Durable Plant Tags &
Garden Signs
Laser-engraved tags are now available!
Signs and other tags will be added as we’re able. Please use the SURVEY at the bottom of this page to let us know what you might be interested in. To be notified when laser-engraved items are available, include your email in the survey or create an account (it’s free).
Types of engravable materials are described below
Materials
Anodized Aluminum
Anodized Aluminum has a durable protective and often colored coating. The colored surface turns white when lasered (or sometimes removed entirely, showing the shiny aluminum underneath).
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Durable
- Light-weight
- Often available in a variety of colors.
Technical Info: Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer – the aluminum atoms on the surface react with oxygen in the environment to form a layer of aluminum oxide that bonds firmly to the aluminum underneath, and prevents further corrosion. Anodized aluminum has an artificially thick layer of aluminum oxide, often impregnated with dye to give it color. A carefully calibrated laser will break down and “bleach” the dye within the oxide layer.
Slate
Slate is a common, durable, and natural stone. Its black surface turns a white-ish color when lasered.
Pros:
- Natural Look
- Durable
- Cost-effective
- Can engrave images
Cons:
- Heavier than other materials
- Over time slate will often weather, reducing the contrast between the black of the slate and the lighter-colored engraving.
Technical Info: The surface of the slate is ablated by the laser, and becomes microscopically rough. This “clouds” the light that interacts with it, giving it a whitish appearance, much like the way snowflakes appear white even though they’re made of transparent ice.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is highly corrosion resistant, and incredibly durable. It’s marked by creating a rough darkened oxide layer that’s permanently bonded with the metal underneath. Our process for marking stainless is a more environmentally-friendly method, which also takes longer than commonly-used processes.
Pros:
- Extremely durable markings
Cons:
- Higher Cost
- Visibility of markings can change with viewing angles and lighting conditions.
Technical Info: There are multiple methods for marking stainless steel with a laser – we use the most environmentally-friendly version. People will often mark stainless using “marking sprays”, which are primarily made of Molybdenum Disulfide. Molybdenum Disulfide goes on the surface of the metal as a fine powder, and bonds with the stainless steel when hit by the laser, forming a dark permanent mark. All of the MoS2 (molybdenum disulfide) that isn’t hit by the laser gets washed off afterward, and there is growing evidence that it accumulates in soil and water, and is environmentally problematic. We use an infrared laser to mark the metal directly, by moving the laser slowly over the surface, creating a rough thick oxide layer that has a dark appearance from most angles – It doesn’t produce the same pitch-black color that marking sprays create, and takes longer to do, but we strongly believe it’s well worth the trade-off.
Wood
Wood is a classic material for making signs, however we don’t normally recommend it. Results are inconsistent, and signs will only last outdoors with regular upkeep. If you want to use wood, please know that you may not end up with the results you’re imagining in the long-term. We’re still happy to work with you on your project, though, if you feel wood is appropriate for your situation
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Classic look
- Biodegradable
Cons:
- Darkened engravings quickly fade
- Biodegradable
- Durable woods are relatively expensive
Technical Info: Wood is marked by the laser in two ways – the material of the wood is ablated, creating a true engraving, and the remaining surface is darkened by carbon and carbon compounds (essentially charred). When laser-engraved wood sits out in the elements unprotected, the wood will degrade from fungal action and uv, and the carbon and carbon compounds that marked the engraving will wash away, leaving engraved wood that’s difficult to read. This can be mitigated with regular application of finishes, or sometimes with creative application of paint.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a durable plastic often used for outdoor signage. However, there are environmental concerns with its use, and it’s not something we generally use. If you’re set on using acrylic for your project, we may still be able to help.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Relatively Durable
- Relatively cost-effective
- Comes in a variety of colors
Cons:
- Negative environmental impact
Technical Info: Acrylic is a relatively stable and UV-resistant material, but like nearly all plastics, has disposal and other environmental issues.
Other Materials
There are many other materials that can also be engraved, including ceramics, undyed leather, and other types stone. If you have something in mind that you’d like to try, please contact us.
(Please know that not all materials are safe or practical for laser engraving.)
