Brushed brass
Warm, traditional and legible for memorial, dedication and presentation plaques.
Find your finish
Brass, steel
& a personal touch.
Compare the colour and character of each finish. Start with brass or stainless steel, then choose a surface and optional backing in the designer.
Choosing for a particular place? See how to plan a memorial plaque for a wall or grave, plan a garden memorial plaque or arrange a building opening inscription.
Polished brass
A brighter brass for presentation plaques that need a formal, refined face.
Aged brass
Light, mid or heavy patina, applied by hand and sealed with matt lacquer to slow further natural ageing.
Orbital brass
A distinctive orbital grain for a more decorative, crafted brass surface.
Brushed stainless steel
Clean and restrained for outdoor bench plaques, public spaces and contemporary settings.
Mirror stainless
Crisp and reflective for modern plaques where a polished look matters.
Dark wood backing
Adds depth and presentation weight with square or bevelled backing options.
Light wood backing
A lighter backing option for softer contrast behind brass or stainless plates.
Texture previews are illustrative. Your proof confirms wording, layout and selected options; colour and grain can look different on screen.
Can I see my plaque before I pay?
Yes. Create your layout in the online designer, with no account or payment needed. Check names, dates, line breaks and fixing positions, then download your proof PDF if you need time to decide. The PDF includes a link to return to your design. The proof is for approving wording and layout; screen colours and texture previews are illustrative.
What is included in the price?
Standard plaque prices include engraving, standard fixings and UK delivery. Wood backing, special finishes and other extras are priced in the designer before checkout.
How long will my plaque take?
Standard production is estimated at 5 working days from proof approval and payment. Standard aged-brass plaques are estimated at 7 working days; A4/A5 with wood backing at 10; custom sizes and other wood-backed plaques at 15. Your selected options determine the estimate shown before checkout. These are production estimates, with delivery time additional. Contact us before ordering for a fixed event date.
Which material should I choose for outdoors?
Brass gives a warm, traditional appearance and develops character over time. Stainless steel has a clean silver finish. Both can be used outdoors with suitable fixings. Choose the finish you prefer and check the fixing options in your proof.
How much wording will fit?
A 150 × 50 mm bench plaque suits a name, dates and a short dedication. A5 gives a longer message more room; A4 suits formal openings and longer tributes. If the proof feels crowded, choose a larger size instead of squeezing in smaller text.
Can you help with an unusual plaque?
For a custom shape, a longer inscription or unusual mounting, email hello@instaplaque.co.uk with the wording, approximate size and where the plaque will go. We can help you choose a suitable starting point.
See your words in metal.
Compare your options in a free online proof.
Design your plaque