How to Personalise a Custom Plaque: Fonts, Engraving, Finishes & More
Designing a custom plaque is about more than just words, it’s about creating a piece that feels personal, meaningful, and built to last. Whether you’re commemorating a loved one, enhancing your business signage, or marking a special space, each design choice adds value to the finished product.
At Talbot Walsh, we help individuals and businesses across Perth bring their ideas to life with engraving services, premium materials, and precision finishes. This guide explores how to personalise your plaque through fonts, engraving styles, materials, and layout options.
1. Choosing the Right Font for Your Plaque
The font you choose plays a huge role in how your plaque is perceived. It sets the tone — formal, elegant, modern, or classic.
Popular Fonts for Custom Plaques
- Serif fonts (e.g. Times New Roman, Garamond) – Traditional, timeless, and easy to read
- Sans-serif fonts (e.g. Arial, Helvetica) – Clean and modern, suitable for business plaques
- Script fonts (e.g. Monotype Corsiva, Edwardian Script) – Elegant and personal, often used for memorials or dedications
- Custom calligraphy – For highly bespoke plaques, especially in memorial or artistic contexts
Tips for Font Selection
- Use bold or engraved lettering for outdoor durability
- Ensure contrast between text and background for readability
- Avoid overly decorative fonts on small plaques or long messages
2. Engraving Styles That Add Character
Engraving affects both the look and longevity of your plaque. Each method offers a unique aesthetic.
Common Engraving Techniques
- Laser engraving – Precise and clean; suitable for fine detail and images
- Rotary (mechanical) engraving – Deeper cut; offers a more tactile, traditional finish
- Etching – Often used on glass or metal for subtle, frosted effects
- 3D or raised lettering – Provides a bold, dimensional appearance
Each technique pairs differently with materials. For example, laser engraving works well on stainless steel or acrylic, while rotary suits timber and brass.
3. Material & Finish Options
Your choice of material affects not only the style but also how well the plaque performs over time — especially outdoors.
Popular Materials
- Stainless steel – Sleek, modern, corrosion-resistant
- Brass – Classic gold-tone look, suitable for formal applications
- Aluminium – Lightweight and durable; good for signage
- Granite or stone – Ideal for memorials and gardens
- Acrylic – Versatile and affordable, with a contemporary feel
- Timber (e.g. jarrah, oak) – Warm, natural option for indoor settings
Finish Options
- Brushed or polished metal – Adds texture or high-shine reflectivity
- Matte or gloss acrylic – Offers contrast and colour customisation
- Clear coating or lacquer – Protects against UV, corrosion, and wear
Consider where the plaque will be placed — indoor vs. outdoor, sunlight vs. shade — when choosing the finish.
4. Layout and Design Tips
A well-designed layout improves readability and visual appeal. It also helps the plaque convey the right emotion or message.
Key Design Elements
- Centred vs. justified text – Centred feels formal; justified can accommodate longer messages
- Borders or motifs – Optional for decorative framing or symbolism
- Images or logos – Add branding or personal touches (e.g. floral symbols, company seals, or religious icons)
- QR codes – Increasingly used in memorials or signage to link to digital content
FAQs – Personalising a Custom Plaque
Can I use more than one font on a plaque?
Yes, but keep it minimal. Two fonts can work well (e.g. a serif heading with sans-serif body text) to maintain readability and contrast.
Which engraving method is best for outdoor plaques?
Laser or rotary engraving on stainless steel or brass is ideal for outdoor use due to durability and corrosion resistance.
Do plaque suppliers offer design previews?
Most reputable Perth suppliers will send you a digital mock-up before final production, allowing you to approve font, layout, and material.
What’s the standard size for a custom plaque?
There’s no fixed size — typical ranges are from 150mm x 100mm to 600mm x 400mm, depending on message length and placement.
Can I add a photo or logo to a plaque?
Yes. High-resolution images can be laser-etched or UV-printed onto metal or acrylic surfaces, especially for branding or commemorative purposes.
Personalising a plaque involves a blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and careful material choices. By selecting the right font, engraving method, and finish, you can create a piece that feels genuinely meaningful — whether it’s for your home, business, or a lasting tribute.
Ready to Create Your Custom Plaque?
Personalising a plaque combines craftsmanship with thoughtful design. Whether it’s for your garden, business, or a tribute to a loved one, the right font, material, and finish make all the difference.
Explore our range of plaque products or browse all products and materials available at Talbot Walsh. We also encourage clients to check Australian memorial design standards when planning public or commemorative installations.
For personalised guidance and engraving expertise, contact our team to discuss your ideas and bring your plaque to life.