Many years ago I started researching my family tree. During the process, I picked up the habit of creating gravestone rubbings. I started doing it in order to obtain information off of old gravestones that were hard to read. I found that the gravestone rubbings allowed me to see the worn inscriptions more clearly. The rubbings also made for an interesting piece of family memorabilia. Making the gravestone rubbings was a fairly easy and inexpensive process. Here’s how to get the job done:
Gravestone Rubbing Supplies
In order to complete a gravestone rubbing you will need to pick up a few supplies. I’d recommend that you grab a roll of Vellum tracing paper ($11), graphite or soft charcoal sticks ($4) and a roll of painter’s tape ($14). Based on my experience, you’ll also want to bring a few wet naps ($4) with you, a dry cloth and perhaps a charcoal stick holder ($6). I have to warn you, the gravestone rubbing process can get quite messy. Therefore, I’d also suggest that you wear old clothes to the cemetery or take an art apron with you to protect your good clothes.
Preparing the Gravestone
Once you find a gravestone that you want to make a rubbing off, you’ll need to wipe off the stone. Doing so will remove any grit that could hamper your efforts. Next, cover the inscribed areas with the Vellum paper. I prefer using the Vellum over other types of paper because it is very thin and thus tends to pick up the finer details present on the tombstone. Use the painter’s tape to adhere the Vellum paper to the gravestone. Otherwise the paper could slip during the rubbing process. I would also recommend resisting the urge to use other types of tape because they may cause damage or leave sticky residue onto the gravestones.
Creating the Gravestone Rubbing
After the Vellum is in place, take out your charcoal or graphite stick. Place the charcoal against the covered tombstone. Then, using light, downward pressure, rub the charcoal over the gravestone’s inscribed areas. In my experience, it is better to start out using light pressure and then increase it if need be. The reason why is that applying too much pressure can cause a build-up of charcoal, which has a tendency to obscure the inscription’s finer details. You’ll want to make several back and forth passes over the inscribed area with the charcoal. Once you are satisfied with the look of your gravestone rubbing, remove the paper and inspect the stone for damage or tape residue. If you find any, be sure to clean the stone off as best as you can without causing further damage.
Killeen Gonzalez enjoys summer sports and recreation with her family. She has also traveled extensively.
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