Materials and finishes
Compare medal materials before choosing a finish.
Understand how metal type, enamel, plating, antique color, print, weight, and texture change the final award.
Material guide
Each material changes the way the award feels.
Use material choice to balance weight, detail, price, and production speed.
Zinc alloy
Flexible for custom shapes, good detail, and common for mid-range custom medals.
Iron
Useful for simpler medal shapes and cost-sensitive orders with solid weight.
Acrylic or wood
Good for lightweight awards, printed graphics, and events that want a different look.
Soft enamel
Bold color with raised metal edges.
Soft enamel gives strong color separation and a textured surface, often used for school, race, and club medals.
Antique finish
Depth without bright color.
Antique gold, silver, or bronze works well when the medal design has detailed relief or a classic award look.
Choose finish after the artwork is clear.
Color count, fine lines, background texture, and event budget should guide the finish choice.