Frequently Asked Questions

Use the Order Now page to configure your plaque — choose metal type, mounting option, size, and text or design, then review and submit. Our team will contact you within 24 hours with a graphic proof.

Always. We send you a design proof for review before we start manufacturing. We will not begin production until you confirm in writing that you approve the design.

Yes, as many times as you need. You can request changes to the design until you give us your written approval. Once you approve, we send it to production.

You will see exactly how the plaque will look before we make it. You can revise the design as many times as needed until you are fully satisfied, and only then do we manufacture.

Standard production is 7–10 business days after proof approval. Rush orders may be available — contact us before ordering.

Our most popular sizes are 10×8 inches, 9×7 inches, and 12×12 inches. The right size depends on where the plaque will be installed and how much text or imagery you're including. If you're unsure, send us your design and we'll recommend a size before you confirm anything.

Yes. We convert your photo into a bitmap, which is then chemically etched directly into the metal as a pattern of fine dots. The result is a permanent, high-contrast portrait that looks exceptional. You can see examples in our gallery. Adding a photo does increase the price slightly, since it requires additional design work and a separate photochemical process, but we highly recommend it.

A good memorial plaque typically includes the person's name, the years of their life, and a short sentence that captures who they were. You might also consider adding a meaningful quote, a religious verse, or a photo. For wording ideas and inspiration, see our guide to memorial plaque wording.

With standard finishes (Gold Brass, Antique Brass, Blackened Brass, Stainless Steel), the dark areas of your artwork are engraved and the light areas remain as bare metal. With our Reverse finishes (Reverse Antique Brass, Reverse Blackened Brass), it is the opposite — light areas are engraved and dark areas remain as bare metal. This creates a bold, inverted look where the background is textured and the lettering stands out as polished metal.

Real metal. Every plaque is made using a photochemical etching process that burns the design into the metal. It is a permanent physical engraving, not ink or print of any kind, and it will not fade.

We recommend brass for most plaques. It is less expensive than bronze and, in our experience, equally durable. Most of the plaques in our gallery are brass. Bronze is available if you have a specific preference or requirement.

We have customers whose plaques have been installed outdoors for over 30 years. In most environments the plaque needs no maintenance at all. In harsh coastal environments, salt air can affect the surface over time, and an occasional light polish will restore it. Even in those conditions, the plaque lasts many years without any care.

We ship every plaque ready to install, and installation is done by you. There are three mounting options: holes and screws (the most common — we include the screws with the plaque); a ground post for garden or grave plaques that go into soil; and a wood frame mount, where the plaque's folded edges clip onto a wooden frame that attaches to the wall. The wood frame option gives the plaque a raised, framed look and is the most visually impressive choice for indoor display.

Yes, we ship worldwide.

Yes. You can order as many plaques as you need directly through the site. For large or complex orders, you are also welcome to contact us by email and we will coordinate with you directly.

For orders of five plaques or more, please contact us by email. We will work with you directly on pricing and logistics.

Because every plaque is custom-made, we cannot accept returns unless there is a production error on our part. See our full Terms & Returns policy.

Stainless Steel: use good dishwashing soap, rinse in hot water, and dry with a soft cloth. Brass: start with hot soapy water and a microfiber cloth; a soft toothbrush works for crevices. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly. Avoid metal-bristled brushes or steel wool on any finish.