Tomb Rubbing
How To Do A Gravestone Rubbing
WHAT IS A GRAVESTONE RUBBING?
A rubbing is the practice of using various materials
to obtain the relief impression of lettering, carving,
or designs from a gravestone. Rubbings create a useful
record of family information and funerary symbolism.
Sometimes a rubbing becomes the only permanent
reproduction of gravestones that deteriorate over time
or because of vandalism. Because making rubbings has
become popular among genealogists and folklorists,
knowing the correct way to handle the materials and
stones is the best way to learn from and preserve them
for future generations to enjoy.
What do I need to do a Grave Stone Rubbing?
SUGGESTED MATERIALS:
Paper -- butcher paper, newsprint, vellum tissue or
pellon (interfacing material). Most rubbings are done
on white paper with a dark wax or crayon, but
experiments with darker papers and light or metallic
waxes may reveal dramatic results.
Lumber crayon or rubbing wax -- chalk can also be
used, but requires spraying the finished rubbing with
a fixative (available at art stores) to prevent
smearing.
Small, soft, slanted paintbrush -- to clean debris and
critters out of lettering or carvings.
Small natural bristle brush -- to clean lichen and
bird droppings off the stone face.
Masking tape -- (preferably drafting tape -- less
sticky).
Cardboard tube -- for storing clean paper and finished
prints.
Pencil and Notepad -- to record information about the
stone or cemetery location.
How can I do a Grave Stone Rubbing?
PROCEDURE:
Be sure to choose a stone that is smooth, undamaged,
and cleanly carved. If the stone has begun to peel or
flake, rubbing can easily cause more damage. The best
choices are polished granite or intact, solid slate.
Lightly rap on the stone, if it has a "hollow" sound,
DO NOT use this stone to make a rubbing because it is
vulnerable to accidental damage.
Tape the paper to the surface securely and smoothly.
Make sure the paper not only covers the area to be
rubbed, but also extends beyond the edges of the sides
and top of the stone to avoid making any marks off the
paper.
Determine the edges of the carved areas by filling in
the outside edges. Then begin in the center using the
broad, flat surface of the wax or crayon and making
gentle strokes. Begin lightly using even strokes, more
definition can be added later. Keep the strokes
uniform in pressure to avoid variations of coloring.
Step back once or twice to see if you have completely
rubbed all areas BEFORE removing the paper.
Try writing any information on or about the stone,
inscription, date, location, etc. on the back of the
paper before doing the rubbing so you don't smear your
rubbing. Or, carry a small notebook, write the
information on a page, tear out and roll up with your
rubbing.
Carefully remove the finished rubbing, roll it and
insert into the paper tube to protect it from tearing.
Be sure to remove all tape from the stone and police
the area so as not to leave any debris behind.
Some people proudly display their rubbings of family
ancestors or intricate designs by mounting and framing
them. Adding a title with the family name and location
the rubbing was made in could make it a delightful
conversation piece.
A WORD OF CAUTION:
Remember that you are doing rubbings on someone else's
property. It is ALWAYS advised to gain permission to
do rubbings BEFORE you begin. Some inexperienced and
careless rubbers have actually done serious damage to
gravestones, and for this reason, some cemeteries do
not permit rubbings of any kind. If you do not get
permission, please respect the wishes of the cemetery
and ask if you can take a photograph to record the
information and condition of the stone. If you find
that a gravestone is severely damaged, please notify
the supervisor of the cemetery.
ADDITIONAL TIPS AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Bring scissors to cut paper or trim tall grass
around the base of a stone. That's where a lot of the
wonderful verses are hidden on really old stones.
Bring an old towel to kneel on or clean polished
granite stones.
Use a small pail to carry supplies or water for
cleaning.
Wear a hat, use sunscreen, and use bug repellent.
Carry a sample size of one of the new antibacterial
waterless hand cleaners or towelettes.
Bring a small spray bottle of water and soft,
natural bristle brush for gently cleaning dirt and
debris from the stone.
Use a scrap of leather to buff the rubbing before
removing it from the stone for a softer effect.
Camera
Make "Do No Harm" your motto when doing rubbings and
HAVE FUN!
