Sandblasting Vinyl Tape for Granite Tombstone Engraving — 610mm x 25m

Vus Cutting Technology sandblasting vinyl tape is a professional-grade resist masking material used by tombstone manufacturers, memorial stone engravers, and granite fabricators across South Africa. It is the essential consumable in the tombstone sandblasting process — applied to the polished face of the granite slab before blasting to protect the areas that must remain smooth and polished, while exposing only the lettering, portraits, motifs, and decorative patterns to be engraved.

Manufactured to the highest quality standards, this vinyl tape is engineered for the two key demands of tombstone engraving work: precision cutting compatibility and blast resistance. The tape feeds cleanly through computer plotters and roller and press die cutters without tearing, stretching, or lifting at the cut edges — producing crisp, accurate stencil outlines that translate directly to sharp engraving results on the stone. Once applied and blasted, the tape peels cleanly from polished granite without leaving adhesive residue, saving time on post-engraving cleanup and protecting the polished surface.

Available in two thickness options — 250 micron and 320 micron — to suit different blasting pressures, equipment types, and production requirements. Both variants are supplied in 610mm x 25m rolls, providing ample material for continuous production workshop use.

How It Works — The Sandblasting Process

Sandblasting vinyl tape is used as a resist mask in the tombstone engraving process. The workflow is straightforward:

• Step 1 — Prepare the surface: Clean and dry the polished granite face thoroughly. Any dust, moisture, or oil will affect adhesion.
• Step 2 — Apply the vinyl: Lay the vinyl tape over the full area of the stone face to be engraved, smoothing out air bubbles and ensuring full contact with the polished surface.
• Step 3 — Cut the design: Use a computer plotter or die cutter to cut the lettering, portrait, or motif design through the vinyl. For traditional workshops, hand cutting with a stencil knife is also compatible with this tape.
• Step 4 — Weed the design: Remove the vinyl from the areas to be engraved, leaving the surrounding vinyl in place as a blast mask.
• Step 5 — Sandblast: Blast the exposed granite to the required engraving depth. The vinyl tape protects the surrounding polished surface from the abrasive blast media throughout the process.
• Step 6 — Remove the tape: Peel the remaining vinyl from the stone to reveal clean, sharp-edged engraving on a perfectly preserved polished surface.

The quality of the vinyl tape directly determines the quality of the engraving result. Low-grade tape lifts under blast pressure, allowing abrasive media to undercut the masked edges and producing blurred, uneven lettering. Vus Cutting Technology vinyl tape is manufactured to hold its bond under sustained blasting pressure, ensuring consistent edge definition across the full engraved area.

Choosing Between 250 Micron and 320 Micron

Both thickness variants are available in the same 610mm x 25m roll format and are compatible with the same cutting equipment. The choice depends on your blasting setup and production requirements:

• 250 micron: The standard production thickness for most tombstone workshops. Provides excellent blast resistance for typical sandblasting pressures and is slightly more flexible, making it easier to apply smoothly to larger stone surfaces and profiles. Well-suited to plotter cutting at high speeds.
• 320 micron: The heavier-duty option. Provides greater resistance to blast pressure and is preferred where higher blasting pressures are used, for deep engraving work, or in workshops where the tape is exposed to the blast stream for extended periods. The additional thickness also provides more margin for error during weeding on intricate designs.

If you are unsure which thickness suits your equipment and process, contact us and we will advise based on your blasting setup.

Cutting Compatibility

This vinyl tape is engineered for precision cutting compatibility across all three methods used in tombstone engraving workshops:

• Computer plotters: The tape feeds smoothly through all standard vinyl plotter models without slipping or stretching. The consistent thickness and stable adhesive backing ensure accurate, repeatable cuts on all lettering and portrait designs.
• Roller die cutters: The tape handles the pressure of roller cutter systems without cracking or delaminating at the cut edge, maintaining clean stencil outlines.
• Press die cutters: Compatible with press cutting for high-volume production of standard letter sets and design elements.
• Hand and knife cutting: The tape cuts cleanly with a sharp stencil knife for traditional hand-cutting workflows, producing stable edges that hold their position during blasting.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this tape be used on marble as well as granite?

Yes. The tape adheres to any clean, dry polished or honed natural stone surface including marble, limestone, and slate. Ensure the surface is free of dust, moisture, and polish residue before application for maximum adhesion.

How do I prevent the tape from lifting during blasting?

Ensure the stone surface is completely clean and dry before application. Press the tape firmly onto the surface after laying, paying particular attention to the cut edges of the stencil design. For large stones, apply in overlapping sections and press each section down firmly before weeding. The 320 micron variant provides additional security at higher blast pressures.

Do you supply in bulk for production workshops?

Yes. We supply tombstone manufacturers and engraving workshops across Gauteng with bulk roll orders. Contact us on 083 680 2979 or sales@vusct.co.za for volume pricing and delivery.

What is the shelf life of the tape?

Store rolls in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing under heavy weight or in high-humidity conditions. Under correct storage conditions the tape maintains its adhesive properties and dimensional stability for standard workshop shelf life periods.