Whether you need a small nameplate for a trophy, a brass plate for a memorial, a professional sign for an office door, or a recognition plaque for an award ceremony - the right engraved plate makes the difference between something that looks finished and something that looks truly exceptional.
Custom engraved plates are one of the most versatile personalization products available. They mount on trophies, attach to frames, affix to doors, go on gifts, and sit on desks. They work for individuals, businesses, sports teams, schools, and organizations of every kind. And they're more affordable than most people expect - starting at $9.99.
This guide covers every type of custom plate available at Things Engraved, the difference between engraving and sublimation, how to choose the right finish, and exactly what each plate is best used for.
Engraving vs Sublimation: The Key Difference You Need to Know First
Before choosing a plate, you need to understand the two customization methods - because this single choice affects the look, the application, and the longevity of your finished plate.
Engraving — tone on tone
Laser engraving physically removes material from the surface of the plate, creating text, logos, or designs that are etched directly into the metal. The result is tone-on-tone — the engraved area is a slightly different tone than the surrounding surface, but both are the same base colour. On a brass plate, you get brass-coloured text on a brass background. On a silver plate, silver on silver.
Engraved plates have a classic, timeless, professional look. The mark is permanent — it can't fade, peel, or wash off because it's part of the plate itself. Engraving is ideal when you want a traditional, formal finish: trophy plates, name plaques, memorial plates, office signage, and recognition awards.
One important note: engraved plates are available up to 6"x6". For anything larger, sublimation is the right choice.
Sublimation — full colour printing
Sublimation is a printing process that uses heat and pressure to transfer full-colour dye directly into the surface of the plate. Unlike engraving, sublimation can reproduce photographs, logos with multiple colours, gradients, and any design that requires more than one colour.
The result is vibrant, detailed, and photo-quality. Sublimation plates are ideal when you need colour — a company logo in brand colours, a team photo, a colourful award design, or any plate where a single-tone engraved finish won't capture what you need. Sublimation is also available in larger sizes than engraving.
The simple rule: need colour or a large format? Choose sublimation. Want a classic, permanent, tone-on-tone finish? Choose engraving.
Every Custom Plate Available at Things Engraved
Custom Cut Engravable Brass Plate
The classic. Warm gold-tone brass with laser-engraved text or design in a slightly deeper brass tone. The traditional choice for trophy plates, award plaques, memorial plates, and formal recognition. Available in sizes from 1"x1" up to 6"x6" — from a tiny keychain tag to a substantial award plate.
Starting at $9.99. Free personalization, free mock-up before production.
👉 Shop Custom Cut Engravable Brass Plate
Custom Cut Engravable Silver Plate
Clean, modern, and versatile. The silver finish works beautifully in contemporary office environments, on modern trophies, and anywhere a cooler metallic tone fits better than warm brass. Same laser-engraved tone-on-tone finish, same size range up to 6"x6".
A popular choice for corporate recognition, desk nameplates, and professional signage.
👉 Shop Custom Cut Engravable Silver Plate
Custom Cut Sublimation Brass Plate
All the warmth of brass — but with the ability to print in full colour. If you need a brass-toned plate that also carries a full-colour logo, photograph, or multi-colour design, this is the plate. Available in larger sizes than the engraved brass plate, making it ideal for wall plaques, large award presentations, and corporate signage where brand colours matter.
👉 Shop Custom Cut Sublimation Brass Plate
Custom Cut Sublimation Silver Plate
The full-colour version of the silver plate. Same ability to reproduce logos, photos, and multi-colour designs. Available in larger formats. A great choice for modern corporate environments that want full-colour branding on a silver metallic base.
👉 Shop Custom Cut Sublimation Silver Plate
Custom Black Coated Gold Plate
A striking, high-contrast finish — gold base with black coating that creates sharp, bold text and designs. The contrast between the black surface and the gold beneath it produces a look that stands out immediately. This is the plate for organizations that want something premium and visually distinctive rather than traditional.
Popular for high-end awards, executive recognition plaques, and upscale corporate gifting.
👉 Shop Custom Black Coated Gold Plate
Custom Cut Black Coated Silver Plate
Same high-contrast concept as the black coated gold — but with a silver base beneath the black coating. When engraved, the silver shows through the black surface, creating clean, bright text on a dark background. A modern, sophisticated finish that works exceptionally well for contemporary office environments and premium award presentations.
👉 Shop Custom Cut Black Coated Silver Plate
Custom Cut Engravable Red Plate
Bold and eye-catching — a red base with engraved text that reveals the metal beneath, creating sharp contrast. The red plate is a popular choice for sports awards, team recognition, and any application where you want the plate to stand out and make a statement. Also works well for warning signs and safety signage where a high-visibility colour is needed.
👉 Shop Custom Cut Engravable Red Plate
Custom Cut Full Colour Sublimation Plate
The most versatile plate in the range. Full-colour sublimation on a white base — meaning any design, photograph, logo, or artwork can be reproduced with complete accuracy. If you have a complex logo with specific brand colours, a team photo, or any design that requires faithful colour reproduction, this is the plate. Available in larger sizes, making it suitable for wall-mounted plaques, large recognition displays, and anywhere visual impact matters.
👉 Shop Custom Cut Full Colour Sublimation Plate
Mounting Options: Adhesive Backing vs Wooden Plaque Base
Every custom plate from Things Engraved comes with adhesive backing — double-sided tape that lets you mount the plate directly onto any flat surface: a trophy, a frame, a gift box, a door, a wall, a piece of furniture, or any object you want to mark.
For a more formal, finished presentation — especially for wall-mounted awards, office recognition plaques, and retirement gifts — the plate can be placed on a wooden plaque base that gives the plate structure, presence, and a polished look.
