Which plaque is best for you?
Choosing the correct bronze and aluminum plaque for your application is the first step when starting your project. There are some factors to consider such as overall size, type of metal, and if the plaque will have a photograph or logo. Luckily we are plaque experts, with thousands of metal plaques under our belt we can help you choose the correct material and process so your plaque will make the best impression possible.
Choose your Style
Watsons plaques come in three main styles — cast, precision tooled and etched. Cast is the preferred option when exact duplicate quantities are desired. Precision tooled plaques typically provide crisper letter edges than cast. Both have lifetime warranties.
When very small text and a high level of detail are required, etching may be the best choice. Speciality processes, including laser engraving and giclée printing are also available.
Cast
A mold of your plaque is created from sand or clay, then molten bronze or aluminum is poured into the mold where it will take the shape of your plaque. Once the metal has cooled and solidified, the mold is removed resulting in a solid one-piece plaque ready for finishing according to the options you chose for your plaque.
Precision Tooled
Your plaque starts its life as a slab of solid metal (Your choice of Bronze, copper, brass or aluminum) We then use state-of-the-art computerized milling machines to remove or ‘carve’ away the excess metal, which is then recycled. Creating an environmentally friendly process.
Etched
Your plaque design is cut into a chemical resistant mask, which is applied onto a piece of metal (your choice of Stainless steel, bronze, Brass or copper) that is then submerged into a chemical that eats away or etches the exposed metal. Once the design is etched into the plaque, its ready to be finished and paint filled.
Plaque Selection Chart
Choose your Options
Materials
All of our standard metal plaques come with a lifetime warranty. We can offer this because we only use the best materials, designed to withstand the harshest conditions. This includes environmentally friendly recycled metals, automotive grade paints and clear coats.
Granite and slate plaques are also available.
Text
Whether your design requires raised or recessed text can help determine which plaque style is best for you. Cast plaques are ideal for raised text while precision tooling works equally well for either text option. Etching typically creates recessed text.
Finish
Natural or painted backgrounds, brushed or polished finishes, and a wide variety of textures and other special treatments provide creative options for your design.
SEE ALL AVAILABLE COLOURS AND FINISHES
Mounting Options
What good is a plaque if your can’t put it where you want it? Have no fear, our plaques area available with more mounting options than you will know what to do with. Whether you require your plaque installed onto a building, mounted on a pole or hanging from a bracket, we’ve got you covered!
PEACE OF MIND
All of Watsons cast plaques, precision tooled plaques, etched and laser engraved plaques all are designed to last a lifetime. We deliver a product that we know will last. From experience in the field and from our test lab results, we know that our products will last in excess of 10 years without any noticeable degradation in appearance. If there is an issue, we will refinish or replace the defective materials at no cost to you, as long as the plaque is installed in its original location.
Before using, user shall determine the suitability of the product for his or her intended use and user assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith.
