ObituaryMLS

Lasting Tributes

Protect Your QR Code for Decades

A memorial QR code is meant to last as long as the headstone itself. The digital link at ObituaryMLS never expires — so the physical medium is the only vulnerability. Here's everything you need to choose the right material and installation method.

Get Your QR CodeView Plans

Why QR Code Longevity Matters

Once a QR code is purchased and printed, the digital memorial it points to is permanent — ObituaryMLS keeps the link active as long as the account is maintained. The only thing that can break the connection is physical damage to the printed code itself. Choosing the right material from the start means families never have to worry about replacing it.

Material Comparison

Ranked from most to least durable for permanent outdoor headstone use.

1. Acrylic

10–20+ years
durability

Best for: Headstones, memorial benches, garden markers

Advantages

  • UV-resistant — protects printed QR from fading
  • Water and freeze/thaw cycles don't degrade it
  • Clear overlay bonds over a printed insert
  • Can also be laser-engraved into colored acrylic

Considerations

  • Not as permanent as metal or ceramic
  • Adhesive can fail if wrong product is used
Pro tip: Use 3M VHB tape or stone-rated epoxy adhesive — not standard glue.

2. Stainless Steel / Aluminum

25–50+ years
durability

Best for: Permanent headstone installation, veteran memorials

Advantages

  • QR laser-etched or chemically etched — no ink to fade
  • Brushed stainless, anodized aluminum, or bronze options
  • Essentially lasts forever — relies on contrast from etching depth
  • Matches the permanence of the headstone itself

Considerations

  • Higher upfront cost than acrylic or vinyl
  • Requires professional engraving equipment
Pro tip: Laser-etched metal QR codes have no ink at all — they're the most permanent option available.

3. Ceramic / Porcelain

50–100+ years
durability

Best for: Headstones, mausoleums, traditional cemeteries

Advantages

  • QR fired into the glaze at high temperature
  • Completely weatherproof, UV-proof, and vandal-resistant
  • Same process used for cemetery portrait medallions
  • Many headstone engravers already offer this service

Considerations

  • Brittle — can crack if struck with force
  • Requires specialized kiln firing process
Pro tip: Adding a QR to a porcelain medallion is a natural upsell for headstone engravers already offering portrait ovals.

4. Engraved Granite / Stone

Permanent
durability

Best for: Direct headstone integration

Advantages

  • CNC or laser engraving cuts QR directly into the granite
  • No separate plaque needed
  • Completely integrated with the headstone
  • Zero maintenance required

Considerations

  • Contrast depends on fill — bare stone may scan poorly
  • Cannot be removed or updated once engraved
Pro tip: Use white or black resin fill in the engraving for maximum scan contrast. Test before the resin cures.

5. Resin / Epoxy Dome

5–15 years
durability

Best for: Budget option, temporary markers, garden stakes

Advantages

  • Printed QR sealed under thick clear resin dome
  • Blocks moisture and UV in the short term
  • Pre-made "domed labels" available from many suppliers
  • Very low cost

Considerations

  • UV yellowing can reduce scan reliability after 5–7 years
  • Not recommended for full-sun permanent headstone placement
Pro tip: Fine for indoor display or short-term use. For permanent outdoor headstone placement, choose metal, ceramic, or acrylic instead.

6. Weatherproof Vinyl + Laminate

2–5 years
durability

Best for: Temporary grave markers, memorial trees, indoor frames

Advantages

  • UV-laminated vinyl resists rain
  • Very inexpensive and widely available
  • Easy to apply and replace

Considerations

  • Degrades in prolonged direct sun
  • Minimum viable option — not for permanent use
  • Adhesive can fail in extreme cold
Pro tip: This is the minimum viable option. Use only for indoor display or short-term outdoor use.

Weatherproofing Threat Guide

Match each environmental threat to the right protective solution.

UV fadingUV-laminate, acrylic cover, or etched metal
Moisture & rainSealed edges, waterproof adhesive, raised mounting
Freeze/thaw crackingFlexible adhesive (not rigid epoxy on stone)
Vandalism / scratchingRecessed mounting, metal or ceramic surface
Algae & moss growthSmooth non-porous surface; annual cleaning

Scan Reliability Tips

Even the best material won't help if the QR code itself isn't optimized for scanning.

Minimum 1.5" × 1.5" for reliable outdoor scanning

Black on white or white on dark metal scans best — high contrast is critical

ObituaryMLS QR codes use high error correction (30% damage tolerance)

Always scan the final physical product before cementing it to a headstone

Test with multiple phone models — camera apps vary in QR sensitivity

Our Recommendation for Headstones

The best combination is a laser-etched stainless steel or aluminum plaque mounted with marine-grade adhesive.

It matches the permanence of the stone, requires zero maintenance, and the QR will outlast any ink-based alternative by decades. The etching depth provides contrast without any paint or coating that could wear away.

For families on a budget, a UV-laminated acrylic overlay is an excellent second choice — it's widely available, easy to install, and will reliably protect the QR code for 10–20 years with no maintenance.

Get Your Memorial QR CodeView Subscription Plans