How to Design Your Own Laser Engraved Plaque
Engraved plaques make great awards and gifts, especially when personalized for the person and event. Designing a personalized engraved plaque can be done with just pencil, paper and colored pencils. When finished designing the plaque, take it to a laser engraving company to complete the project.
Things you will need:
- Ruler
- Paper
- Pencil
- Colored pencils or crayons
- Locate a laser engraving company and inquire about the plates or plaques that they have available for engraving. Alternatively, you can search online and choose a plaque. Bring that plaque with you when you take in your design.
- Obtain the measurements of the plaque from either the engraving company or by using a ruler if you already have the plaque. Measure then length and height of the entire plaque, then measure the entire area that can be engraved.
- Sketch the outline of the back plate of the plaque onto paper using a pencil. Follow the measurements of the plaque to ensure you are working in the correct-sized area. Use the ruler to make straight lines.
- Draw the outline of the engraving area within the back plate.
- Color the engraving area with a light color that most closely matches the actual color of the area. The engraving areas on plaques are usually silver or gold.
- Place any lettering you want on the plaque in the desired spots. Use a ruler to measure distances and get letters exactly centered, if desired. Include things such as name, date and event.
- Indicate if you would like the letters colored by using colored pencils or crayons. Laser engravers are able to make block letters that can be filled in with paint to give the plaque color.
- Draw any designs you would like to include. Keep in mind that the more intricate the engraving is, the more it will cost. Color in the designs, if desired. Painting on colors may be an option the laser engraving company offers, or you can color in the designs yourself.
- Label the individual parts of the engraving for clarification. Include spacing in measurements, font styles, design descriptions and centering preferences.