Memorial photo guide

How to Put a Picture on a Headstone: Granite Installation Guide

Published 5 min read

MemorialPics oval memorial picture for headstones, product example
MemorialPics oval headstone picture, shown as a product example rather than an installation step. View Oval Headstone Pictures

To put a picture on a headstone, first get the cemetery's written approval. Then, on a clean, dry, non-porous polished surface such as polished granite or smooth bronze, clean the spot with a 50/50 mix of rubbing alcohol and water, mark the position, apply the included mounting tape to the back of the picture, press the picture firmly in place for about two minutes, and seal the edge with silicone caulk. Install when outside and surface temperatures are at least 60°F; warmer is better. Every MemorialPics picture ships with the mounting tape, and the video and steps below walk through the process.

Watch the installation video

Before you start: get approval

Each cemetery sets its own rules about what may be attached to a memorial, its size and material, and who may install it. Some require a monument company to do the work, and some do not allow attachments at all. For example, the VA National Cemetery Administration's Directive 3425 prohibits objects attached to markers in the national cemeteries it administers. Other cemeteries publish their own rules; Bury Council in the UK, for instance, requires approval of photo dimensions and material in its cemeteries. Neither policy applies everywhere, so ask your own cemetery and keep its written answer. See cemetery rules for headstone pictures.

Do it yourself or use a monument company?

Monument companies may offer to install a ceramic picture, sometimes by cutting a recess into the stone so the picture sits inside it. Many families install the picture themselves with the industrial mounting tape that comes free with every MemorialPics product. Use a monument company if the cemetery requires one, if the only available surface is not polished stone or smooth bronze, or if you would rather have a professional do it.

Check the surface

These instructions are for polished stone or smooth bronze. The mounting surface must be clean, dry, and non-porous.

  • Good candidates: the polished face of a granite headstone or flat marker, or a smooth, flat bronze panel.
  • Not covered by these instructions: rough or rock-pitched edges, sandblasted or carved areas, honed or textured stone, raised bronze lettering or stippled backgrounds, and curved surfaces. Ask a monument company about these.
  • Clear space: choose a spot that does not cover lettering, dates, or emblems. The measuring worksheet and size guide help you check the fit.

Check the weather and temperature

Install when outside and surface temperatures are at least 60°F to aid the adhesion process; higher temperatures are ideal. Choose a dry day and make sure the stone is completely dry, including dew or sprinkler water. 3M's surface-preparation guidance for its VHB tapes notes that moisture can weaken tape bonds on surfaces such as stone and ceramic, which is why a dry surface and a sealed edge matter. Stone in shade can stay cold after the air warms up, so check the surface itself.

What you need

  • Your ceramic picture and the included mounting tape
  • Rubbing alcohol and water, mixed 50/50, and a clean, lint-free cloth
  • A pencil or other marking tool
  • High-quality silicone caulk and a caulk gun or squeeze tube
  • Optional: a level, a tape measure, and a helper to hold the picture steady

Step-by-step installation

  1. Clean the surface. Use a 50/50 rubbing alcohol and water mixture to clean the mounting surface (headstone, grave marker, urn, etc.) where the ceramic picture will go. Let it dry completely. The surface must be clean, dry, and non-porous.
  2. Mark the position. Place your ceramic picture on the mounting surface and mark its position with a pencil or other instrument. On an upright stone, use a level so the picture sits straight.
  3. Apply the tape to the picture. Remove the plain white film from the tape and place the tape on the back of the picture, applying pressure to the tape as you apply it.
  4. Place and press. Remove the other film from the tape and position the ceramic picture between your markings, pressing it firmly for about two minutes.
  5. Seal the edge. For the most attractive results, use a high-quality silicone caulk to seal the gap between the edges of the ceramic picture and the mounting surface. This also helps keep moisture from affecting the adhesive.

After installation

  • Wipe away excess caulk before it sets, and leave the picture undisturbed.
  • Check the picture and its seal on visits. If an edge lifts or the seal cracks, contact MemorialPics before attempting a repair.
  • Clean gently with clean water and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive pads, pressure washers, and harsh chemicals.

No adhesive can be promised to hold permanently in every condition. Surface, weather, maintenance equipment, and accidental impacts all play a part. The picture itself is covered by the MemorialPics lifetime guarantee against fading and discoloration, as stated on the product pages. For more on exposure and care, see are headstone pictures weatherproof? and how long headstone pictures last.

Installing on other memorials

Frequently asked questions

What adhesive do you use to put a picture on a headstone?

MemorialPics includes industrial double-sided mounting tape with every picture. Seal the edge with high-quality silicone caulk after mounting.

Can I install a headstone picture in cold weather?

The instructions call for outside and surface temperatures of at least 60°F, and warmer is better. If it is colder, wait for a warmer, dry day.

Can I attach a picture to rough or sandblasted granite?

These instructions cover polished stone and smooth bronze only. Ask a monument company about rough, carved, or textured surfaces.

Do I need permission to put a picture on a headstone?

Usually. Each cemetery sets its own rules, and some, including VA national cemeteries, do not allow objects attached to markers. Get written approval first.

Will the picture stay on forever?

No adhesive can be guaranteed to hold in every condition. Following the surface, temperature, and sealing steps and checking the seal on visits gives the best chance of a lasting bond.

Need help?

If you are unsure whether your surface is suitable, send a straight-on photo of the memorial with a tape measure visible and contact MemorialPics. For an overview of choosing and caring for a picture, see the porcelain headstone photo guide.

Sources

Store details come from MemorialPics pages and may change. Always confirm the rules with your cemetery.