Badge Guides & News
Custom made medals: a planning guide
Oct
A medal is often the one thing people keep from an event. Getting it right means making six choices: shape, size, enamel colours, metal finish, ribbon and packaging. This guide takes you through each one, so your quote request has everything we need.
1. Shape and size
Medals can be made in bespoke shapes and sizes to suit your design. Our guide sizes are 25, 30, 35 and 40mm. Contact us about unusual shapes or sizes.
2. Enamel colours
Enamel colours are matched using the Pantone Solid Coated range. Tell us the Pantone references in your artwork, or see our essential Pantone colours.
3. Epoxy or not?
Choose a smooth, domed epoxy finish for extra protection, or leave it off for a traditional, textured enamel feel.
4. Metal finish (plating)
- Polished: gold, gold micron, silver, nickel, black nickel, brass and copper.
- Antique: gold, silver, brass, copper (often called bronze) and nickel.
- Other: dyed metal (any colour, Pantone matched) and iridescent.
See badge plating finishes explained for what each one looks like.
5. Ribbon
- Stock ribbons: ready-made plain and striped designs in a range of colours.
- Personalised ribbons: printed with your logo, text or artwork, in a wide choice of colours.
6. Packaging
Backing cards, velvet pouches, plastic boxes with clear lids, leatherette boxes, or fully custom packaging.
Timescales
Usually 3–4 weeks from artwork approval, or 4–5 weeks in busier periods. A complex design or bigger medal can add time. If your event has a fixed date, tell us when you ask for a quote.
Checklist before you ask for a quote
- Your logo or artwork, in the best quality you have (we’ll advise if it needs work).
- Size, quantity and your event date.
- Enamel colours (Pantone references if you have them).
- Plating, ribbon (stock or personalised) and packaging choices, or ask us to suggest them.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum order?
No. There’s no minimum order.
Can you help with the design?
Yes. Our free design service can turn a rough idea into a proof.
Can I see a sample?
Free samples are of existing products. A sample of your own design is also possible. It’s charged, and we’ll quote it just like an order.
How long do custom medals take?
Usually 3–4 weeks from artwork approval, or 4–5 weeks in busier periods. A complex design or bigger medal can add time.
What sizes can medals be?
Our guide sizes are 25, 30, 35 and 40mm. Contact us about unusual shapes or sizes.
Plan your custom medals
Send us your design or idea using the quote form on our custom made medals page, and we’ll come back with a free design proof and quote. No minimum order.
Get a quote for medalsor call 01922 285 582