Chemical Etching for the Sign Trade

Chemical etching, (also known as chemical engraving or laser etching) is a high-quality variant of traditional engraving. Graphics are recessed into the metal surface which gives a premium appearance.

For wayfinding this is an important reason why architects and designers specify etched stainless steel rather than surface printing. Because the graphics are recessed into the metal, they are much more visible than a print on a smooth surface. Not only does this make etched signage work more effectively for wayfinding, it also gives a prestigious appearance. Even to the casual observer, surface prints look cheap in comparison, and they are also difficult to clean because the stainless steel is behind the print, so a cleaning cloth will not glide over the surface leaving a streak-free finish.

Our etched stainless steel wayfinding signage is certified to have passed BS 476: Part 6: 1989 + A1: 2009 – Fire Propagation, and has achieved Class1: BS 476: Part 7: 1997 – Surface Spread of Flame. This makes it safe to use in high-rise buildings. See further details on our Fire Tested Signs page.

For any sort of commemorative plaque or nameplate, your customer will want something that looks permanent. Professionals such as solicitors and accountants want to create a quality image, and nothing does this better than a good quality etched brass or stainless steel nameplate. Some truly stunning designs are possible, and please feel free to browse our selection of photographs for inspiration.

Chemical etching is also important for industrial nameplates and labels. If you are selling signs, you should consider selling labels too, which are after all just small signs. Few towns have a traditional engraver these days who can make bespoke metal labels quickly. Manufacturing companies still need to source these labels from somewhere, and they struggle to find good suppliers. To find out more about a product you could be missing out on, see our Labels Page.