A Complete Guide to Personalization Methods

Laser Engraving, Etching, Marking, Sandblasting, Sublimation & UV Printing—What They Are and When to Use Them

In the world of awards and recognition, personalization isn’t just a finishing touch—it’s the feature that turns a product into a memory. But not all personalization methods are created equal. Depending on the material, design, and occasion, the technique you choose will directly affect both appearance and durability.

From deep-engraved crystal awards to full-color acrylics and name badges, here’s a complete breakdown of the six most commonly used personalization methods in the industry—and how to decide which to use for each product type.

METHOD	PROCESS DESCRIPTION	BEST USED ON	KEY BENEFITS
Laser Engraving	Uses laser to cut into material for deep, permanent marks	Crystal, wood, metal, trophies, plaques	Durable, professional, tactile feel
Laser Etching	Melts surface to create a shallow, frosted mark	Acrylic, glass, coated drinkware	Fast, clean look, ideal for volume
Laser Marking	Alters material color without removing it; often used for sandblasting guides	Crystal, art glass, metal tags	High precision, great for delicate surfaces
Sandblasting	Pressurized sand etches deep frosted designs using a stencil	Crystal, glass, art glass	Elegant, dimensional, high-end finish
Sublimation	Transfers dye into polymer-coated surfaces using heat and pressure	Photo plaques, badges, coated drinkware, ornaments	Vivid color, photo quality, scratch-proof
UV Printing	Prints and instantly cures full-color ink directly onto material	Acrylic, wood, leatherette, signage	Full-color, flexible, no coating required

LASER ENGRAVING

Deep, Durable, and Timeless

How it works:

Laser engraving uses a concentrated laser beam to physically cut into the surface of a material, removing material to create a deep, tactile mark. This method is ideal for long-lasting personalization.

Best for:

- Crystal awards
- Wood plaques
- Metal nameplates and medallions
- Trophies
- Desk name wedges
- Signage

Why use it:

- Highly durable
- Crisp, professional appearance
- Ideal for formal and traditional award programs

LASER ETCHING

Sleek, Shallow Surface Design

How it works:

A variant of laser engraving, etching melts or alters the surface layer without cutting deeply. It creates a smooth, frosted effect on materials like glass, acrylic, or coated metal.

Best for:

- Acrylic awards
- Glass awards
- Drinkware (e.g., Polar Camel tumblers)
- Metal accessories

Why use it:

- Fast and efficient
- Ideal for clean, shallow designs
- Excellent contrast on coated materials

LASER MARKING

Precision for Branding and Sand Etching

How it works:

Laser marking doesn’t remove material—it changes the color or finish of the surface, typically through oxidation. It’s frequently used to create detailed guides for sandblasting or add subtle branding.

Used for:

- Crystal and art glass awards (as a stencil for sandblasting)
- Logos, barcodes, or model IDs
- Metal or coated plastic tags and signs

Why use it:

- Allows for high precision without damaging fragile items
- Often the first step in sandblasting workflows
- Perfect for detailed, delicate artwork

SANDBLASTING (SAND ETCHING)

Elegant, Deep-Frosted Finish

How it works:

Sandblasting uses high-pressure air to blast fine abrasive particles (like aluminum oxide) against a masked surface. The unmasked areas become deeply frosted and textured.

Best for:

- High-end crystal awards
- Art glass pieces
- Premium glass trophies and vases

Why use it:

- Produces a refined, etched finish
- Ideal for layering and dimensional effects
- Used in combination with laser marking for ultimate control

SUBLIMATION

Vivid, Photo-Quality Printing

How it works:

Sublimation uses heat and pressure to transfer dye from paper into the surface of a polymer-coated material. The ink becomes part of the item itself—no peeling, fading, or cracking.

Best for:

- Color plaques
- Name badges
- Drinkware (with sublimation coating)
- Photo ornaments, keychains, and coasters
- Team or coach gifts

Why use it:

- Bright, full-color graphics
- Scratch-resistant and fade-proof
- Great for batch production and personalization

UV PRINTING

Full-Color Printing on Almost Anything

How it works:

UV printers apply ink directly onto the item and cure it instantly with ultraviolet light. It’s one of the most flexible printing methods and works on a wide range of surfaces, including curved and non-coated materials.

Best for:

- Acrylic awards and blocks
- Wood plaques with logos
- Leatherette items (folios, coasters, journals)
- Custom signage
- Short-run badges or one-offs with multicolor logos
- Items with non-flat or unusual shapes

Why use it:

- Instantly cured, vibrant prints
- Supports white ink and texture layers
- No need for a coated surface

Spotlight: Leatherette Items

Why both laser engraving and UV printing work for leatherette:

Laser Engraving burns away the top layer of leatherette to reveal a contrasting underlayer (often black, silver, or gold), giving a sharp and permanent mark with a debossed texture. Great for items like:

- Portfolios
- Coasters
- Patch hats
- Journal covers

UV Printing allows for full-color logos or artwork directly on the surface. It’s ideal when you need to match brand colors or include gradients and detailed imagery.

Both options are excellent depending on whether you want a classic engraved look or vivid, multi-color branding.

Spotlight: Name Badges

Why all three methods work depending on the badge type:

- Laser Engraving is perfect for name badges where you want a permanent, high-contrast mark that won’t fade over time—ideal for long-term staff use or premium settings.
- Sublimation is excellent for volume orders with color logos and text on white or silver-coated badges—especially in educational, event, or retail settings.
- UV Printing gives you the flexibility to print directly on acrylic, plastic, or metal badges—supporting vibrant color, white ink, and unusual shapes or layouts.

No matter the style, we use the best technique to match the durability and look your brand needs.

Final Thoughts

Every recognition piece is an opportunity to make someone feel seen, valued, and proud. And the method used to personalize that piece plays a major role in how the message is received—and how long it lasts.

Whether you’re looking for:

- Traditional depth and durability (laser engraving),
- Sleek modern finishes (laser etching),
- Color-rich designs (sublimation or UV printing),
- Or refined, multi-layered texture (sandblasting),

Cowart Awards uses the right combination of methods to bring your vision to life, no matter the material or message.