7 Mistakes You're Making with Personalised Slate Photos (And How to Fix Them)
7 Mistakes You're Making with Personalised Slate Photos (And How to Fix Them)
Personalised slate photos make absolutely stunning keepsakes: we see it first-hand at BenaBerry's every single day. Whether it's a wedding photo etched onto a coaster, a child's handprint preserved on a plaque, or a beloved pet immortalised on slate, these pieces genuinely become treasured family heirlooms.
But here's the thing: not all slate photo engravings turn out as magical as they should. Over the years, we've spotted the same mistakes cropping up again and again: and the good news? They're all completely fixable.
So if you've ever been disappointed with a slate photo result (or you're about to order your first one and want to get it right), this guide is for you. Let's walk through the seven most common slip-ups and, more importantly, how to avoid them.
✨ Mistake #1: Using Low-Resolution or Blurry Photos
This one's the biggie. We get it: you've found the perfect photo, the one that captures that exact moment. But if it's a tiny thumbnail saved from social media or a screenshot that's been compressed within an inch of its life, it's not going to engrave well. No amount of laser precision can fix a blurry image.
The Fix:
Use the highest resolution photo you've got. Ideally, you want the original file straight from your camera or phone: not one that's been shared, resized, or filtered multiple times. If you're unsure whether your image is high enough quality, just ask us. At BenaBerry's, we use professional-grade CO2 laser engraving, which means we can work with good-quality images to produce incredibly detailed results. But we need you to give us the best starting point possible.
Pro tip: Check your phone's photo settings: most modern smartphones can shoot in high resolution. Make sure yours is set to maximum quality, especially if you're taking photos specifically for engraving.
🖼️ Mistake #2: Busy Backgrounds That Make the Engraving Look Cluttered
Picture this: a gorgeous family photo... with a bin in the background, washing on the line, and a random stranger photobombing. When you're looking at the photo on your phone, your brain naturally filters out the distractions. But when that image is etched onto slate? Every single element shows up, and suddenly the focus isn't where you want it to be.
The Fix:
Choose photos with simple, clean backgrounds. Think plain walls, open skies, soft-focus nature scenes: anything that lets your main subject shine. If you absolutely love a photo but the background is a bit chaotic, we can often help with cropping or editing to remove distractions. The goal is to create an engraving where your eye goes straight to the person, pet, or moment you're celebrating.
At BenaBerry's, we're happy to advise on whether a particular image will work well. Sometimes a quick crop makes all the difference.
🔆 Mistake #3: Poor Lighting and Low Contrast
Here's where slate gets interesting. Unlike a printed photo, laser engraving works by creating contrast between the natural dark slate and the lighter engraved areas. If your original photo has poor lighting: think dimly lit indoor shots or photos where everything blends together: the engraving will struggle to define the details.
The Fix:
Look for photos with good lighting and natural contrast. Outdoor shots with daylight often work brilliantly. If you're taking a photo specifically for slate engraving, position your subject near a window or in bright, indirect light. Avoid overly dark or washed-out images where facial features or important details are hard to see.
Our CO2 laser technology at BenaBerry's can handle a wide range of tones, but higher contrast in your original photo will always give you the most striking result. We can also advise on adjusting brightness and contrast before engraving to help your image really pop.
🌿 Mistake #4: Forgetting About the Natural Texture of Slate
Slate isn't a smooth, uniform surface like glass or metal: it has beautiful natural texture, grain, and sometimes slight variations in colour. That's part of its charm! But it also means your engraving will interact with that texture, and if you're not expecting it, the result might surprise you.
The Fix:
Embrace the character of slate rather than fighting against it. The natural texture adds depth and uniqueness to every piece: no two are ever identical. However, it's worth knowing that very fine details (like tiny text or intricate patterns) might not show up as crisply as they would on a perfectly smooth surface.
When you order from us, we select the best quality slate and prepare it properly to ensure the engraving looks as clear as possible. We've refined our technique over countless projects, so we know exactly how to work with the stone's natural properties.
📐 Mistake #5: Bad Cropping or Ignoring the Shape of Your Slate
You've chosen a beautiful portrait photo for a circular coaster, but when it arrives, half of someone's face is cut off. Or you've ordered a square plaque, and the image looks squashed and awkward. Cropping matters so much when it comes to slate: and it's surprisingly easy to get wrong if you're not thinking about the final shape.
The Fix:
Before you place your order, think about the shape of your slate item. Is it a round coaster? A rectangular plaque? A heart-shaped keepsake? Then consider how your photo will fit within that shape. Portrait orientation photos work better on taller plaques, while landscape shots suit wider formats.
At BenaBerry's, we'll always check your image before we engrave to make sure it's going to look balanced and beautiful. If we spot any cropping issues, we'll get in touch to suggest adjustments. We want you to be absolutely delighted with the final piece, so we're not just going to hit "go" on something that won't look right.
💛 Mistake #6: Not Taking Advantage of Handwriting or Special Text
Here's something magical that people often don't realise: you can engrave actual handwriting onto slate. A child's signature, a note from a grandparent, a special message in someone's own hand: these details transform a personalised gift into something genuinely irreplaceable.
The Fix:
If you've got a handwritten note, a child's drawing, or even a recipe card in your gran's handwriting, bring it to us! Our laser can capture that personal touch and etch it permanently onto slate. Just make sure the writing is clear (dark pen on white paper works best) and take a well-lit, straight-on photo or scan.
We've done kids' drawings, wedding vows, song lyrics, and even pawprints. These pieces become absolute treasures. Don't miss out on adding that extra layer of meaning to your slate photo.
🧼 Mistake #7: Improper Care and Cleaning
You've received your stunning slate photo, and it looks incredible. But a few months down the line, it's looking a bit grubby, or the engraving seems less vibrant. Slate is durable, but it does need a little bit of love to keep it looking its best.
The Fix:
Cleaning slate is easy: you just need to know what not to do. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, bleach, or anything abrasive that might damage the surface. Instead, simply wipe your slate with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap if needed. For coasters, a quick rinse under the tap and a gentle pat dry works perfectly.
If you want the engraved areas to really stand out, you can apply a tiny bit of mineral oil or slate sealant (we can advise on the best products). This darkens the slate slightly and makes the lighter engraved areas pop even more.
Pro tip: If you're using slate coasters, pop a small felt pad on the bottom to protect your furniture and prevent scratching. Little details like this keep your personalised pieces looking gorgeous for years.
Why BenaBerry's Gets It Right Every Time
At BenaBerry's Craftea Café, we're a bit obsessed with creating beautiful, lasting keepsakes. Our CO2 laser engraving gives us incredible precision and control, which means we can capture even the smallest details: right down to individual strands of hair or the tiny fingers in a baby's hand.
But beyond the tech, it's about the care we put into every single order. We're not a faceless online business churning out hundreds of identical products. We're a small, independent café and workshop in Castle Donington, and we genuinely care that your slate photo is something you'll treasure.
If you're not sure whether your photo will work, or if you want advice on the best size or format for your project, just get in touch. We're always happy to have a chat and help you create something truly special.
Whether you're commemorating a wedding, celebrating a new baby, remembering a beloved pet, or simply capturing a moment that matters, personalised slate photos are timeless. And now that you know the common pitfalls (and how to dodge them), your next slate piece is going to be absolutely perfect.
Ready to create your own? Browse our store or pop by the café in Castle Donington. We'd love to help bring your memories to life in slate. ✨
