Ordering plaques in large quantities requires attention to detail and proper planning. Whether you are in need of a group of interpretive plaques installed in a series, award plaques or way-finding signage, there are a few things we’d like to suggest, right off the bat:

TIPS FROM THE PLAQUE-MAKERS

#1 Plan Ahead

In the age of one-click purchases, many of our clients do not expect custom plaques to take the time they do to produce. We use traditional mold-making processes and bronze pouring techniques to ensure your plaque is created at the highest quality.  Each one of our projects is designed to our client’s liking, and after the order is finalized, the designs go through pattern-making, casting and finishing processes before shipment. Our plaques are made by skilled artisans that value their craft and are proud of the Masterwork product.  

For single plaque orders and smaller quantities, we typically require four weeks to produce and deliver the work. For certain projects, we can expedite this manufacturing time to two weeks for an additional fee. If the bulk order is over 25 plaques, manufacturing time is usually around 6 weeks. For orders of 100+, we tend to ship out in installments, and manufacturing time is determined by the size of each plaque and the overall quantity.

#2 Consider Storage

For large quantity orders and plaques that are over 4ft in size, storage can become an issue. When you start to plan the content of your plaque, also start to consider a secure storage area where the plaques can be received and held. Masterwork Plaques does not provide storage once the plaques have been manufactured in order to maintain an orderly shop environment.

#3 Order a Sample Plaque

Better safe than sorry, we always say. If time allows, we suggest ordering a single plaque before proceeding with a large order. We can produce a sample plaque in two weeks, which gives our customers the opportunity to review the final product before 100, 500, 1000 plaques arrive at their door. Sample plaques give our customers the option to review a plaque in person and make any appropriate changes to the design, which prevents issues in the final order.

We also have samples in house that can be sent to clients with tighter schedules. Our pre-made samples are 6” x 4” and can give you a tangible idea of the finish quality and background textures you are planning to use in your final order.

#4 Invest in a High Quality Metal

Masterwork Plaques is all about quality. We create our custom signage at competitive prices, and we always suggest that our clients create their plaques from the best materials they can afford. While bronze and stainless steel are a little more costly than other metals, they last a whole lot longer, and the investment pays off over time.  Our customer relations team can work with you to determine the highest quality product that fits within your budget.

Common Types of Plaques Ordered in Large Quantities: 

Walks of Fame

Honoree Plaques | Star Plaques | Permanent Sidewalk Medallions | Tribute Trails

Walks of fame (similar to the Hollywood Stars in Los Angeles) are typically large quantity orders that are installed underfoot, commemorating specific individuals. These plaques are created using one base design, with interchanging honoree names. 

Interpretive Plaques

Way-finding Plaques | Illustrative plaques | Historical Markers | Timeline Insets

Interpretive plaques are informative text plaques or illustrated markers that often lead the viewer through a park or building while telling a story. The plaques can show the passing of time from piece to piece, or depict unique events that took place at the specific site where these plaques are installed.

Bulk Orders

Award Plaques | Donor Plaques | Corporate Signage | Building Plaques

Bulk order projects are large quantity orders of one plaque design, and often are produced in the largest numbers. Many clients will be interested in ordering hundreds of plaques for a building or a group award, and it is imperative that each plaque looks consistent.

Masterwork Plaques offers discounted pricing for bulk and quantity plaque orders.

For a custom quote on any of these types of projects, fill out a quote request form or give us a call at (718) 283-4109 if you would like to discuss your unique quantity plaque project in more detail.

What is the difference between an etched stainless steel and aluminum plaque? 

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 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 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

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 or reach out to us at masterworkplaques@gmail.com.