As you search for a way to properly memorialize a loved one who has passed away, you may find yourself wanting more than a borderless ceramic image to represent them. Adding a frame to their headstone picture can add a regal presence to the monument, and it doesn’t need to cost as much as a monument maker or cemetery suggests if you do it yourself. Before you purchase a ceramic headstone photo with a frame, learn how to install a plaque to a headstone and prepare yourself with the correct tools ahead of time.
Step One: Prepare Your Tools
As with any quick construction project, setting the equipment you need aside beforehand will simplify and hasten the installation. Be sure to pick a dry day for the plaque’s installation to ensure all adhesives dry properly. The essential tools you’ll need include:
- Your framed, weatherproof ceramic photo.
- The anchors, screws, and metal caps that come with the plaque.
- A pencil or other writing utensil.
- A battery-powered drill with a 1/4-inch masonry bit.
- Outdoor liquid adhesive (Liquid Nails, Gorilla Glue, etc.).
- A screwdriver.
- High-quality, transparent silicone caulk (optional).
- Ruler or level (optional).
Because you’ll only need these objects for two holes in the monument, consider asking your friends and family to see if you can borrow the equipment from them.
Step Two: Plan Your Installation
Once you’re at the headstone with your plaque and tools, you’ll need to plan out your course of action. Pick the perfect spot for your plaque to rest and place it against the stone. Use your writing utensil to mark on the monument where the holes in the plaque are.
If you want the photo to be perfectly straight on the headstone, use a ruler or level to check the placement of the circles. Don’t eyeball the circles—if the measurements aren’t straight, place the plaque and draw in the holes again.
Step Three: Drill the Holes
With the circles drawn, you can now take your battery-powered drill fitted with a 1/4-inch masonry bit to the gravestone. Try to aim the drill as straight as possible against the stone—if the stone is angled, match the angle; if the stone is upright, drill straight into the stone.
You may not need to drill the entire way into the headstone depending on the length of your drill bit, just enough for the anchor to fit comfortably within. Dust off the holes and test fit the plaque on the newly drilled holes without adhesive to double-check your work.
Step Four: Install the Plaque
Finally, you can fasten your framed ceramic photo to the headstone. Partially fill the holes with the outdoor adhesive and tap the anchors in the holes. Be cautious not to fill the holes with too much adhesive to ensure the screws can fit easily.
Place the holes on the plaque over the holes on the headstone and screw it to the monument. Ensure the bond is tight before using the provided caps to hide the tops of the screws. If there is a gap between the stone and the plaque, use your silicone caulk to cover it and add extra protection.
All MemorialPics weatherproof picture frames for headstones come with instructions to help you understand how to install a plaque to a headstone for your convenience. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.