The meaning behind colours

Colours hold different meanings across cultures. For example, red can symbolise love, but it can also represent Tongan or Māori culture. White often symbolises peace and is also commonly used in Māori patterns. We offer a wide range of colours for headstones, but it’s important to choose colours that will stand out. Very dark colours on black granite may not be easy to see. White and gold are popular choices for lettering, while black granite is a classic option for the stone itself. For children's headstones, bright and colourful designs, such as rainbows and butterflies, are often chosen to express joy and childhood.

Painting Process with Care

At Jatem Memorials, we take great care to ensure our paint provides a long-lasting and high-quality finish.

Environmentally Friendly Paints

We use modern paints that are safer and less toxic. Although these paints may not last as long as older, more toxic options, they are better for the environment and for the people applying them.

Multiple Coats for Durability

We apply several layers of primer and paint, allowing each coat to dry properly before adding the next. This process helps create a durable, long-lasting finish.

Families are encouraged to suggest personal symbols or designs, and our team works carefully to bring these ideas to life.

Custom Designs

Durability of Paint

We use high-quality paints, but recent safety regulations mean that most paints now last up to 20 years. We include some epoxy in our paint to help it last longer, but we must limit how much we use to maintain safety standards.

Maintenance Tips

Families should plan to repaint every 10-15 years, depending on how much the headstone is exposed to weather. There are no specific care tips to prevent fading, but headstones with some form of cover—such as those in temples—tend to last longer as they are protected from the sun.

Painting Techniques and Tools

We use a paint gun and stencils to ensure even coverage on headstones. Fine brushes are used only for detailed artwork involving multiple colours. If the headstone is painted in just white and gold, the process typically takes 2-3 days. If more colours or detailed designs are involved, it can take 4-5 days.

Combining Paint with Gold Leaf

Families can request different finishes on the same headstone, such as paint combined with gold leaf. We typically use gold leaf for lettering, while gold-coloured paint is used for other artwork. This combination adds an elegant touch to the memorial, making it truly special.