in the duplication of any monument or memorial design.

When do I not need a rubbing?
If you only want to imitate a design or letter style and not match it exactly.  In this case only a picture is needed.

If the rubbing moves do I have to start over?
Yes, if the rubbing moves or if you complete the rubbing and realize that it is not clear you will need to redo the rub. You cannot use the same rubbing. It is virtually impossible to line it back up and get an accurate rub the second time. The best thing to do is to start from scratch.  This may sound time consuming but it will prevent you from having to do it again later.

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