Memorial Plaques — Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a memorial plaque is a decision you only want to make once. Every plaque we make is fiber laser engraved into 316 marine grade stainless steel — the same metal specified for boat fittings, coastal railings and architectural facades exposed to salt air and weather. Combined with our fiber laser engraving process, this produces a memorial that stays sharp, legible and corrosion-free for a lifetime, without inks, paints or coatings that fade over the years.

Below are the questions we're asked most often. If you can't find what you're looking for, get in touch and we'll be glad to help.

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What are your memorial plaques made from?

Every memorial plaque is manufactured from 316 marine grade stainless steel. This is a premium, austenitic stainless steel widely regarded as the benchmark for outdoor durability in harsh, wet and coastal environments. Unlike aluminium, brass, or cast plaques finished with paint or powder coating, a 316 stainless plaque has no surface coating that can fade, chip, peel or wash away over time.

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Why do you use 316 marine grade stainless steel instead of a cheaper metal?

The difference comes down to how the metal handles moisture, salt and time. 316 stainless contains molybdenum (typically 2–3%) in addition to the chromium and nickel found in standard 304 stainless. That molybdenum dramatically improves resistance to pitting and corrosion caused by chlorides — the salts found in sea spray, rain, sprinkler water and airborne pollution.

In practical terms, this means a 316 plaque is far better suited to:

• Coastal and beachside locations, where salt air destroys lesser metals

• Gardens, lawns and cemetery settings exposed to irrigation and weather

• Long-term outdoor display where the memorial needs to look as good in decades as it does on day one

We use 316 because a memorial is meant to last. Choosing a cheaper metal would save a little at the outset and cost the family dearly in longevity.

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What is fiber laser engraving, and why do you use it for memorial plaques?

Fiber laser engraving uses a precisely focused laser beam to mark the stainless steel at a molecular level, rather than printing on top of it or filling grooves with ink or paint. The result is a permanent mark that is part of the metal itself.

We choose this process for memorials because it delivers:

• Permanence — nothing sits on the surface to fade, flake or wear off

• Exceptional fine detail — crisp text, delicate artwork, and even photographic images

• High contrast — clean, dark, easy-to-read lettering that holds up outdoors

• Corrosion integrity — the engraving is fused into the metal without compromising its weather resistance

Because the mark is created in the metal and not applied to it, there is simply nothing to peel or fade — which is the foundation of our lifetime warranty.

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Will the engraving fade, rust or wear away over time?

No. This is exactly the problem that 316 stainless and fiber laser engraving are designed to solve. Traditional plaques often rely on painted, filled or printed lettering that degrades under UV, rain and temperature swings. Our engraving is marked into the stainless steel itself, so there is no coating to break down. The plaque is designed to remain clearly legible for a lifetime of outdoor exposure.

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What does your lifetime warranty cover?

We back every plaque with a Lifetime Legibility Warranty. We warrant that the fiber laser engraving on your 316 stainless steel memorial plaque will remain legible and will not fade or corrode for the lifetime of the plaque, under normal conditions of use and display.

Because there are no inks, paints or surface coatings involved, there is nothing to fade or flake away — the mark is in the metal. If the engraving ever fades or corrodes under normal conditions, contact us and we'll make it right.

(Note: this warranty covers the legibility of the engraving. It does not cover accidental damage, vandalism, or misuse.)

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Are these plaques suitable for outdoor and coastal use?

Yes — outdoor durability is precisely why we chose this material and process. 316 marine grade stainless is trusted in marine hardware and coastal architecture specifically because it withstands salt, moisture and weather better than almost any other affordable metal. Whether the plaque is destined for a beachside memorial garden, an exposed cemetery lawn, or a shaded courtyard, it is built to endure.

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Can you engrave a photo or portrait onto a memorial plaque?

Yes. Our fiber laser is capable of reproducing photo-realistic portraits and images directly into the stainless steel. This allows you to include a treasured photograph of your loved one, rendered permanently into the metal in fine greyscale detail. For the best result, we recommend supplying the highest-resolution original photo you have, and we'll advise on suitability before engraving.

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Can you add a QR code to a memorial plaque?

Yes. We can engrave a permanent QR code into your plaque that links to an online tribute, memorial page, photo gallery, video, or a family website of your choosing. This creates a lasting connection between the physical memorial and a living, updatable online space — a meaningful way for future generations to learn about the person being remembered.

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Can you include logos, emblems, religious symbols or artwork?

Absolutely. In addition to text, we can engrave logos, club and service emblems, religious symbols, decorative borders, and custom artwork. If you have a specific design, motif or family crest in mind, send it through and we'll incorporate it into the layout.

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What sizes and shapes are available?

We produce memorial plaques in a range of sizes, cut to suit your needs — from small garden and niche plaques through to larger commemorative panels. Custom dimensions are available so the plaque fits its intended setting perfectly. If you're matching an existing plaque, headstone recess, bench or niche, let us know the measurements and we'll work to them.

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What finish do the plaques have?

Our plaques are supplied in a clean, professional stainless steel finish that pairs beautifully with the engraved detail and reads clearly outdoors. If you have a particular finish or edge treatment in mind for your setting, ask us and we'll let you know what we can accommodate.

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Where can these memorial plaques be used?

Our stainless steel memorial plaques suit a wide range of settings, including:

• Memorial and remembrance gardens

• Cemetery and lawn memorials

• Memorial benches and seating

• Commemorative trees and plantings

• Walls, entryways and buildings

• Niche walls and columbarium settings

• Pet memorials

Because the material is genuinely weatherproof, the same plaque performs equally well indoors or out.

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How are the plaques mounted or installed?

Plaques can be supplied ready to fix in the way that best suits your location — for example, with countersunk mounting holes for screwing to timber, brick or a bench, or with concealed stud fixings for a clean, hardware-free finish on stone and masonry. Let us know where and how the plaque will be mounted, and we'll advise on the best fixing method and prepare the plaque accordingly.

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How long does it take to make my memorial plaque?

Once your design is approved, most memorial plaques are engraved and ready within 48 hours. We understand these orders are often time-sensitive, so if you have a specific date to work toward, let us know and we'll do everything we can to accommodate it.

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Will I see a proof before you engrave the plaque?

Yes. We provide a layout proof for your approval before anything is engraved, so you can check every detail — spelling of names, dates, wording, image placement and design. Nothing is committed to metal until you're completely happy with it.

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How do I look after and clean my plaque?

Very little maintenance is required. For an occasional clean, simply wipe the plaque with a soft, damp cloth and a mild detergent, then dry it off. Avoid abrasive pads, steel wool or harsh chemicals, which can scratch or mark the stainless surface. That's all it takes to keep your memorial looking its best for decades.

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How do I order a custom memorial plaque?

Getting started is simple. Send us the wording, dates, and any photos, logos or artwork you'd like included, along with the size and where the plaque will be located. We'll prepare a layout proof for your approval, confirm the details with you, and engrave your plaque once you're happy. Get in touch with us to begin — we're honoured to help you create a lasting tribute.