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2024 RDS Craft Award Winner! (First Stonemason winner) 🏆 2022 Nominated Craftsperson of The Year For England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales & Northen Ireland 🏆 2023 Design Craft Council Future Makers Award Winner 🏆 2023 Living Heritage Award Heritage Council Winner 🏆 2023 WorldSkills Finalists
Stone Lettering

Sandblasting

At O’Flaherty Stone, we offer professional sandblasting (stone-blasting) to create crisp inscriptions, logos and patterns on granite and other natural stones.

Award-Winning 8th Gen Stonemasons

What is Sandblasting?

Sandblasting is a controlled etching method. We design and cut a bespoke stencil, apply it to the stone surface, then blast fine abrasive media across the exposed areas to carve clean, accurate letters or motifs. The result is a uniform, contemporary finish that’s ideal when you need consistent typefaces, repeatable elements, or faster turnaround than traditional hand-cut methods.

The Benefits of Sandblasting

Sculpture and Stone Lettering

Precision

Sandblasting delivers sharp, even results every single time, making it ideal for clean, modern lettering and intricate design work. Every curve, serif and detail is reproduced exactly as designed

Sculpture & Stone Lettering

Efficiency

Sandblasting allows for faster turnaround without compromising quality. Once your design is approved, the process is highly streamlined – from stencil cutting to blasting and finishing.

Sculpture and Stone Lettering

Cost-effective

Sandblasting uses precision machinery & stencils rather than hand tools, significantly reducing labour time while refining the appearance. It’s an excellent option for professional stonework on a budget.

Our Sandblacsting Process

Lime Works & Pointing

Design & layout

We discuss your text, font, spacing & any symbols, then create a proof for approval.

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Masking

A precision-cut stencil is applied to the stone surface.

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Blasting

We etch the exposed areas to a set depth for sharp, even results.

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Finishing

Optional paint-fill, edge-finishing and sealing as required.

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Installation

We fit on site or supply ready for installation, always to agreed timelines.

Why Choose O'Flaherty Stone for Sandblasting?

We are 8th-generation Stone Masons/Stone Cutters based in Ballyknockan (“The Granite Village”). Nested in the Wicklow mountains, the O’Flaherty Family continues our historical family stone-cutting practices, keeping The Granite Village traditions alive. Our owner, Killian O’Flaherty, comes from a long line of stonemasons and is the family’s first stone cutter. He takes pride in his commitment to modernising the traditional industry. 

As Seen On..

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What Our Clients Say About Us

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FAQs

How does sandblasting differ from hand-cut lettering?
Sandblasting uses machinery and stencils to achieve a consistent, modern look, while hand-cut lettering is carved entirely by hand for a traditional, sculptural effect. Hand-cutting offers greater depth and individuality, but sandblasting provides quicker turnaround and uniform accuracy. The choice depends on the desired style, budget and setting.

Sandblasting works beautifully on granite, limestone, marble and other durable natural stones. O’Flaherty Stone regularly uses Ballyknockan granite and other premium materials selected for their fine grain and strength. The surface needs to be firm enough to take a clean, even etch without flaking.

Yes, we can reproduce logos, coats of arms and decorative motifs with excellent precision. Vector artwork such as SVG or EPS files ensures sharp edges and accurate proportions. Our team can also help refine your artwork to make it suitable for stone carving.

In many cases, yes. We can refresh faded or weathered lettering by carefully re-blasting the original inscription. If the stone has deteriorated or the lettering is too shallow, we may recommend a new inscription or a hand-cut restoration for the best result.

Yes. Many clients choose to have paint applied to enhance visibility or match a particular colour scheme. We offer a range of finishes, from subtle tones that complement the stone to bold colours for high contrast.

When completed on quality stone, sandblasted inscriptions can last for decades with minimal maintenance. Over time, paint-filled letters may need re-coating, particularly on outdoor memorials exposed to the weather. The engraved lettering itself remains clear and permanent.

Still have questions?

Reach out, and a member of our team will discuss your project.

LET'S CHAT

Get in Touch

Contact us today to start your project. Please complete our simple contact form and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.

Phone

(087) 765 9564

Email

info@oflahertystone.com

Location

Ballyknockan, Co.Wicklow

AWARD WINNING
8TH GEN STONEMASONS