πŸ’Ž Understanding Trophy Engraving: UV Print, Laser & More

Choosing the right engraving method can make a big difference to how your trophy or plaque looks β€” whether it’s a crystal award, wooden plaque, or plastic medal.

At KL Trophy & Premium Gift Shop, we offer four main types of engraving and printing methods, each suited to different materials, budgets, and design needs.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s available in Malaysia:


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UV printing is the most popular engraving method we use, as it supports full-colour designs, quick turnaround, and long-lasting durability. It works on both smooth trophy surfaces and metal plates.

β€’ UV Print on Surface

Printed directly on the surface of:

  • Crystal trophies & plaques

  • Acrylic trophies & plaques

  • Crystal, acrylic or some metal medals

🎨 Colour: Full colour
βœ… Great for logos, text, and detailed artwork
🟒 Most suitable for corporate events, sponsor logos, and modern designs

β€’ UV Print on Metal Plate

Design is UV-printed on a thin metal plate, then attached to:

  • Wooden plaques

  • Box plaques

  • Metal trophies with a wooden base

🎯 Ideal for formal awards, appreciation plaques
🎨 Colour: Full colour


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Laser engraving creates a clean, elegant effect by etching your design into the material using a focused laser beam.

However, while it looks classy and permanent, it does not support colour, which may not suit companies that want to include their coloured logos. Also, depending on the background, the engraved area may appear subtle or hard to see unless viewed at the right angle.

β€’ 2D Inner Laser Engraving

The design is engraved inside the crystal for a 3D floating effect.
🟒 Used for: Crystal trophies & plaques
🎨 Colour: Colourless (matches crystal tone)
✨ Premium look, great for long service or achievement awards

β€’ 2D Outer Laser Engraving

Engraved directly on the surface of:

  • Crystal

  • Pewter

  • Brushed metal

🎯 Ideal for: Names, titles, award categories
🎨 Colour: Colourless


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This method involves printing a full-colour design on transparent film, then mounting it behind a crystal or acrylic plaque. It allows vibrant artwork to cover the entire surface.

However, because the film is placed behind a layer of glass or acrylic, the colours may not appear as bright. Some crystal plaques have a slight blue or green tint, which can affect how the final print looks.

🟒 Used for:
 β€“ Flat crystal plaques
 β€“ Flat acrylic plaques
🎯 Ideal for: Appreciation plaques, branded awards
🎨 Colour: Full colour
⚠️ Visibility can be affected by glass tint and plaque thickness


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Sticker printing uses a shiny, full-colour label that is scratch, water, and fade resistant β€” suitable for large quantity or budget events. It’s mostly used for plastic trophies and medals.

While the finish is bright and durable, it’s worth noting that stickers are slightly more easily removable than UV print or engraving methods.

🟒 Used for:
 β€“ Plastic trophies
 β€“ Plastic or metal medals
🎯 Perfect for: Sports days, school events, temporary awards
🎨 Colour: Full colour


Each engraving style offers different advantages:

Engraving MethodBest ForColourNotes
UV Print (Surface)Most popular – vibrant, fast & durableFull colourGreat for logos, modern events
UV Print (Plate)Wooden plaques, box awardsFull colourClean and formal appearance
Laser (Inner)Crystal awards, premium lookColourlessElegant but not suitable for logos
Laser (Outer)Crystal, pewter, metalColourlessSharp finish, less visible as it is colourless
Film PrintingCrystal/acrylic plaques (full surface)Full colourMay be less vibrant due to glass tint
Sticker PrintingBudget trophies and medalsFull colourMore affordable

Still not sure which engraving style is right for you? Just tell us your event type, logo, and budget β€” we’ll recommend the best method that fits your timeline and brand.

πŸ“ KL TROPHY AND PREMIUM GIFT SHOP
601 Blok B, Jln PJS 8/5 Mentari Business Centre Subang Jaya, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Let’s make your next award look amazing β€” inside and out.