The Sign Maker: Engraved Plaques, Signs & Memorials made from Eco-Friendly Paperstone
Home > Engraved Plaques > Engraved Memorial Plaques > Engraved Plaques, Signs & Memorials made from Eco-Friendly Paperstone

Tough - Low Maintenance - Waterproof
PaperStone is the ideal choice for those looking for sustainable signage. This material was new to The Sign Maker for 2022, but it is already a favourite for our team. PaperStone is smooth to the touch, and can be laser engraved for signs and memorials.
PaperStone is the combination of FSC recycled paper and a natural phenolic resin called PetroFree™. The resin is non-petroleum based and does not contain any formaldehyde; therefore, it is non-toxic and doesn’t emit any VOCs. The big surprise is that the resin is made from Cashew Nut Shells so it is completely natural. This material has a distinctive mottled appearance that is both unique and beautiful. The use of natural pigments rather than chemical dyes assures superior colour stability, so that your sign remains consistent throughout its life span.
Colour: Honey
To test that it was completely waterproof we left samples in a water trough for 3 months and they came out perfect.
We stock Paperstone at a thickness of 6mm although it is available at 13mm and 19mm for large orders.
PaperStone can be cut to most simple shapes and can be used where small text or detailed images are required.
Sizes and Prices
Prices include 30 characters. Extra letters £4.00 per 30, Letters are sized to fit the plaque.
You might be wondering about the process of making PaperStone. To make PaperStone, Paper and old cardboard boxes are recycled and layered upon one another. Once the layers have been formed, the paper is saturated with PetroFree® (a pigmented resin). It is then pressed under extreme heat and pressure so that the layers of paper form one solid sheet of what has been named 'PaperStone'.
We believe that Paperstone is the perfect balance of being an incredibly tough yet inherently sustainable material! Not only is PaperStone® obtained from a recycling process, but the material can also be recycled at the end of its life because of the way that it has been put together with natural elements.


Letters
The letters are engraved using one of our many fonts.
It is not necessary to paint the lettering but we can if required @ £8.50
You choose the plaque dimensions and we will size the letters accordingly.

Images
We can include images on these engraved plaques. We have a large selection- Any of the single colour images can be used with this type of plaque.
Click here £14 for a standard picture
Or you can send in you own artwork @ £36
Full printed and encapsulated aluminium inserts are also available from £97
Another option is a fully weatherproof porcelain photo - available from £48
Frequently Asked Questions – PaperStone Plaques, Signs and Memorials
1. What is PaperStone and how is it made?
PaperStone is an innovative, eco-friendly material made from layers of FSC recycled paper and cardboard, bonded together with a natural, non-petroleum-based resin derived from cashew nut shells. The layers are compressed under heat and pressure to create an exceptionally strong, smooth and durable material. PaperStone has a distinctive, slightly mottled appearance and is ideal for engraved plaques, house signs and memorials.
2. Are PaperStone plaques suitable for outdoor use?
Yes. PaperStone is waterproof, tough and highly weather-resistant, making it an excellent choice for outdoor signs, memorial plaques and garden markers. We tested the material by leaving samples submerged in water for three months, and they remained in perfect condition. Unlike timber, PaperStone does not require regular varnishing or oiling, making it a particularly low-maintenance alternative.
3. Is PaperStone an environmentally friendly material?
Yes. PaperStone is a sustainable alternative to many conventional sign-making materials. It is manufactured using recycled paper and cardboard combined with PetroFree resin, which is derived from cashew nut shells rather than petroleum. The resin is formaldehyde-free, and the manufacturing process uses natural pigments to produce the colours. It is an excellent choice for environmentally conscious customers, particularly for woodland memorials and natural burial sites.
4. What colours are available for PaperStone engraved plaques?
We offer four attractive PaperStone colours: Gunmetal, Pewter, Sand and Honey. Each has its own distinctive natural appearance, with subtle variations in tone and texture. The material is coloured throughout and is particularly effective when laser engraved. The choice of colour depends on whether you prefer a dark, contemporary finish or a lighter, more natural appearance.
5. Does the engraved lettering need to be painted?
No. PaperStone can be laser engraved without paint filling, producing a natural and understated appearance. This is particularly popular for environmentally friendly memorial plaques. However, we can also paint the lettering if you would prefer additional contrast or a more prominent inscription. Our team can advise on the most suitable finish for your chosen PaperStone colour.
6. Can PaperStone be used for memorial plaques and woodland burials?
Yes. PaperStone is particularly well suited to memorial plaques, remembrance signs, garden memorials and woodland burial markers. Its natural appearance complements outdoor surroundings, while its waterproof properties and low maintenance requirements make it a practical choice. We can engrave names, dates, personal messages and decorative images to create an individual memorial. Always check any material requirements with the burial ground before ordering.
7. Can you engrave pictures and detailed designs onto PaperStone?
Yes. PaperStone can be laser engraved with fine lettering, decorative borders, illustrations and detailed single-colour images. We have a large selection of standard designs, or you can supply your own artwork. Photographs can also be incorporated into a PaperStone memorial using a separate photo insert, such as an encapsulated aluminium photograph or a weatherproof porcelain photo.
8. What thicknesses and sizes are available?
Our standard PaperStone plaques are made from 6mm thick material, which is suitable for most house signs, plaques and memorials. Thicker 13mm and 19mm PaperStone may also be available for larger orders. Plaques can be made to a range of dimensions, and we can cut the material into most simple shapes. Lettering is sized to suit the dimensions of your chosen plaque.
9. Do PaperStone plaques require any maintenance?
Very little maintenance is required. PaperStone is waterproof and does not need the regular painting, varnishing or oiling associated with some traditional wooden signs. If your plaque becomes dirty, simply clean it with a soft cloth, water and a little mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaning products that could damage the surface or any painted lettering.
10. Can I order a personalised PaperStone sign or memorial?
Yes. Every PaperStone plaque is made to order in our North Devon workshops. You can choose the size, colour, wording, font and any decorative images. We can produce everything from small engraved nameplates and house signs to personalised memorial plaques. You can order through our online shop or contact our friendly team for advice and a quotation.
Related Links
ALTERNATIVES:

Place your Order
Use the Online Shop
Its easy - Pay by Card, Cheque or Online Banking
Signs - 01769 561355
Memorials - 01769 618585
By email - sales@sign-maker.net
Design Your Own Sign / Plaque:
You create the design - we send you a quote
Easy Pay: Tell us what you want - we will send you the price with an Easy Pay link








