# Laser Etching or Sandblasting: Which Does Your Design Need? > Laser etching is often used for portraits and fine images. Sandblasting is commonly used for deeper lettering and cut-out designs. Source: [Laser Etching or Sandblasting: Which Does Your Design Need?](https://www.cnmonuments.com/industry-insights/laser-etching-vs-sandblasting-monuments/) Language: en [Back to Insights](https://www.cnmonuments.com/industry-insights/) Material Knowledge First published 2026-02-10. Laser etching is often used for portraits and fine images. Sandblasting is commonly used for deeper lettering and cut-out designs. Updated 2026-10-05 · 2 min read · Boda Stone ![Laser Etching vs Sandblasting for Granite Monuments](https://www.cnmonuments.com/images/gallery-na-04.webp) Laser etching is often used for portraits and fine images. Sandblasting is commonly used for deeper lettering and cut-out designs. A monument can use both. Choose according to the image or inscription you want, and approve a sample on the selected granite before committing an unfamiliar design to production. ## Method comparison | Requirement | Laser etching | Sandblasting | | --- | --- | --- | | Photographic tones | Often suitable after image preparation | Limited tonal range | | Deep lettering | Normally not the primary method | Commonly suitable | | Material test | Confirms contrast and detail | Confirms depth, edge and color fill | | Inspection | Banding, placement and tonal loss | Depth, edge definition and stencil accuracy | ## What to check before production - Final artwork, spelling, dates and line breaks. - Representative current-batch [stone sample](https://www.cnmonuments.com/granite-materials/). - Defined depth or sample-based contrast criteria. - Agreed color fill and cleaning method where used. - Protection of the completed face in packing. ## Do not ignore process safety Sandblasting, cutting and cleaning can involve dust exposure, while laser systems involve beam and non-beam hazards. Relevant workplace controls should form part of a responsible supplier review. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Which method lasts longer? Durability depends on stone, depth, finish, exposure and maintenance; compare the approved method for the application. ### Can both methods be used on one monument? Yes. A design may use sandblasted lettering with a laser-etched image. ### Which is cheaper? Cost depends on artwork, size, preparation, material and quantity; request the actual drawing scope. ## Sources and further reading - [OSHA — Laser Hazards](https://www.osha.gov/laser-hazards/): U.S. beam and non-beam hazard guidance; local requirements must be checked separately. - [OSHA — Crystalline Silica](https://www.osha.gov/silica-crystalline): U.S. workplace-hazard context; not a certification of any workshop. Updated October 5, 2026. Check the current requirements for your destination and order. Published by: [Boda Stone](https://www.cnmonuments.com/) · [Contact](https://www.cnmonuments.com/contact-us/) ### Planning a monument order? Send a drawing or product photo, sizes, granite, quantities and destination port. We can then discuss the details and prepare your quote. [Request a Quote](https://www.cnmonuments.com/contact-us/) Our stoneworking history goes back to 1996. Our current company was registered in 2017. \#laser etching \#sandblasting \#monument inscriptions \#engraving techniques \#granite finishing ## Related Articles Material Knowledge ### G603 or G654 Granite: What to Check Before Ordering Jul 22, 2026 · 3 min [G603 or G654 Granite: What to Check Before Ordering](https://www.cnmonuments.com/industry-insights/g654-g603-granite-density-water-absorption-specs/) Material Knowledge ### How Granite Monument Polish Is Checked Jul 18, 2026 · 2 min [How Granite Monument Polish Is Checked](https://www.cnmonuments.com/how-we-work/quality-control/) Material Knowledge ### CNC or Hand Carving: What Matters When Ordering Monuments? 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