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3 4 G R A P H I C S P R O J U N E 2 0 2 2 G R A PH I C S - PR O.C O M let it dry thoroughly before attempting to apply a stencil. e uneven surface can have a negative impact on designs and lettering, but there is not much that can be done about that. ese rocks are usually embedded in the ground. Another type of stone we get is a natural stone of basalt or other type, which is a natural split o chunk from a big stone and are shaped to be used as a vertical stone. These also must be thoroughly cleaned before attempting to add a stencil. I am not sure how a laser would deal with such a surface. Besides these natural stone chunks, we also encounter stone tiles, which tradition- ally are mounted in a wall arrangement, either as a plaque by itself or as a front to a compartment that houses an urn. Again, these tiles can be of natural stone with the same properties as mentioned above or can be smooth marble or travertine tiles which make an engravers life a whole lot easier. You would not use ceramic tiles as they will not do well in temperature changes in the outdoors. River rocks are also popular items, especially in the pet me- morial business, where they are blasted, as well as bricks used to pave a walkway. On all the stone products you can use abrasive blasting, laser engraving, or waterjet cutting as your process of choice. All these Stone tile with a smooth surface makes for easy stencil application and processing. Right: A natural sandstone at an oor are usually embedded in the ground. Below: A different nat- ural stone chunk standing up- rit at an oor