Size of Plaque: There are usually a couple of factors that determine what size plaque you need. The first is the available space. If you need to install your metal plaque on a predefined area, such as a rock, then you don’t have a lot of flexibility on a bigger size. That being said, if you have a limit on your plaque size then you should be aware that the amount of text is also limited. The smallest letter possible on a cast plaque is .25″ if all the letters are uppercase. If you must have both upper and lowercase letters, then the minimum font height is .375″ You should also realize that there are spacing requirements between letters and lines too, and the available space for text on a plaque is usually less than you imagine.

If space is not an issue, then the only thing that restricts the size of the plaque is the amount of text and your budget. Plaques are priced by the overall size and can quickly become very expensive even by just adding a few inches in the width or height of a plaque.

Materials

What materials are available for cast plaques?

Cast plaques are available in two metal materials. Our alloys are lead- and mercury-free.

Material Types	Material Composition
	Aluminum (Alloy 365)
	Bronze (Alloy NAVY-G-88-8-04)

Min/Max Heights

How big can cast plaques be?

Cast plaques can be up to 96 inches in width.

• Aluminum cast plaques can be as big as 60 inches by 96 inches or 5,760 sq. inches.
• Cast bronze plaques can be up to 36 inches by 96 inches or 3,456 sq. inches.

How small can cast plaques be?

Cast plaques can be as small as 2 inches by 2 inches.

Depths

What thicknesses are available for cast plaques?

The depth of a plaque is determined by plaque size. Additional depths greater than 1 inch are available.

Background Color:

Black is the default color for bronze and aluminum plaques. The color you choose is just preference and they all will look beautiful. These four colors are not your only option though. If you are looking for another color, such as red, blue, green, white, or any other, please let us know. We offer many stock colors and only a nominal fee for color match.

Texture:

Stipple is our default texture. Again, this is just preference. Leatherette backgrounds usually look good when you have a large plaque with lots of background showing. The Pebble background is a bit more prominent of a texture while sand is more consistent and fine.

Clear Coat:

Satin is our default clear coat finish. Think of these four options as you would for paint. Satin provides a touch of gloss and sheen, but will not be overly shiny. Gloss provides a high sheen finish, followed closely by Semi-Gloss. For those looking for a muted look, and sometimes a more pronounced artistic touch, you should consider Matte.

Finish:

Customers can order specialty finishes for precision and cast plaques.

Note: Additional charges apply for specialty finishes. View the cast plaque, precision plaque, or etched plaque pricing articles to learn more.

Bronze and Brass Finishes

Note: Size limitations apply to chemical oxidized finishes. Cast plaques: Maximum size of 29 in x 29 in. For bronze and brass precision and etched plaques, maximum size of 18 in x 24 in.

Chemical Oxidized Light	Chemical Oxidized Standard	Chemical Oxidized Dark

Note: Oxidized finishes vary from order to order.

Tip: An alternative oxidized coating is available. Learn more here.

Polished Finishes

Polished Aluminum	Polished Bronze	Polished Brass

Note: Polished Aluminum and Polished Brass are available for precision plaques only.

Return Finishes

Polished returns are available on plaques 1/4 inch and thicker.

Note: Polished returns not available on sizes smaller than 3 in x 2 in.

Additional Finishes

Flash bronze –  interior applications only	Raised painted copy – up to two additional colors	Multi-colored plaque – three or more colors in raised or recessed areas,

Border:

We have several standard plaque borders. The border finish matches the plaque text finish, and the edge color matches the customer-selected background color. Additional borders are available.

No Border	Single Line	Inset Single Line	Double Line
Inset Double Line	No Border Bevel*	Single Line Bevel	Double Line Bevel
Inset Single Line Bevel*	Inset Double Line Bevel*	Single Line Wide Bevel*	Double Line Wide Bevel*
Projected Bevel*

While Single Line and Double Line are the most popular, other borders, such as No Border, and any of the borders with bevels are also commonly used. The Inset borders seem to be mostly used on etched plaques. There is no best choice with most borders being chosen based on customer preference, trying to match other plaques in the area, or text space requirements. If you are limited on plaque space and have lots of text, you may want to consider either a single line border or no border at all.

For an additional fee, you may also choose from a more decorative boarder such as:

Rosettes:

Rosettes are included in the price of the plaque when requested on the order and will come with accompanying screws. Countersunk screws are required for all rosette types.

Rosettes are available in four sizes. Size availability will be determined base on the size of the plaque.

Rosette Options

Aluminum	Bronze	Part #
		R-1
		R-2
		R-3
		R-4 In 1 inch or 1 1/2 inch only
		R-5*
		R-6
		R-7 In 1 inch or 1 1/2 inch only

*Tip: R-5 is the only style available for 1/8 inch thick plaques.