Matte Brown Wood Grain Plaque
A warm, natural wood grain finish in matte brown. The classic choice for traditional offices, formal recognition awards, and retirement plaques. The wood grain texture gives it an organic, handcrafted feel that suits heritage organizations, long-service awards, and any environment where warmth and tradition matter.
👉 Shop Matte Brown Wood Grain Plaque
What to Use Custom Engraved Plates For
The range of applications is wider than most people realize. Here's where custom plates get used most:
Trophy and award plates
The most common use. A small engraved plate on a trophy, medal, or award transforms a generic item into a permanent record of achievement — with the recipient's name, the award title, the date, and the organization. Brass and silver plates are the traditional choice; black coated plates give a more modern premium finish.
Name plaques and office door signs
A professionally engraved name plate on an office door or desk communicates authority, permanence, and attention to detail. Far more professional than a printed label or a generic insert. Silver and black coated silver plates are the most popular for contemporary office environments; brass suits traditional or heritage settings.
Memorial and dedication plaques
Engraved plates are widely used for memorial applications — honouring a person, marking a dedication, commemorating an event. The permanence of engraving makes it especially appropriate here. Brass is the traditional choice for memorial plates; it carries a gravitas that newer finishes don't replicate.
Corporate recognition and staff awards
When recognizing years of service, outstanding performance, or a significant milestone, a plate on a wooden plaque base makes a statement that a certificate simply can't. It's a physical object — something that gets framed, displayed, and kept. Sublimation plates are increasingly popular here because they allow company logos in brand colours alongside the recognition text.
Gift personalization
Engraved plates are a beautiful way to add a permanent personal touch to a gift — attached to a jewellery box, a frame, a wooden keepsake, or any gift item that doesn't have a built-in engraving surface. The adhesive backing makes it simple: design the plate, apply it to the gift, and the personalization is permanent.
Sports team awards
Sports organizations — hockey leagues, soccer clubs, golf tournaments, school athletics — use engraved plates constantly for trophies, plaques, and MVP awards. The red plate is a particularly popular choice for sports applications because of its visual boldness. Black coated gold and silver plates work well for premium tournament awards.
Business signage
Custom plates work for a wide range of business signage needs: room identification signs, directional plates, safety notices, product identification tags, and equipment labelling. Sublimation plates in larger formats are ideal for signage that needs to carry a company logo or colour-coded information.
How to Choose the Right Plate
Use this as a quick reference:
- Need colour or a full logo in brand colours? → Sublimation plate (brass, silver, or full colour)
- Want a classic, permanent, tone-on-tone finish? → Engravable plate (brass, silver, red, or black coated)
- Traditional award or memorial? → Brass engraved plate on a wood grain plaque base
- Modern office or corporate environment? → Silver or black coated silver plate on a glossy black plaque
- High-contrast premium award? → Black coated gold or black coated silver plate
- Sports or team award? → Red engraved plate or black coated gold
- Need a large format (over 6"x6")? → Sublimation plate (available in larger sizes than engraved)
- Mounting directly on a gift or trophy? → Any plate with adhesive backing
- Wall-mounted recognition plaque? → Plate on a wooden plaque base
The Things Engraved Process — No Setup Fees, Free Mock-Up
Every custom plate order at Things Engraved includes:
- No setup fees — no extra charge for designing your plate
- Free personalization — engraving or sublimation is included in the price
- Free mock-up — the team designs your plate and sends you a visual proof for approval before production begins. You see exactly what you're getting before anything is made.
- Free shipping — delivered anywhere in Canada
- Expert design support — available by phone, chat, or email Monday to Friday
Starting at $9.99, with sizes from 1"x1" up to large format, there's a plate for every application and every budget.
👉 Call 1-888-877-1301 or chat with the team to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an engraved plate and a sublimation plate?
Engraving physically etches text or design into the plate surface, creating a tone-on-tone finish that is part of the plate permanently. Sublimation uses heat to transfer full-colour dye into the plate surface, allowing photographs, logos, and multi-colour designs. Engraving is ideal for a classic, formal look; sublimation is ideal when colour is required.
What sizes are available for custom plates?
Engraved plates are available from 1"x1" up to 6"x6" in a wide range of dimensions. Sublimation plates are available in larger formats — if you need anything above 6"x6", sublimation is the right choice. Contact the team for specific size requirements.
Can I use a custom plate on an existing trophy or award?
Absolutely. All plates come with adhesive backing (double-sided tape) and can be mounted directly onto any flat surface — existing trophies, frames, gift boxes, doors, walls, or any object you want to personalize.
Do you provide a proof before production?
Yes — every order includes a free mock-up. The design team creates a visual proof of your plate and sends it to you for approval before anything is produced. You see exactly what it will look like before it's made.
How long does production and delivery take?
Contact the team directly for current turnaround times — especially for bulk or rush orders. Things Engraved ships across Canada with free shipping on all orders.
Can I order plates in bulk for a corporate event or awards ceremony?
Yes — bulk and corporate orders are a specialty. Things Engraved offers a 20% corporate discount for qualifying organizations. Contact the team to discuss your requirements.
What's the difference between mounting a plate with adhesive vs a wooden plaque base?
Adhesive backing is ideal for mounting directly onto a trophy, gift, or flat surface. A wooden plaque base gives the plate a standalone presentation — suitable for wall mounting, desk display, and formal award presentations. The plaque base elevates the finished look significantly and is the right choice for any plate that will be displayed on its own.
Ready to Order Your Custom Plate?
From a $9.99 brass trophy plate to a large-format full-colour sublimation plaque for your boardroom wall — Things Engraved has every finish, every size, and every application covered. No setup fees, no extra charges, free mock-up, free shipping across Canada.
👉 Start your custom plate order
Or call the team directly: 1-888-877-1301