Honouring Your Loved Ones: Why Stainless Steel Laser Engraved Memorial Plaques Last
Losing someone is never easy. A memorial plaque gives family and friends a place to remember them, and it's something you only want to make once. With so many materials and styles to choose from, it can be hard to know which will last. This guide explains why so many families now choose stainless steel, laser engraved.
Built to last
Stainless steel contains chromium, which forms an invisible protective layer on the surface that stops rust. We use 316 marine grade stainless, which adds molybdenum for even greater resistance to salt air, sprinkler water and pollution. It's the metal used on boats and coastal railings, so it suits cemetery lawns, beachside gardens and anywhere exposed to the weather.
Laser engraving vs rotary engraving
There are two main ways to engrave a metal memorial plaque. We have both, and for most memorials we recommend laser engraving:
| Fibre laser engraving | Rotary engraving | |
|---|---|---|
| Detail | Very fine: photos, verses, emblems and decorative borders | Best for simple text and outlines |
| Photos | Photo-realistic portraits | Not suitable |
| Finish | A dark, permanent mark in the metal itself | A cut groove, often paint filled |
| Turnaround | Usually ready within 48 hours | Longer |
Made for the weather
Rain, frost, salt and the Australian sun break down wood, crack stone and fade printed plaques. Stainless steel shrugs them off. Because the laser engraving is in the metal itself, with no paint or ink to fade, the wording stays legible year after year.
Low maintenance
A stainless steel plaque needs very little care. An occasional wipe with warm soapy water and a soft cloth keeps it looking its best. There's no painting, oiling or polishing.
Personal and elegant
Laser engraving lets you make the plaque truly theirs: a portrait photo, a favourite verse, a religious symbol, an emblem for their club or service, or a simple border. Our wording guide has ideas if you're not sure what to say.
Our lifetime legibility warranty
We warrant that the engraving on your 316 stainless steel memorial plaque will remain legible and will not fade or corrode for the life of the plaque, under normal conditions of use and display.
Choosing the right plaque
- Memorial plaques for graves, niche walls and walls.
- Garden plaques on a stake or rock.
- Bench plaques for a favourite seat.
- Tree plaques for a memorial planting.
- Pet memorials for much loved animals.
- Story plaques with a QR code linking to photos and stories online.
We're based in Rutherford in the Hunter Valley. Most memorial plaques are ready within 48 hours of approving your free proof, and we express post anywhere in Australia and New Zealand.
Questions we often get
Will a stainless steel plaque rust?
316 marine grade stainless steel is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, even near the coast. That's why we use it for every memorial plaque.
How is the plaque attached?
We can add screw holes, studs or strong outdoor adhesive, depending on whether it's going on a wall, a rock, a headstone or a bench.
How long does it take?
Usually 48 hours from when you approve the proof.
Ready to talk about your plaque? Send us the details below, call 02 4030 5878 or email office@planetengraving.net.
