Impact Etching with a diamond tip is as close as it gets to manual etching performed by an artist — without the cost, and with consistent, repeatable results. Our machines physically strike the stone, creating bright, deep, sparkling etchings. Many laser engraving machines burn the surface, producing gray marks that often need paint to look “presentable.”
The biggest difference is the mechanism used to create contrast. Impact etching physically strikes the stone with a diamond tip, creating mechanical depth and micro-texture. Laser engraving alters the surface by heating/ablation, which can result in a flatter gray appearance on many stones. If your goal is a bright, deep engraving that looks finished without paint, impact etching is often the better match.
Impact etching creates a naturally bright mark because the etched area reflects light differently than the polished surface. Laser engraving can produce a muted, gray mark that may need paint to look strong on display.
Outdoor memorial engraving must remain readable for years. A deeper mechanical mark typically holds up better under weathering and cleaning compared to shallow surface changes.
Portraits require smooth grayscale transitions. Impact etching can reproduce tonal gradients in a way that’s closer to hand etching, which helps preserve facial likeness.
Impact etching is designed around the physics of stone. Instead of burning the surface, it uses controlled physical striking to create a crisp, dimensional engraving that often looks “finished” right off the machine.
| Factor | Impact Etching | Laser Engraving |
|---|---|---|
| Contrast on granite | Bright, reflective | Often gray; may need paint |
| Depth | Mechanical depth | Surface alteration |
| Outdoor durability | Strong long-term visibility | Varies by stone/finish |
| Portrait likeness | Smooth tonal transitions | Can look “flat” on stone |
| Finishing step | Typically minimal | Often paint/darkening |
Want to see examples or ask a technical question? Use the links below.
Contact Us Back to Main PageThis short video expands on the practical differences you’ll see on real stone when comparing impact etching to laser engraving.