When choosing the perfect material for your bench plaque, several options come into play, each offering unique qualities to suit your preferences. Benches in the UK need to withstand our ever changing climate and our plaques have been designed to ensure that your accompanying message lasts. Let's explore the materials available:
Polished Brass:
Renowned for its timeless appeal, Brunel Engraving's Brass plaques are engraved and infilled with a paint, exuding elegance and sophistication. Perfect for commemorating special moments with a touch of tradition. Brunel Engraving use a CZ120 engraving brass for all of our plaques, commonly supplied in a mirror polished finish (although a satin brushed finish can be accommodated), which will darken as the plaque tarnishes. Brass requires consistent polishing to prevent tarnishing and preserve its luster, the speed of tarnishing depends on the plaques location & environment. View our brass polishing video tutorial for our suggested polishing method. Alternatively you may choose to allow the brass plaque to naturally tarnish for a weathered, darker aesthetic.
Stainless Steel:
Available in etched and lasered options, our stainless steel plaques are renowned for their resilience and durability making them a perfect choice for coastal environments. The steel we use is 316L grade and often known as marine grade, with a dull polished (brushed) finish, ensuring maintenance-free durability. Stainless steel plaques are etched to a depth & infilled with paint for added longevity, making them ideal for harsh environments and outdoor settings. Alternatively, our Lasered stainless steel plaques feature laser marked matte black lettering, the surface is burnt rather than cut, providing a smooth finish for a subtle yet impactful design. However, this matte black marking may fade over time depending on environmental conditions. Read our blog for more details about the differences between Etched & Lasered Stainless Steel.
Aluminium (Anodised Silver):
Sleek and durable, anodised satin silver Aluminium plaques are engraved and infilled with a paint, providing a striking contrast that enhances readability and aesthetics. The Anodised surface is resistant to corrosion and will remain satin silver with little cleaning & maintenance. Aluminium is a softer material than Steel & therefore not quite as scratch-resistant.
Black Aluminium:
For a contemporary look, Black Aluminium plaques are laser engraved, removing the black layer to reveal the silver material underneath, creating a stylish contrast. These plaques offer durability and a sleek finish suitable for various environments. Black aluminum, although durable, doesn't offer the same scratch resistance as steel due to its softer nature.
In summary, the best material for a bench plaque ultimately depends on your desired aesthetic, durability requirements, and the ambiance of the intended location. Whether you prefer the timeless charm of brass, the modern allure of stainless steel, or the contemporary flair of black aluminium, each material offers distinct characteristics to complement your bench's significance.
We offer each of these materials as options for bench plaques on our website in various sizes, tailored to suit almost all bench slats. All of these Bench Plaques are supplied with fixings included. Please contact the sales team for any bespoke sizes or requirements.