Granite offcuts don’t have to go to waste. With a little creativity and the right equipment, you can turn an odd-shaped piece of granite into something genuinely useful — like a personalised wedding table number.
In this video, we take a small piece of leftover granite and use a UV LabelMark machine to engrave a table number along with the couple’s names. The result is a unique decoration that would look right at home at a wedding or special event.
Step 1: Design Your Table Number
The first step is to create the design using the LabelMark software.
Start by selecting the text tool and adding your table number. For this example, we’re using the number 1. Increase the font size so that the number stands out, then browse through the available fonts until you find one that suits your design.
For a wedding, an elegant, slightly old-fashioned font can work particularly well.
Next, add the couple’s names above the number. In this example, we’re using Gabby and Riley. You can choose uppercase or lowercase lettering depending on the look you want.
Keep the names smaller than the table number so that the number remains the main feature.
Once everything is in place, align the text to the centre of the design.
Step 2: Position the Design on the Granite
One of the advantages of working with an offcut is that you can create something interesting without needing a perfectly square or rectangular piece of material.
For this project, we use a piece of granite with a convenient flat side so that it can sit on the machine.
Rather than measuring the stone precisely, we use the machine’s red positioning light to check where the engraving will fall.
Place a sheet of paper over the granite if needed to make the positioning easier to see. Run the red outline and adjust the size and position of the design until it fits the available surface.
In this case, the first attempt is too small, so the design is enlarged and repositioned until it fills the space more effectively.
Always check the positioning carefully before starting the actual engraving.
Step 3: Adjust the Engraving Settings
With the design positioned correctly, it’s time to prepare the engraving settings.
For this granite project, the settings used in the video are:
- Speed: 800
- Power: 95%
- Frequency: 22
- Hatch spacing: 0.08
The hatch spacing is increased from the finer 0.01 setting because this design doesn’t require extremely fine detail. Wider spacing can help reduce engraving time, while tighter spacing is generally better for detailed work.
Granite is a hard material, so the frequency is also reduced for this particular demonstration.
These settings are a starting point for this job, rather than universal settings for every granite surface. Results will vary depending on the machine, the stone and the desired finish, so test on a spare offcut before engraving your final piece.
Step 4: Engrave the Granite
Once the settings are ready, remove the positioning paper and start the marking process.
The UV LabelMark works across the design, engraving the names and table number directly onto the granite.
When the process is finished, remove the stone and wipe away the dust to reveal the result.
At this stage, the engraving is visible, but there’s one issue: the engraved areas don’t contrast particularly well with the natural colours of the granite.
Fortunately, there’s a way to improve the appearance.
Step 5: Make the Engraving Stand Out
Some granite surfaces have colours and patterns that make engraved details difficult to see. If the engraving and the surrounding stone are too similar in colour, adding contrast can make a big difference.
In the video, we experiment with using AM.CO.ZA black ink to darken the engraved areas and make the design more noticeable.
After applying the ink, the surface is wiped clean to remove the excess and reveal the darker lettering.
The result is a much clearer table number that stands out against the natural stone.
The best finishing method will depend on the type of granite and the marking process, so test any ink, oil or coating on a spare piece first to ensure it produces the finish you want.
The Finished Result
The finished piece is a personalised granite table number featuring Gabby and Riley’s names. It’s a simple idea, but it shows how leftover material can be turned into something special.
This technique could also inspire other projects, from personalised signs and decorative pieces to custom event accessories.
And the irregular shape of the granite is part of what makes this particular design interesting.
There is, however, one little behind-the-scenes secret: you can’t simply drop a piece of granite and expect it to break into the perfect shape! Watch the video to see how the final piece was actually created.
Get Creative with AM.CO.ZA
At AM.CO.ZA, we love showing what you can do with the right machinery and a bit of imagination.
We supply machines, provide repairs and offer training to help you get the most out of your equipment.
Visit AM.CO.ZA to explore our machinery and services, or shop for machines, consumables and parts at BuyThis.co.za.
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