Make Your Mark: 3 Reasons to Use Engraving
Added on 29 April 2016
By TopMade
7 Comments
We touched briefly on engraving in our blog on the natural charm of wooden signs. But we felt that, as an artistic process with such a long history, engraving deserved its own dedicated post.
Engraving refers to a number of techniques where a design is created by cutting into a hard surface such as metal, stone or wood. In the past, it would take a long time to complete a project because the work had to be done by hand. Today, skilled craftspeople are assisted by machines. This allows for complex designs to be faithfully and efficiently reproduced. For example, a CNC machine or laser produces finely detailed work. Another method, sandblasting, shapes a surface by, well, blasting an abrasive substance against it. It’s highly suited for achieving letter depth and can generate a carved/textured look.
As a design choice, engraving adds subtle dimension to a sign. Its understated sophistication is perfect if you want a professional appearance but are on a limited budget. In addition, it serves equally well as the main visual style of a sign, or as a decorative motif. To help the design pop further, the letter impressions can be painted or a foil can be applied.
While a popular choice for business signs and information boards, engraved signs have a lot of non-commercial uses as well, including:
- Memorial plaques
- Awards
- Custom house number signs
- Garden accents
What are the benefits of an engraved sign?
- A meaning “carved in stone.” Wood, metal and stone are elements of nature that signify longevity. Engraving a personal message into these materials for an award, for example, symbolically pays homage to the lasting impact of the recipient. For a business, the solid appearance of carved natural materials creates an impression of strength.
- Your pick of materials. Engraving is a technique that can be used with a wide variety of materials. This flexibility is advantageous, as each design choice for your sign should reflect your brand. For instance, a brass sign presents a traditional image whereas a stainless steel sign is more modern.
- Ideal for small projects. Really proud of your home? Share that pride with a custom home address marker. Need to boost employee morale? Honor your team with a personalized trophy for achievement. Engraved signs and plaques are an easy, lasting and meaningful way to celebrate places, moments, and people in your life.
Need professional insight about incorporating engraving into your signs? Give us here at Topmade a call. We offer expert signage consulting to help you decide what kind of sign is right for you.
wrote on 09 Sep 2019
I like how you mentioned that you can use engraving for memorial plaques. My grandma was telling us how she wishes to have a memorial plaque for her gravestone and I wanted to know more about engraving for it. Thank you for helping me learn more about engraving!
wrote on 26 May 2020
My dad and I will hold a corporate event; that’s why we’re currently looking for a service that customizes wooden plaques. I agree with you that engraving personal message into the wood would be able to provide a lasting impact to the recipient. I guess you also have a point that this is beneficial in terms of boosting an employees’ morale.
wrote on 01 Aug 2020
Thanks for sharing a great information with us.
wrote on 29 Mar 2021
I didn’t know that a variety of different materials could be used for engraving projects. My cousin has been interested in getting an engraved plaque for the business he plans on starting. Hopefully, he can find a professional that can help him decide what kinds of materials should be used.
wrote on 28 Feb 2022
I appreciated how you explained that engraving includes different techniques to form a design by cutting into a hard material such as stone. My friend wants custom stonework for his grandfather’s headstone. I think he just needs to look for a contractor that can execute his desired design.
wrote on 09 Jan 2023
Thank you for pointing out that sandblasting involves hurling an abrasive material against a surface to shape it. It is excellent for adding depth to letters and can produce a textured appearance. My sister says she wants to give her wall a textured appearance. I’ll advise her to use a professional sandblasting service.
wrote on 20 Feb 2023
We appreciate you mentioning that using engraved signs and plaques to honor special locations, events, and people in your life is simple, enduring, and meaningful. My buddy wants to do something as a tribute to her late mother. I’ll advise her to get the custom bronze plaques for her late mother.