Electrical Switch Plates - Metal

Acid Etching creates a 0.2-0.3mm deep, permanent etching into the metal surface and can be paint-filled for added contrast and visibility. Ideal for Outdoor use, including commemorative plaques, memorial plaques, signage and industrial labels.

Sandblast Etching creates a permanent surface etching onto the metal surface and can be paint-filled for added contrast and visibility. The etching does not etch below the surface like acid etching, but it creates a permanent abrasive surface that the paint file sticks extremely well to, creating a very sharp permanent etching. It’s a cost-effective alternative to Acid Etching.

Ideal for Outdoor use, including commemorative plaques, signage and industrial labels.

Laser Annealing is a non-invasive marking process that uses a laser to heat the metal just below its surface, causing a permanent colour change (usually black or dark grey) without removing any material. It is a permanent marking suitable for outdoor applications and is used widely in harsh environments like mining, defence and engineering labels.

Sublimation printing, best suited for indoor use. Only used on specialised stainless steel with polyester coating. The process involves impregnating the polyester coating with a special sublimation ink transfer by heat pressing. The result is a rich, coloured, and sharp print embedded into the polyester surface. It is ideal for indoor use, including commemorative plaques, memorial plaques, signage and industrial labels.

Definitely. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications. It is the best choice for outdoor applications because of its low maintenance and scratch-resistant qualities. 

Absolutely. Engraving on stainless steel is permanent, highly durable, and resistant to fading, scratching, or wear – even in outdoor or industrial environments. Sublimation printed stainless steel will not fade when kept out of direct sunlight.

We use 316 grade stainless steel to ensure durability, food grade compliance, and integrity in any environment. Other grades, such as 304, can be used, but the price difference is minimal.

In most cases, yes. Please provide us with the item or a photo, and we’ll advise on the best method for engraving based on its shape and finish. Our sandblast etching process makes complicated jobs easy.

We use marine grade 316 brushed (#4) Stainless Steel as the standard product. Other finishes can be used upon request, such as mirror or stain finish. They are dearer than brushed finish and don’t have the same excellent scratch-resistant qualities as brushed finish.

Yes. We can infill the acid etch and sandblast etched engraving with durable 2-pack epoxy paint in a variety of colours to enhance contrast and visibility. Even PMS colours can be matched, with a small surcharge. More specifically:

Acid Etch Stainless Steel can be painted with durable quality paint, and colours can be mixed to suit your needs. 

Sandblast Etch Stainless Steel can be paint-filled with durable quality paint, and colours can be mixed to suit your needs. 

Laser Annealed stainless steel cannot be colour filled. The process delivers a black finish lettering only. 

Sublimation Printed Stainless Steel (for indoor use only) can be full colour printed in any colour. Colour matching can be done; however, the colour, whilst a rich vibrant finish, is translucent, so it is affected by the colour of the metal and may not be a precise match. But we do get it pretty close.

Yes, all stainless steel plaques and signs can be custom-cut to your specifications, with optional mounting holes or stand-off fittings. In some cases, we show standard popular sizes on the product page, but they can be cut to any size. As a price guide, the price for the custom-sized item is usually the price of the next size up standard size.

You can also have the piece cut to any shape. We use laser cutting to cut out shapes like love hearts. 

Anything can be engraved or printed, even photographs. We use different methods to suit your needs. The only things we won’t engrave are rude or racist statements.

It depends on the job but in most cases the set up fee is incorporated into the unit price.