Engraving Materials Guide

Choosing the right material is essential for achieving a clean, attractive, and durable engraving. L'OKAPI CRAFT & PRESS works with a variety of materials for personalized gifts, business products, drinkware, awards, and special occasions.

Because materials can vary in coating, composition, thickness, and finish, every custom item is subject to review before production.

Wood

Wood produces a warm, natural engraving and is ideal for:

  • Cutting boards

  • Signs and plaques

  • Keepsake boxes

  • Ornaments

  • Home décor

  • Personalized gifts

Wood grain and color vary naturally, so the engraving may appear slightly different from one item to another.

Acrylic

Acrylic creates a clean, modern appearance and works well for:

  • Business signs

  • Nameplates

  • Awards

  • Cake toppers

  • Event decorations

  • Personalized displays

The finished appearance depends on the acrylic’s color, thickness, and type. Clear, mirrored, frosted, and colored acrylic may produce different results.

Tumblers and Coated Drinkware

Powder-coated tumblers are excellent for laser engraving. The laser removes the outer coating to reveal the metal underneath, creating a permanent design that will not peel like a sticker.

Popular options include:

  • Names and monograms

  • Business logos

  • Sports designs

  • Memorial designs

  • Gifts for special occasions

Engraving results can vary depending on the brand, coating, color, and shape of the tumbler.

Leather and Leatherette

Leather and laser-safe leatherette can be personalized with names, logos, and detailed designs. Common products include:

  • Wallets

  • Keychains

  • Patches

  • Journals

  • Luggage tags

  • Corporate gifts

Natural leather may show variations in tone and texture after engraving.

Glass

Glass can produce an elegant frosted engraving suitable for:

  • Wine glasses

  • Mugs

  • Awards

  • Memorial pieces

  • Decorative gifts

Some glass may be more sensitive to heat and could chip or fracture. Each item must be reviewed before engraving.

Slate and Stone

Slate and certain stone products create a bold, light-colored engraving with a natural finish. These materials are popular for:

  • Coasters

  • Serving boards

  • Memorial pieces

  • Signs

  • Personalized home décor

Natural texture, edges, and color may vary between pieces.

Metal

Certain coated, anodized, painted, or laser-compatible metals may be engraved or permanently marked. Suitable products may include:

  • Nameplates

  • Tags

  • Business cards

  • Tools

  • Keychains

  • Awards

Not every metal can be processed using the same laser method, so the exact material and finish must be confirmed before production.

Materials That Require Approval

Some plastics, painted surfaces, ceramics, rubber, and mixed materials may require testing before they can be accepted. Items with unknown coatings or compositions may not be suitable for laser engraving.

For safety reasons, we do not engrave materials that may release hazardous fumes, including PVC and vinyl-based materials.

Customer-Supplied Items

Customer-provided products may be accepted after inspection. Please provide the material, brand, dimensions, and product photos before bringing or sending an item.

Although every item is handled carefully, engraving customer-supplied products involves some risk due to unknown coatings, manufacturing differences, or hidden defects. Acceptance must be confirmed before production.

Not Sure About Your Material?

Send us a photo and product information for review.

Phone: (954) 655-0110
Email: lokapicraft@gmail.com