Choosing the right paint for headstones is more important than it may seem. Whether you’re a monument supplier, engraver, or cemetery professional, the quality and type of headstone paint impacts durability, appearance, and customer satisfaction. At Stone Discover, we specialize in black granite headstones and provide insight into the tools and materials used across the industry. In this guide, we explain what type of paint to use on stones, especially for etching, lettering and engraving on tombstones.
Here is a complete guide for monument retailers, engravers, and cemetery professionals. Let’s explore the top options available, their pros and cons, and best use cases.
Why Paint Is Used on Headstones
Headstones are usually made from marble, granite or bronze. While these materials are naturally beautiful, lettering paint is often used to highlight engraved names, dates, and designs. Proper use of monument paint ensures that the lettering stays crisp and readable for decades, even in harsh weather.
Here are some of the common reasons to paint headstones:
- Improve the visibility of engraved letters
- Restore faded inscriptions
- Add color or artistic touch
- Personalize the memorial
- Increase aesthetic appeal
What Type of Paint to Use on Stones?
Not all paints are suitable for granite or marble. Outdoor conditions like UV rays, rain, snow, and pollution can cause regular paint to fade, crack, or peel. That’s why professionals use specially formulated paint for headstone paint. Here are the most trusted types of paints used on stones:
Lithichrome Paint
One of the most widely used products in the monument industry, Lithichrome paint is a go-to option for granite headstones. It is perfect for dealers and engravers who want to maintain clarity in granite headstone markers. It’s especially common in the US and Canada.
Features:
- Designed specifically for natural stone with long-lasting finish
- Available in black, white, gray, and more
- Used primarily for engraved letter highlights
- Excellent contrast on dark granite
- Easy to apply with a brush or spray
Goldfarben Paint
If you’re looking for an elegant, high-end finish, Goldfarben paint is the best choice. It’s a type of gold paint for stone used to fill in engraved lettering and artwork. It is commonly used on memorials for religious figures, military veterans, or high-end monuments in the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Features:
- Metallic gold finish with long-lasting shine
- Weather-resistant
- Adds a luxurious aesthetic
- Distinctive appearance on black or red granite
- Excellent for special orders or gravestone art
Outdoor Black Paint for Headstone
This refers to industrial-grade outdoor paints specially made for stone materials. Suitable for maintenance teams and installers looking to restore or repaint older gravestone lettering paint.
Features:
- Matte or semi-gloss finish
- Weather and UV resistant
- Ideal for black granite or restoring faded text
- Durable
- Easy to reapply and good for touch-ups
Types of Paint by Purpose
| Paint Type | Best Use | Finish Type |
|---|---|---|
| Lithichrome | General engraving and lettering | Matte |
| Goldfarben | Premium headstones, artwork | Metallic |
| Outdoor Black Paint | Restoration, high-contrast designs | Matte / Semi-gloss |
| Acrylic for Stone (Art) | Artistic murals on gravestones | Variable |
Choosing the Best Paint for Headstone Lettering
So, what is the best paint for headstone lettering? It depends on the stone type, engraving method, and the desired visual effect. Always check compatibility with granite headstone markers or marble before applying any paint.
Here's a quick breakdown:
- Use Lithichrome paint for deep engraving on granite
- Use Goldfarben paint for luxury finishes
- Use outdoor black paint for stone for DIY restorations
- Use acrylics designed for masonry for hand-painted art
Why Quality Paint Matters for B2B Partners?
If you’re a headstone retailer, distributor, or engraver, offering quality lettering paint options adds value to your services. It also reduces customer complaints and repainting costs. Here’s why B2B buyers choose trusted tombstone paint brands:
- Consistency in appearance across multiple units
- Longevity with minimal maintenance
- High contrast that enhances visibility
- Satisfaction that builds client trust and loyalty
As a supplier, Stone Discover can connect you with headstone carving tools, gravestone stencils, and reliable monument paint solutions.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re repainting an old monument or finishing a freshly engraved one, choosing the right type of paint for stones is essential. From Lithichrome for durability to Goldfarben for elegance, there’s a solution for every need. Paint is more than decoration, it’s a detail that preserves memory, honors lives, and elevates craftsmanship. Stone Discover proudly supports B2B partners with premium granite headstones, tombstones monument tools, and insights into the best materials. Reach out today to learn more or explore our recommended headstone paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use regular paint for headstones?
No. Regular paint doesn’t bond well with granite and wears off quickly. Use headstone paint made for stone surfaces.
Q2: What’s the difference between Lithichrome and Goldfarben?
Lithichrome is matte and commonly used for black or white lettering. Goldfarben offers a shiny gold finish for premium gravestones.
Q3: How do I remove old paint from lettering?
Use a stone-safe paint remover or lightly sand the area. Avoid strong acids that may damage granite.
Q4: Do I need to seal after painting?
Not always. Some paints, like Lithichrome, are made to withstand the elements without sealers.
Q5: Where to buy Lithichrome paint?
You can buy it through headstone supply vendors, online stores, or request a referral from Stone Discover’s B2B network.
