The next process is called steeling. This process is done after the initial cutting of the stencil where just the contour of the design is cut and removed exposing the polish. We place the memorial in our sandblast room where we spray the exposed polish with aluminum oxide. Doing this removes the polish creating a dull and slightly rough surface. When this first part of steeling is completed, we move the memorial to our steel room. In this room, we now spray the surface with steel shot which fractures the crystals in the granite making the granite brighter. It creates the contrast between the polish and steeled area in order for the lettering and detail in the designs to be more visible. Not doing this step requires you to paint the letters and designs white or black in order for them to show up. However, it is paint, and it will eventually come out. We do not paint. We do another process called bluing.