Are you wondering which material to choose for your medal?
Medals are a fantastic way to celebrate and recognise achievements, but for the experience to be truly unforgettable, it’s crucial to consider both the material and design of the medal.
We understand that choosing from the wide range of materials available can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry. At MedalStudio, we have years of experience in creating bespoke medals that are both eye-catching and memorable.
In this article, we’ll explain the pros and cons of metal, acrylic, and wooden medals, as well as the situations in which each material is best suited.
Ready to learn all about these materials? Let’s dive in!
Pros & Cons: Wood, Acrylic, or Metal?
Wood, acrylic, and metal are all excellent options for crafting medals. But which one is the best?
Here’s a table that quickly outlines the pros and cons of each, helping you make an informed decision.
| Material | Pros | Cons |
| Metal | - Durable and resistant. - Perception of luxury. It's truly unforgettable. - Easy to engrave. | - Can be more expensive than other materials. - It's heavier than acrylic and wood. - Can tarnish over time without proper care. |
| Wood | - Eco-friendly. -Lightweight. - Rustic and vintage aesthetic, ideal for some events. | - Can easily get damaged with moisture and temperature changes. - Requires special care and maintenance. - This material doesn't look as elegant as metal or acrylic. |
| Acrylic | - Lightweight. - Clean aesthetic and easy to customise. - Easy to clean. | - Prone to scratching - Sensitive to heat. - Not as sturdy as other materials |
As you can see, all three materials are highly customisable and come with their own unique advantages that will make your medals truly unforgettable. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your budget and the special occasion for which you’re awarding the medals.
In the next section, we’ll guide you through which material is best suited for different occasions and share some personalisation tips to help you get the most out of your medals.
Metal Medals
Metal is one of the most common materials used for medals, as it can easily achieve an elegant look.
As mentioned in the previous section, metal medals are among the most durable and resilient. At MedalStudio, we love personalising them, as they effortlessly look elegant. You can engrave logos, images, and even a phrase to make the medal even more memorable.
Also, contrary to what one might think, the shape of metal medals can also be customised, allowing you to tailor them completely to the needs of your event. You can choose finishes such as gold or silver, which further enhance their exclusive appearance.
While metal medals are highly versatile, at MedalStudio, we typically recommend them for high-level sporting events where gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded. Additionally, due to their luxurious aesthetic, they are also perfect for scientific fairs or corporate settings where a significant achievement has been reached.
Wooden Medals
If you're looking to celebrate an achievement in a sustainable way, we recommend choosing a wooden medal.
Wood is a much more environmentally friendly option compared to other materials such as acrylic.
At MedalStudio, our medals are 100% eco-friendly and sustainable. Our European-sourced natural birch plywood is FSC and PEFC certified. The raw material used for our eco-friendly wooden medals is renewable and ecological, and it stores carbon throughout its life cycle.
This wood comes from ethically managed forests, where more trees are planted each year than are harvested. Additionally, the excess material from the UK manufacturing process is used to power a biomass burner on a local farm, meaning we have ZERO waste from the process.
This is why, wooden medals are perfect for eco-friendly events or sustainability fairs. Don’t forget that, thanks to their vintage and natural aesthetic, they can also be used for other types of events, such as art festivals or rustic-themed gatherings.
Wood is also a material that is easy to cut and shape, so at MedalStudio, we have crafted medals in all sorts of unique shapes, including compasses, trees, dinosaurs, and more.
If you're interested in customising wooden medals, keep in mind that they require different care compared to other materials.
Wood should not be exposed to moisture, as this could damage it and alter its shape. But don’t worry, you can clean them with a dry cloth and a soft brush.
Click on this guide to learn how to keep them in perfect condition.
Acrylic Medals
Acrylic medals are a favourite for many, as they offer elegance, affordability, and are very lightweight.
We love this material because it allows for extensive customisation. It can be cut into various shapes, enabling us to create unique medals for each client. Additionally, a wide range of colours can be used, making acrylic medals ideal for any type of event.
We particularly recommend them for technological, promotional, or professional events, thanks to their sleek and modern aesthetic. Also, consider that acrylic can be more affordable than other materials like metal, so they're a great option if you're hosting a large event and will require a huge quantity of medals.
Although acrylic is not as durable as metal, it is still quite sturdy. Keep in mind that it's important to handle them carefully when cleaning or transporting to avoid scratching. Try cleaning them with a soft microfibre cloth and keeping them away from direct sunlight to preserve them in the best possible condition.
Choosing the Perfect Medal Material
The choice of material for your medals will ultimately depend on the type of event you're hosting, the budget, and the type of message you're trying to give.
Remember that metal medals are ideal for high-level events, such as sports competitions. Wooden medals offer an eco-friendly option, perfect for sustainable events or rustic gatherings. Finally, acrylic medals are lightweight and look elegant.
If you have any questions regarding our custom medals, awards, or snoods please do not hesitate to email us at [email protected] or call us at 01377250449.
Updated: 01/05/2025