An engraved metal label made with a laser is only one of four main ways to put your logo on metal. The others are a raised or recessed logo cast straight into the mould, enamel colour fill and printing. Each method has its own minimum line widths, a different level of wash durability and very different economics at 100 pieces versus 10,000. This article compares them side by side so you can pick the technique that suits your logo, your garment and your order size.
The four methods compared
| Method | Minimum line | Colour | Wash durability | Tooling | Order size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raised logo from mould | about 0.3 mm | Plating colour only | Excellent | Mould | Medium to large |
| Recessed logo from mould | about 0.2 mm | Plating colour only | Excellent | Mould | Medium to large |
| Laser engraving | about 0.2 mm | Metal contrast | Excellent | None | Small to large |
| Soft enamel | about 0.3 mm between colours | Pantone colours | Good | Mould | Medium to large |
| Hard enamel | about 0.3 mm | Pantone colours | Very good | Mould | Medium to large |
| UV or pad printing | about 0.15–0.2 mm | Full colour | Limited | Plate or none | Small to medium |
Metal tags E-677 Gun Metal 3 x 0.8 cm – For laser branding
Metal tags E-2298 Gun Metal 2 x 0.4 cm – With sharp edges, for laser branding
Metal tags E-2299 Nickel 2 x 0.5 cm – Delicate design for laser brandingMoulded logos: the classic
When zinc alloy is cast or brass is stamped, the logo is formed in the mould itself – raised (embossed) or recessed (debossed). Metal and logo are one piece, so nothing can rub off except the plating.
- A raised logo looks three-dimensional and premium, especially with polished letters on a matte or sandblasted background. Lines should be at least about 0.3 mm and letters taller than 1.5 mm to stay legible.
- A recessed logo allows slightly finer lines, around 0.2 mm, and resists wear better because only the frame stands proud.
The drawback is the mould: it is a one-off cost and every logo change needs a new one. Moulded logos are ideal when your logo is settled and your run is at least a few hundred pieces.
Tip: if your logo has many fine serifs, create a simplified version for metal. What looks delicate on paper turns into a blur on a 15 mm metal label.
Laser engraving: precise and mould-free
A laser beam removes a thin layer of plating or of the metal itself, exposing a contrasting surface. On gunmetal or black plating the engraving comes out light and silvery; on nickel it reads darker or matte. Laser handles lines of about 0.2 mm and very small text, which makes it ideal for fine logos, serial numbers, dates and personalisation.
Its biggest advantage is that no mould is needed. You can take a ready-made metal label in a standard shape and engrave your logo, even in small quantities, and change the logo between seasons without new tooling. That is why laser is the favourite method of small brands and ateliers.
The limitation is that the engraving is flat – no relief like a moulded logo – and the only colour is the contrast the metal gives. It is very durable in the wash, because nothing is added on top; material is taken away.
Enamel: colour on metal
Soft enamel
The logo is cast with recesses that are filled with coloured enamel. The enamel sits slightly below the raised metal edges, so you can feel the relief. Soft enamel is cheaper and allows several Pantone colours separated by metal lines about 0.3 mm wide. It is often topped with a clear epoxy dome for protection.
Hard enamel
The enamel is filled up to the level of the metal, baked and polished flat. It looks like jewellery, resists scratching better and is used for premium collections. It costs more and the colour range is a little more limited.
Both types need a mould. Well-made enamel survives washing, though harsh detergents and high temperatures can dull the shine over time.
Printing: full colour, but more delicate
UV printing and pad printing apply ink directly onto the metal. They allow gradients, photographic images and very fine detail. The weak point is durability: the ink sits on the surface, and friction and washing can fade or rub it away. Printing is therefore better suited to bags, accessories and hanging metal tags than to a jeans label that will go through hundreds of washes. A protective lacquer improves resistance.
Which method for which job
- Small run, fine logo, quick start: laser engraving on a ready-made label.
- Bold, recognisable logo for jeans and jackets: raised logo from the mould.
- Tiny details that must last: recessed logo or laser.
- Brand colour is essential: soft or hard enamel.
- Photographic or gradient artwork: UV print, with a caveat on durability.
- Combination: a moulded logo plus a laser-engraved collection number.
Label size matters
The smaller the label, the stricter your choice of method. A 2 × 0.4 cm label realistically fits a word of 5–8 letters about 2 mm tall, and laser is almost the only option that gives a crisp, readable logo there. On a 4 × 1.5 cm label you can combine a raised logo with a fine background texture or a single enamel colour.
Preparing your artwork
- A vector logo (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) with no raster effects.
- A 1:1 drawing of the label with dimensions, sew holes or prongs.
- Minimum lines for the method: 0.2 mm for laser and recessed logos, 0.3 mm for raised logos and enamel.
- Pantone references for enamel.
- The finish and texture, for example gunmetal with a sandblasted background and polished logo.
Metal labels for laser branding at Bul-tex
In our labels collection we offer ready-made metal labels in nickel and gunmetal – rectangles with rounded or sharp ends, slim formats such as 2 × 0.4 cm and 3 × 0.8 cm, and a triangular 3D shape – designed specifically for laser branding. They are the fastest route to a metal label with your logo without a mould. For matching hardware see our decorative rivets, and for more reading visit our labels section. For a custom-shaped label with a moulded relief logo, or an enamelled one, contact us.
