What a custom medal includes
A custom medal is built from your own artwork rather than a stock catalogue. You choose the shape, size, front and back design, plating, colours, ribbon and packaging. We cut a new die or mould for each design, so the medal can follow any outline, including cut-outs and multi-level 3D relief.
Choosing the metal
- Zinc alloy is die-cast, so it handles 3D relief, cut-outs and irregular shapes. It is the usual choice for race and event medals.
- Brass and copper are die-struck. They give crisper edges and a heavier feel, and take hard enamel well for award medals.
- Iron is stamped and keeps cost down on flat designs in large quantities.
- Aluminium is light and suits printed colour designs.
If you are unsure, send the design and quantity and we will recommend a metal and explain why. The customization guide compares every option side by side.
Colour and finish
Soft enamel sits slightly below raised metal lines, giving a textured feel and a wide colour range at a lower cost. Hard enamel is polished level with the metal for a smooth, jewellery-like surface. Printing handles gradients, photos and fine detail, usually under a clear epoxy dome. Plating options run from shiny gold, silver and copper to antique finishes and black nickel. Event organisers often plate one design in three finishes for first, second and third place.
Ribbons, backs and packaging
Most medals ship with the ribbon already attached. We make sublimated or woven ribbons in any width, with V-neck or straight hooks; see medal ribbons. The reverse side can carry its own design or stay plain. Packaging ranges from individual poly bags for race-day handouts to velvet or printed gift boxes for awards; see packaging boxes.
Who orders custom medals
Event organisers order finisher medals for marathons, trail races, cycling events and swim meets, and podium sets for international multi-sport games, marathons and championships. Schools, clubs and associations order award medals for seasons and annual ceremonies. Companies use them for service awards and incentive programmes. For commemorative or military-style designs, see commemorative medals.
Ordering notes
Orders start at 100 pieces per design. Samples take about 7 days and finished goods about 14 days in total, both counted from the day after your deposit. For race medals, plan backwards from your event date and leave time for shipping. Production only starts after you approve both the colour draft and the vector artwork; the full sequence is on how it works. When you are ready, request a quote.
