If you have browsed personalised gifts for any length of time, you have seen both methods without necessarily being told which is which. They produce very different results, and the right choice depends entirely on the item.
Laser engraving
A laser removes or alters the surface of the material, cutting the design into it. There is no ink involved at all.
What it looks like: on glass, a frosted white-grey mark. On metal, a darker etched line. On wood and slate, a burned-in contrast against the natural grain.
How long it lasts: effectively forever. There is nothing sitting on the surface to scratch, peel or fade, which is why engraved glassware and hip flasks go through years of use without degrading.
The trade-off: one colour only - whatever the material turns when the laser hits it. Fine detail in a photograph does not survive the process well.
UV printing
Ink is applied to the surface and cured instantly with ultraviolet light, bonding it to the material.
What it looks like: full colour, with a slight raised texture you can feel with a fingertip.
How long it lasts: very well under normal use, but it is a surface layer, so it is more vulnerable to abrasion and harsh dishwasher cycles than engraving is.
The trade-off: it needs a suitable surface. Highly curved or textured items are harder to print cleanly than flat ones.
Which to choose
- Want it to last decades? Engraving. This is why pocket watches, cufflinks and hip flasks are almost always engraved.
- Want colour, a logo or a crest? UV printing. Anything involving brand colours or multi-colour artwork needs ink.
- Buying glassware? Engraving, nearly always - it suits the material and survives washing.
- Buying a mug? Depends on the finish. Check the care instructions on the specific product, as some are hand wash only regardless of method.
Looking after personalised items
- Hand wash anything you care about, even when the product tolerates a dishwasher. Heat and detergent are what wear surfaces down.
- Avoid abrasive scourers over a printed area.
- Do not soak wooden items - wipe them down instead.
- Store glassware so pieces are not knocking against each other.
What this means when you are ordering
You do not usually need to choose the method - it is set by the product. What you do need to get right is the text. Check the character limits, check the spelling, and remember that neither method can be undone once it is applied.
Have a look across the full personalised range to see both methods in use.