What types of paint are used on headstones

Headstone paint is a great way to personalise a memorial, adding a unique style to the resting place of your loved one. With different types of paint to choose from, and further options for lettering and embellishment, it can be hard to choose the style that’s right for you and your family. Read on to find out more about the types of paint for headstones. 

How is a headstone painted?

Headstone paint is specifically designed for use on gravestones, offering superior durability, weather resistance, and adhesion to stone surfaces compared to regular paint. It preserves the intricate details of inscriptions and carvings and maintains colour over time.  Headstone paint can be used to create beautiful designs to personalise your loved one’s headstone, showcasing who they are and what mattered to them. At Memorials of Distinction, designs such as roses are carefully painted by our stonemasons, whilst sandblasted options (like the daffodil and bible design) are fully sandblasted into the stone. Whatever your preference, these designs create a beautiful focal point that will evoke fond memories for your family. 

Our Painted Designs

Carved Book and Painted Roses Headstone
From £1582

Small Memorial with Painted Lily
£1147

Painted Teddy Headstone
£989

Hand-Etched Portrait with Painted Roses Headstone
£2898

View all memorials

What paint is commonly used on headstones?

The most popular paints used on headstones are chosen for their aesthetic appeal, durability and legibility. With a range of options to choose from, these are some of the most popular choices, but if you’re looking for something different, speak to our experts at Memorials of Distinction about customisation options. 

Lithichrome equivalent paint for headstones

Lithichrome paint was a popular choice for headstones, until it was recently removed from the UK market. Known for its ability to adhere well to stone surfaces like granite or marble, this type of paint was considered by many to be the safe choice for graves and memorials as it’s especially durable and able to withstand consistent weathering. Since its removal, lithichrome equivalent paint, such as Monupaint, has become an equally popular headstone paint option as it can be available in a variety of colours to suit multiple styles and tastes. 

Its ability to withstand UV rays also helps the colour of lithichrome equivalent paint to stay vibrant, ensuring that fine details like headstone inscriptions remain clear and legible. As a result of its durability, this paint can be more expensive than other headstone paint options. Though it is longer lasting than other paint options, it will still need occasional touch-ups throughout the years, especially in areas with consistently harsh weather.

Despite this, lithichrome equivalent paints remain a popular choice for preserving the appearance and legibility of headstones, making them a worthwhile investment. 

Gold leaf for headstones

Gold leaf, known for its elegant appearance, can add a striking touch to the decorative elements of a headstone. Gold leaf is a popular choice due to its high visibility, which enhances the legibility of inscriptions or decorative elements on the headstone, even making it stand out from a distance. 

Creating a timeless and elegant look, gold leaf compliments multiple stone options by creating a rich contrast to the surrounding stone. Gold leaf can be more expensive than some other headstone paint options. . However, our 23.5ct gold leaf  creates a visually appealing, luxurious look that will stand the test of time. 

White paint for headstones

White paint on headstones is used to create a crisp, clean appearance. With an understated look, white paint can enhance the readability of inscriptions with a stark contrast against darker stones like granite or slate. Often chosen for the fresh, well-maintained look it gives to headstones, white paint can help to maintain the aesthetic appeal of a memorial. If exposed to harsh weather conditions, white paint may require more frequent reapplication than other paint options to maintain its aesthetic advantages over other headstone paints. 

Black paint for headstones

Black paint is used on headstones for its bold yet understated appearance. The antithesis of white paint, black paint contrasts well with lighter stone surfaces (like marble headstones) to improve legibility. It also weathers better than other paint options, maintaining its colour and appearance with minimal fading. 

Black paint may not be the best option if you’re planning to use a darker stone option as it won’t provide enough contrast. 

As well as this, black paint can also absorb heat, which can lead to cracking or peeling over time. Despite this, black paint remains a favoured option for its classic and enduring aesthetic. 

How long does paint last on a headstone? 

The stone you choose for a memorial can also impact the durability of the headstone paint. Whilst paints like Monupaint adhere well to most stones, other paints may not adhere well to specific stones due to the stone’s porosity, texture, and mineral composition. 

At Memorials of Distinction, we carefully source high-quality paints that will work well with your chosen headstone material, so that the designs you choose can be enjoyed for years to come. Our experts select paints that are formulated for the specific type of stone and outdoor conditions, also ensuring that the stone surface is properly prepared before painting.

How to restore headstone paint if it fades?

Re-lettering on a headstone can be a fiddly task. Due to the importance of the memorial, it’s important that any restoration work is carried out with utmost respect for the site. Headstone cleaning and renovation should, therefore, be carried out by restoration specialists who know how to work with the specific paint and stone. Though the restoration process can vary depending on the type of paint, it will generally involve cleaning the stone to remove old dirt and paint lightly sanding the surface, applying a primer and re-applying the paint. 

At Memorials of Distinction, we can help you to choose from a range of headstone colours and materials to find the option that’s right for your family. Take a look at our FAQs to find out more, or to enquire about headstone painting options, contact us today.