--- title: Masterwork Plaques Blog | cost effective description: cost effective | Masterwork Plaques Blog an educational resource about cast metal plaque by specialists in the field --- [![Masterwork Plaques | Custom Bronze Plaques](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/hubfs/Jun2018/Masterwork.jpg)](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/) - [Home](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/) - Capabilities - [Walk of Fame](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/walks-of-fame/) - [Medallions](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/medallions-1/) - [Portrait Plaques](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/portraitplaques-1/) - [Govt. & Military Insignias](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/military/) - [Dedication & Donor Recognitions](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/dedication-donor-recognition/) - [Cast Bronze Plaques](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/cast-bronze-plaques/) - [Building Management Plaques](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/buildingplaques/) - [Wall Plaques](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/wall-plaques/) - Materials - [Cast Metal Plaques](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/cast-metal-plaques/) - [Etched Metal Plaques](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/etched-metal-plaques/) - [Metal Letters & Logos](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/metal-letters-and-logos/) - [Specialty Services](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/specialty-services/) - About - [Who We Are](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/company/) - [Certifications](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/certifications/) - [Blog](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com) - [Request A Quote](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/request-quote/) - [(718) 618-9563](tel:7186189563) [![Masterwork Plaques | Custom Bronze Plaques](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/hubfs/Jun2018/Masterwork.jpg)](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/) - [Home](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/) - Capabilities - [Walk of Fame](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/walks-of-fame/) - [Medallions](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/medallions-1/) - [Portrait Plaques](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/portraitplaques-1/) - [Govt. & Military Insignias](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/military/) - [Dedication & Donor Recognitions](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/dedication-donor-recognition/) - [Cast Bronze Plaques](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/cast-bronze-plaques/) - [Building Management Plaques](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/buildingplaques/) - [Wall Plaques](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/wall-plaques/) - Materials - [Cast Metal Plaques](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/cast-metal-plaques/) - [Etched Metal Plaques](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/etched-metal-plaques/) - [Metal Letters & Logos](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/metal-letters-and-logos/) - [Specialty Services](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/specialty-services/) - About - [Who We Are](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/company/) - [Certifications](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/certifications/) - [Blog](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com) - [Request A Quote](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/request-quote/) - [(718) 618-9563](tel:7186189563) July 10, 2015 ## [Etched Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Plaques](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/2015/7/10/make-your-own-plaque-stainless-steel-vs-aluminum) Topics: [cast plaques](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/cast-plaques), [cost effective](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/cost-effective), [etched plaques](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/etched-plaques), [ethed stainless steel](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/ethed-stainless-steel), [high quality](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/high-quality), [polished finish](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/polished-finish), [random orbital finish](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/random-orbital-finish), [satin finish](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/satin-finish), [stainless steel](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/stainless-steel), [Stainless Steel Plaques](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/stainless-steel-plaques), [aluminum](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/aluminum) ## What is the difference between an etched stainless steel and aluminum plaque?    ![ Etched Stainless Steel plaque with Polished ](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/polished+stainless+steel-custom+plaque-grey+infill-polished+mirror.jpg) Etched Stainless Steel plaque with Polished "Mirror" finish & Medium Grey Infill   One common question we are asked by our clients is the difference between two visually similar metals: stainless steel and aluminum.  Both are silver in color, yet they are quite different when it comes to their other characteristics, specifically regarding their density and weight. ### etched stainless steel Dense and Durable | Corrosion resistant | Non-porous surface [Stainless Steel](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/etched-metal-plaques) is an excellent choice for a plaque exposed to a significant amount of wear and tear and varying weather conditions.  The benefit of stainless steel is its exceptional durability and its corrosive-resistant surface.  Stainless steel is less likely to dent or warp over time.  It is also resistant to discoloration, because of its non-porous surface.  ### CAST ALUMINUM Softer metal | Light weight | Cost-effective [Cast aluminum plaques](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/cast-metal-plaques) have unique benefits of their own.  Although aluminum is a much softer metal, it is significantly lighter in weight than stainless steel.  It is a great choice for interior plaques and can be mounted to just about any type of wall, stone or platform, as can stainless steel. At our studio, aluminum is a great alternative to stainless if you are looking to create a large custom plaque on a small budget.  Aluminum is not recommended for plaques that are inset into the ground or susceptible to a significant amount of wear and tear.  Aluminum is a soft metal and can bend and warp if it is dropped or damaged.  ### metal finishes Both metals are silver in color, which can give plaques a contemporary look—a pleasant alternative to the traditional cast bronze plaque.  Both aluminum and stainless steel plaques can be finished in three different fashions: Random Orbital, Satin and Polished finishes.    ![ On Stainless Steel (from left to right): Random Orbital, Satin and Polished finish ](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/img-14.jpg) On Stainless Steel (from left to right): Random Orbital, Satin and Polished finish   The *random orbital* finish is a great choice for a plaque that is installed in an area susceptible to scratching, bumping, etc.  Random orbital subtly disguises these scratches, as the sander used in our studio to produce this finish creates hundreds of small textural strokes on the surface of the plaque in every direction.  