When families set out to memorialize a loved one, they often seek something deeply personal, meaningful, and enduring. One of the most heartfelt additions to a headstone is the porcelain cameo, a timeless photograph embedded onto the stone that keeps the memory alive for generations. At American Headstones Company, we take pride in offering pure porcelain blanks for headstones specially designed for high-quality. We specialize in full-color printing to create elegant and durable cameos for granite or bronze memorials.
Why Choose Porcelain Cameos?
Porcelain cameos are widely cherished in the memorial industry for their ability to capture a person’s likeness in vivid, lasting detail. Unlike etched or engraved portraits, porcelain portraits allow for full color, realistic rendering of a loved one’s face, clothing, and even the background. These cameos become the emotional focal point of the monument — offering comfort and recognition for family, friends, and future generations.
But not all porcelain tiles are created equal. That’s where American Headstone Company sets itself apart.
The Value of Pure White Porcelain Blanks
Our porcelain blanks are made using pure white European-grade porcelain, known for its smooth surface and superior firing performance. These blanks are specifically manufactured for the headstone and monument industry and are capable of withstanding extreme weather, UV exposure, and decades of outdoor display without fading or cracking if printed and installed correctly.
The clarity and brightness of the white porcelain foundation allow your printed image to appear crisp, rich in color, and lifelike once it is kiln-fired.
Whether you’re a memorial supplier, a headstone engraver or company that specializes in memorial cameos, our porcelain blanks provide the reliable canvas needed to produce photo-quality portraits every time.
The Color Printing Process
The process of printing on porcelain has evolved with digital technology. At American Headstone Company, we supply monument professionals with the right blanks for digital image transfers using laser toner systems.
Here’s how the typical workflow looks:
-
Image Preparation
A high-resolution photo is edited digitally to ensure color accuracy, contrast, and background clarity. Families may request enhancements or background removal before printing.
-
Toner Transfer
Using a laser color printer with specialized ceramic toners, the image is printed on a transfer sheet. This image is then placed onto the porcelain tile using a heat-sensitive adhesive.
-
Kiln Firing
The prepared tile is fired in a high-temperature kiln — typically reaching 800°C (1472°F) or more. This critical step fuses the toner pigment into the porcelain glaze, creating a permanent, weatherproof image.
Inspection and Finishing
Once cooled, each tile is inspected for color quality, clarity, and surface defects. Optional stainless steel or bronze frames can be added for additional protection and decorative appeal.
This method produces a remarkable color photo reproduction that resists fading, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, making it ideal for outdoor use on gravestones, crypts, cremation niches, and memorial walls.
Sizes and Shapes Available
We stock an extensive range of porcelain blanks in standard shapes including oval, rectangular, heart, and round, in both vertical and horizontal orientations. Common sizes range from 2×3 inches to 8×10 inches, suitable for single or companion memorials. Custom sizes and bulk orders are also available to meet the needs of memorial manufacturers.
Each blank is crafted with uniform thickness and surface polish, ensuring reliable results during the printing and firing stages.
Who Uses Our Porcelain Blanks?
Our porcelain blanks are trusted by:
- Monument builders and headstone engravers
- Funeral homes and memorial parks that manufacture their own cameos
- Custom printing businesses specializing in ceramic photo transfers
- Hobbyists and ceramic studios experimenting with kiln-firing photography
Whether you’re printing one memorial cameo or producing dozens, you can rely on our inventory for consistent quality, fast shipping, and dependable results.
Proudly Serving the Memorial Industry
At American Headstones Company, we’ve spent decades working alongside families and memorial professionals throughout Southern California and beyond. Our reputation is built on delivering quality materials, dependable service, and deep industry knowledge that helps ensure every memorial tells a beautiful story.
We understand the pressure of creating something that will stand the test of time. That’s why we only carry materials we’d be proud to use on our own family monuments, including our line of pure porcelain photo blanks.
Ready to Start Your Project?
If you’re a manufacturer or family looking to include a full-color cameo on a headstone or grave marker, let us help. We’ll guide you through selecting the right porcelain blank, and offer technical insight on photo preparation & firing tips.
For more information or to place an order, contact American Headstones Company today. We’re proud to be your trusted source for porcelain cameo blanks, helping you create memorials that honor, remember, and inspire for generations to come.
