Engraving: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What engraving is

An engraver cuts text or designs into metal, glass, wood or other material using hand tools, rotary tools or a laser. The result is a permanent mark that suits gifts, awards, tools, signs and personal items.

Signs you need it

  • You want a name, date or message on a gift that will last
  • You want an award, plaque or trophy engraved for an event
  • You want a design or logo cut into a tool, sign or piece of equipment
  • You want a personal item such as a watch back, pen or bracelet marked
  • You want an engraving on glass or wood with a design you chose

What the pro does

  • Asks for the exact text, the font, the size and the placement you want
  • Checks the material, its thickness and its finish before cutting
  • Makes a layout or proof for you to approve before the item is marked
  • Cuts or marks the design with the chosen tool, checking depth and spacing
  • Cleans the engraving and checks the text for spelling and alignment
  • Gives you the item back with care steps and the final layout for your records

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The material, such as metal, glass, wood or acrylic, and its size
  • The number of characters, lines and the complexity of the design
  • Whether a logo, image or custom artwork needs to be prepared
  • Whether the engraving is hand, rotary or laser work
  • The number of items to be engraved
  • Whether a proof or a second approval step is included

What a written quote should spell out

  • The exact text, font and size, as approved in the proof
  • The material and whether you supply the item or the engraver does
  • Whether a proof or layout is included before the work starts
  • The number of items and the completion date
  • The return policy if the engraving contains a mistake

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can you show me samples of engraving on this material?
  • Will you send me a proof before you engrave the item?
  • How deep will the engraving be, and will it be easy to read?
  • Can you engrave the item I already have, or do I need to bring a new one?
  • What happens if there is a typo or a mistake in the engraving?
  • Do you engrave on the material I supply, and what should I check first?
  • How long will the engraving last on this material?

Red flags

  • Engraves before you have approved a proof of the text
  • Will not say what material or tool they will use
  • Cannot show samples of engraving on your material
  • Offers to engrave a fragile or valuable item with no check
  • No clear policy for fixing a mistake in the text

What you can do yourself

You can engrave simple text on wood or soft metal with a hand engraving tool or a small rotary tool, after practicing on scrap material. Keep the text short and test the depth first. Hire an engraver for valuable items, for glass, for fine script or logos, for awards and for any piece you cannot replace if the cut goes wrong.

Licenses and permits

A license is often not required for engraving, but rules differ by state and city. Ask for samples of engraving on the same material you have, and proof of training or equipment experience.

Engraving questions

Can you engrave a watch or a ring?

It depends on the item and its metal. Ask the engraver whether the item can be engraved safely and whether the engraving will affect its value or function.

Why does the text look different on the item than on the proof?

The material, the tool and the depth can change how the text looks. Ask the engraver to show a sample on the same material so you know what to expect.

How do I care for an engraved item?

Clean it with a soft cloth and mild soap, and avoid harsh chemicals that can fade the engraving. Ask the engraver for care steps for the material.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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