The finish gives the plaque a buffed look and creates a disguise for any accidental scratch or dent, which could otherwise ruin the look of a perfectly smooth plaque.  Alternatively, the *satin*, or “brushed”, finish can be added to the plaque, which is created by a different type of sander in our studio.  This is our most popular finish choice. A satin finish is created by adding a horizontal stroke to the plaque, giving it a smooth brushed surface.  It is more susceptible to scratches, but mounted in the right place, it has a very crisp and refined look.  The final option is a *polished finish*, which is exceptionally unique.  The metal surface is polished until it is reflective, which is why it is also referred to as a mirror finish. This is a great finish if you want to draw attention to the plaque from a distance.  It is often used on lobby plaques and general signage, in both interior and exterior settings. For more questions on the difference between these metals and their finishes, check out our [plaque options](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/cast-metal-plaques)or reach out to us at [masterworkplaques@gmail.com](mailto:masterworkplaques@gmail.com). - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [All posts](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/all) Content Title Description < Previous page Next page > ### Posts by Tag - [cast plaques (26)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/cast-plaques) - [Bronze Plaques (23)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/bronze-plaques) - [bronze (17)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/bronze) - [etched plaques (14)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/etched-plaques) - [bronze plaque (11)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/bronze-plaque) - [community (11)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/community) - [Past Projects (10)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/past-projects) - [aluminum (10)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/aluminum) - [custom plaque (10)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/custom-plaque) - [customized (9)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/customized) - [nyc (7)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/nyc) - [Aluminum Plaques (6)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/aluminum-plaques) - [signage (6)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/signage) - [Studio Updates (5)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/studio-updates) - [brooklyn (5)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/brooklyn) - [local business (5)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/local-business) - [logo plaques (5)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/logo-plaques) - [our studio (5)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/our-studio) - [studio (5)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/studio) - [2016 (4)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/2016) - [Portrait Plaques (4)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/portrait-plaques) - [bas-relief (4)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/bas-relief) - [building management (4)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/building-management) - [chemical patina (4)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/chemical-patina) - [inset plaques (4)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/inset-plaques) - [national register plaques (4)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/national-register-plaques) - [portraits (4)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/portraits) - [resolutions (4)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/resolutions) - [small business (4)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/small-business) - [stainless steel (4)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/stainless-steel) - [Comparing Plaque Types (3)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/comparing-plaque-types) - [Stainless Steel Plaques (3)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/stainless-steel-plaques) - [custom designs (3)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/custom-designs) - [etched brass (3)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/etched-brass) - [hand carved (3)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/hand-carved) - [historic plaque (3)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/historic-plaque) - [in-ground plaques (3)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/in-ground-plaques) - [inground plaques (3)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/inground-plaques) - [landmark plaques (3)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/landmark-plaques) - [photo-rendered portraits (3)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/photo-rendered-portraits) - [sample plaques (3)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/sample-plaques) - [traditional (3)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/traditional) - [Bas-Relief Plaques (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/bas-relief-plaques) - [about us (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/about-us) - [contemporary (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/contemporary) - [corporate signage (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/corporate-signage) - [custom borders (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/custom-borders) - [durability (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/durability) - [ethed stainless steel (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/ethed-stainless-steel) - [government seals (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/government-seals) - [high quality (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/high-quality) - [lobby plaques (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/lobby-plaques) - [logos (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/logos) - [military insignias (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/military-insignias) - [military plaques (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/military-plaques) - [military seals (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/military-seals) - [request quote (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/request-quote) - [reviews (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/reviews) - [rosettes (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/rosettes) - [samples (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/samples) - [shipping (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/shipping) - [textures (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/textures) - [walk of fame (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/walk-of-fame) - [williamsburg (2)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/williamsburg) - [Arcadia (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/arcadia) - [Brooklyn Dodgers (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/brooklyn-dodgers) - [Colorado (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/colorado) - [Ebbets Field (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/ebbets-field) - [Google (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/google) - [Jackie Robinson (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/jackie-robinson) - [LAFD (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/lafd) - [Larimer County (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/larimer-county) - [Mounting Techniques (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/mounting-techniques) - [Passport Program (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/passport-program) - [antique (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/antique) - [barc (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/barc) - [beth ravitz (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/beth-ravitz) - [black history month (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/black-history-month) - [blind mount (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/blind-mount) - [brass (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/brass) - [bulk purchases (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/bulk-purchases) - [central park (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/central-park) - [choplet (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/choplet) - [clay artists (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/clay-artists) - [cleaning your plaque (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/cleaning-your-plaque) - [clear coat (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/clear-coat) - [colored plaques (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/colored-plaques) - [company plaques (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/company-plaques) - [company signage (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/company-signage) - [comparison (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/comparison) - [cost effective (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/cost-effective) - [crests (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/crests) - [custom colored plaque (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/custom-colored-plaque) - [custom shaped plaque (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/custom-shaped-plaque) - [decorative borders (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/decorative-borders) - [donor plaques (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/donor-plaques) - [edgewood plaza (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/edgewood-plaza) - [family crests (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/family-crests) - [february (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/february) - [feedback (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/feedback) - [fingerprints (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/fingerprints) - [fire department (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/fire-department) - [flow chart (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/flow-chart) - [font library (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/font-library) - [fonts (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/fonts) - [front mount (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/front-mount) - [gift guide (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/gift-guide) - [healthy (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/healthy) - [hidden stud mount (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/hidden-stud-mount) - [how to (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/how-to) - [illustration (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/illustration) - [infographic (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/infographic) - [interpretive plaques (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/interpretive-plaques) - [management plaques (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/management-plaques) - [masterworkplaques (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/masterworkplaques) - [medallions (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/medallions) - [memorial plaque (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/memorial-plaque) - [metal types (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/metal-types) - [mlk (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/mlk) - [mlk day (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/mlk-day) - [neighborhood (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/neighborhood) - [newsletter (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/newsletter) - [palo alto (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/palo-alto) - [photos (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/photos) - [pikes place (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/pikes-place) - [plaque maintenance (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/plaque-maintenance) - [polished finish (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/polished-finish) - [post mounting (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/post-mounting) - [public art (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/public-art) - [quantities (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/quantities) - [quantity orders (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/quantity-orders) - [random orbital finish (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/random-orbital-finish) - [replica (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/replica) - [restaurant signage (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/restaurant-signage) - [sand hill property company (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/sand-hill-property-company) - [sans serif (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/sans-serif) - [satin finish (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/satin-finish) - [script (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/script) - [series plaques (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/series-plaques) - [serif (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/serif) - [sketchbook project (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/sketchbook-project) - [standard borders (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/standard-borders) - [starbucks (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/starbucks) - [surface cleaning (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/surface-cleaning) - [tactile signage (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/tactile-signage) - [thanksgiving (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/thanksgiving) - [the journal gallery (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/the-journal-gallery) - [trail markers (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/trail-markers) - [volunteering (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/volunteering) - [water-jet cut (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/water-jet-cut) - [water-jet cut letters (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/water-jet-cut-letters) - [williamsburg bridge (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/williamsburg-bridge) - [workplace (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/workplace) - [yelp (1)](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/tag/yelp) See all - - - - - [GET OUR NEWSLETTER](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/our-newsletter) - FAQ - [General Questions](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/faq-general-questions/) - [Metals & Comparisons](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/faq-metals-comparisons/) - [Installations](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/faq-installations/) - [Care & Maintenance](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/faq-care-and-maintenance/) - [Contact Us](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/contact-us/) - [Gallery](https://www.masterworkplaques.com/gallery/) Masterwork Plaques Inc., Brooklyn, NY 11249(718) 260-6629[info@masterworkplaques.com](mailto:info@masterworkplaques.com) All images and content copyright 2026 Masterwork Plaques Inc. - - - - - ![BKMadeLogo_Silver](https://blog.masterworkplaques.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jun2018/Backgrounds/BKMadeLogo_Silver.png?width=144&name=BKMadeLogo_Silver.png "BKMadeLogo_Silver")