Crafting Brass Engraved Plaques: A Complete Guide

Crafting brass engraved plaques combines elegance, durability, and timeless appeal. Whether you’re designing commemorative signage, office nameplates, or decorative pieces, engraved brass offers precision and style. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about creating your own custom brass plaques — from materials and thickness to engraving methods and finishes.

Creating personalised and impactful plaques. This guide to crafting brass engraved plaques will help you understand the manufacturing processes and hence assist with plaque design.

Choosing the Right Brass for Engraving

We supply two industry-standard brass grades:

• CZ120 Engravers Brass – A free-machining grade designed specifically for engraving. It offers a fine grain and clean cutting for crisp lettering and intricate designs.

• CZ108 Yellow Brass – A general-purpose brass ideal for cut shapes and plaques that may combine engraving with fabrication.

→ Learn more about brass finishes available across our sheet range.

Brass Plaque Thicknesses & Sizes

The thickness of your plaque impacts both appearance and durability:

• 0.9mm to 1.5mm – Lightweight plaques for interior use or framed presentation

• 2.0mm to 4.0mm – Suitable for architectural, wall-mounted, or freestanding installations

We can cut to size or fabricate from full sheets up to 3000 x 1000mm or 2400 x 1200mm, with optional press-braked returns for mounting.

• Engraving Methods for Brass Plaques

  We offer three in-house engraving techniques, each suited to different styles and applications:

  1. Rotary Engraving

  Traditional deep-cut lettering using a rotating cutter — ideal for bold text and long-term durability.

  2. Diamond Drag Engraving

  A non-rotating tool scores the surface with precision, perfect for fine lines, detailed logos, and intricate borders.

  3. Laser Engraving

  Delivers high-precision artwork, vector shapes, and organic motifs. Ideal for illustrative or stylised designs.

  We can also fill engraved lettering with black, white, or custom-coloured enamels for added contrast and legibility.

  → Explore our engraving services to see each technique in action.

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Our large format rotary engraving machine in action cutting brass

Copper plaque engraved with an architectural illustration of the Gray’s Inn Chapel, combining rotary text engraving and detailed diamond drag line work

Fine-detail botanical engraving of a leaf, created using laser engraving on aged brass. Ideal for artistic or nature-inspired plaques.

Brass Finish Options for Brass Engraved Plaques

We offer a range of finishes to suit both contemporary and traditional settings:

• Natural Brass – Satin or brushed for a clean, understated look

• Mirror Polished Brass – Highly reflective for a luxurious presentation

• Aged Brass – Subtle patina with warm, characterful tones

• Antique Brass – Rich, dark finish with pronounced grain and depth

Protective clear lacquer is available to preserve brightness and resist tarnishing — especially useful for outdoor or high-touch applications.

→ Visit our Brass Finishes page for surface inspiration.

Where Are Engraved Brass Plaques Used?

We work with clients across multiple sectors, producing plaques for:

• Memorial & Commemorative Installations
  Durable plaques for public or heritage spaces, often rotary engraved with enamel infill.

• Corporate & Office Nameplates
  Sleek satin-finish plaques engraved with logos or company details.

• Awards & Recognition Boards
  Wall-mounted display plaques honouring individuals or organisations.

• Decorative Panels, Maps & Artworks
  Large-format engraved plaques, often with patinated finishes for visual depth.

• Historic Building Markers & Wayfinding Signs
  Stylish and informative signage for listed buildings, civic centres, or visitor attractions.

Commemorative copper plaque engraved with soldier names, mounted on a stone war memorial. A powerful example of durable, respectful outdoor signage.

Brass sign engraved with the Hitherbury House name and logo, finished in satin brass with black enamel-filled lettering for sharp contrast and readability.

A large-format brushed brass plaque engraved with bold rotary text and black enamel fill, commemorating life members of Prested Real Tennis.

Engraved world map plaque created from aged brass with antique patina, mounted with bronze studs at The Oak Bar & Bistro. A showcase of decorative rotary engraving on a large scale.

Ready to start your project? Get in touch with our team for expert advice

Design Support & Bespoke Orders

We offer design assistance for:

• Architects and interior designers

• Sign-makers and shopfitters

• Private clients with custom ideas

Need help with layout, file prep, or choosing between engraving styles? Our team can walk you through the process and provide mock-ups or samples upon request.

→ For extra-large plaques, also see our Large Brass Plaques page.

Get a Quote or Start Your Project

Ready to commission a brass engraved plaque? We offer:

• Tailored sizes and shapes

• Precision engraving with enamel infill

• Aged and polished finishes

• Expert advice from our Liverpool-based team

📧 Email: sales@metalsheets.co.uk
📞 Call: 0151 526 4777
🔗 Use our Contact Form

Explore More Inspiration

• 🖼 Brass Signage Gallery on Flickr – View past projects, styles, and finishes.

• ✨ Bespoke Metal Signage – Create custom branding elements in brass, copper, or zinc.

• 🛠 Engraving Services Overview – Understand our process and options.

• 📏 Brass Plaques – View our full plaque offering and order info.

• 🔔 Brass & Copper Signs – Designed for restaurants, heritage projects, and design-led spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best brass grade for engraved plaques?

CZ120 Engravers Brass is the common choice for detailed engraving due to its clean-cutting properties. We also use CZ108, especially for large-format plaques and when plaques involve shaping or fabrication.

Can brass plaques be used outdoors?

Yes. We recommend thicker brass with lacquered or aged finishes for outdoor use. Enamel-filled engraving ensures visibility in all conditions.

Do you offer custom sizes and shapes?

Yes. We can cut brass plaques to your exact size or shape, including circles, ovals, and irregular layouts.

What engraving styles can you provide?

We offer rotary, diamond drag, and laser engraving, each suited to different artwork and text styles.

Can I choose the finish for my brass plaque?

Absolutely. Choose from natural, mirror polished, aged, or antique brass finishes — with optional clear lacquer for protection.