Plaques are used in a variety of ways, from commemoration to decoration. The type of plaque material you choose for your project will depend on what the plaque will be used for, how long it needs to last, and who will view it. Each material has its pros and cons, so it is important to consider these factors when choosing a material.
Types of material used for plaques
1. Silver
As a plaque material, silver has been used for centuries. It is very durable and can be polished to a high shine. While it is traditional to use silver for commemoration plaques, it can also be used as a design element in a decorative plaque. It is typically used with engraving instead of etching because of its high cost.
2. Aluminum
Aluminum is widely used in signs and plaques due to its ability to be custom-made at a low cost and its resistance to weathering. Aluminum is fairly lightweight and can be bent or curved easily. It is also non-corrosive and can be polished to a shiny finish.
3. Wood
Wood plaques have been popular for years for logos and signs. The most common woods used in this manner are cedar, redwood, and mahogany. They are also used as part of custom plaques in frames and wall-hangings or smaller etched or engraved pieces. Wood is an attractive material to use as a plaque but can require maintenance if left outside.
4. Plastic
Plastic has become a popular choice for plaques because of its durability and its ability to be designed for specific purposes. Because of the low cost of plastic, custom logos or designs are often engraved into it for promotional use. Plaques made from plastic are often designed with a frame to allow them to be hung on walls easily.
5. Porcelain
Porcelain plaques have been used for centuries to depict important events in history. A porcelain plaque typically has a gold or silver frame to enhance its appearance but can also be engraved.
6. Glass
Glass is commonly used as a decorative plaque because it is easy to design with and can be etched with many intricate designs. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other materials, although it does require special care and storage to prevent breakage from sunlight.
7. Copper
Copper has long been used in plaques for religious and secular purposes, especially in European cities. Because of its resilience and ability to be molded, copper is also used for memorial plaques. The material is relatively lightweight, making it easy to bend, and can be polished to a high shine.
8. Bronze
Bronze is an older and more durable material that has been used in plaques for as long as 50,000 years. Although it can be very heavy, it is generally accepted as a durable plaque material. It can be polished to a high shine and easily bent to fit different framing options. With bronze, you can make intricate designs that are easily readable.
9. Cast Iron
Cast iron has been used for several different purposes, including furnace parts and bridges. When used as a plaque material, it is usually combined with other materials such as glass or stone. It is fairly heavy, so it is generally only used in larger decorative plaques.
10. Marble
Marble has been used in many different places in ancient Greece and Rome. It is durable and can easily be carved, etched, or engraved. It is more expensive than other materials but is relatively easy to polish, making it a good choice for decorative plaques.
11. Stone
Stone has been used for plaques for hundreds of years as well. It has a variety of uses, not only as a plaque material but can also be used as an ornamental piece to enhance the landscape. In addition to being carved or etched, stone is sometimes used for memorial plaques, such as flat river stones.
12. Gold
Gold is one of the most expensive plaque materials but has also been used for plaques since 800 AD. It has a variety of uses, from commemorative plaques to decorative ones. Gold also has a reputation for being difficult to polish, making it ideal for more ornamental purposes.
13. Glass Mosaic
Glass mosaic plaques are relatively new on the market but are gaining popularity because of their strength and ability to be etched and grooved. They are made by cutting glass with grooves then covering it with tile grout.
In conclusion, there are many different types of plaque materials available, each with advantages and disadvantages. It is important to determine what type of plaque you plan to use, what purpose it will serve, and how much space it will take up.
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