Choosing the Right Custom Cut Plate or Tag for Your Application

When it comes to signage, identification, or recognition, not all materials are created equal. At Trophy Outlet, we’ve been helping customers find the perfect solution for more than 40 years. Whether you need an industrial tag that can stand up to the elements or a nameplate to identify artwork in a gallery, choosing the right material is the key to getting the best value and longest lifespan from your order.

Below, we’ll break down the benefits of the most common materials we offer for custom cut plates and tags—and help you decide which one fits your project best.

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Plastic Plates and Tags

Best for: Industrial, outdoor, and high-traffic applications

Plastic is one of the most versatile materials we offer. It’s lightweight, durable, and comes in a wide range of colors. This makes it ideal for situations where you want both function and flexibility. From safety signage in factories to park and recreation markers, plastic holds up well against daily wear and tear. If you need bold colors or designs to stand out, plastic is your go-to choice.

Also a great choice when you need a unique shape. All plastic tags are laser cut and can be cut to virtually any shape. For large applications we can get large sheets of this material and cut up for 24x40 sizes. See a large range of stock sizes and Custom Cut Plastic on our website. 

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Standard Coated & Printed Aluminum

Best for: Indoor and light outdoor use

Aluminum nameplates and tags provide a clean, professional look at an affordable price. While they aren’t the most scratch-resistant option, they’re perfect for indoor signage, artwork labels, and upscale name tags. If you’re looking for a balance of lightweight material and a modern appearance, aluminum is a smart choice—especially indoors where UV exposure and harsh environments aren’t a concern.

Choose from several different color and print / engraving options to fit your exact need. We offer a wide range of sizes or choose our custom cut option to get the exact size you need. Gold and Black coated aluminum are great subsitues for the higher priced brass cousin. Giving a very similar look once mounted but at a more affordable price point. 

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Anodized Aluminum

Best for: Outdoor, industrial, and direct sunlight

When durability is critical, anodized aluminum shines. This material is highly scratch-resistant and UV-stable, making it a strong option for commercial buildings, outdoor equipment, and heavy-use industrial environments. If your tag or plate needs to withstand sun, wind, rain, and years of wear, anodized aluminum ensures long-lasting readability and performance.

Anodized Aluminum Plates surface is sapphire-hard, second only to diamond on the Mohs scale. This material resists scratching and abrasion better than coated materials, it is UV Stable. Laser engraving temporarily fades to low contrast when wet and restores to original when it dries. Making it an ideal option for outdoor and high wear uses. 

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Brass

Best for: High-end indoor identification

Brass plates give a timeless, elegant finish that’s perfect for sculptures, artwork, and upscale interior displays. Brass plates are kind of the gold standard when it comes to name plates and ID tags. While brass isn’t as scratch-resistant as anodized aluminum and doesn’t perform well outdoors, it brings a level of sophistication that other materials can’t match. If presentation is your top priority in an indoor setting, brass is an excellent choice.

Think of the old time paintings, art displays or wild life mounts. Those are typically paired with a brass plate to identify the key details of the show piece. We off two types of bress depending on the look you need Gold and Black coated brass. Need a Standard Size brass plates or let us Custom Cut Brass Plates to the exact size you need. 

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Cast Plaques (Bronze & Aluminum)

Best for: Permanent outdoor signage

If you want a sign that lasts for decades, nothing compares to a cast plaque. Cast Bronze and cast aluminum plaques are designed for long-term outdoor use and can withstand even the harshest environments. From building dedications to memorial markers and sculpture plaques, these heavy-duty signs are built to outlast generations.

We have all seen these displayed on memorial buildings or dedications and monuments. While not the least expensive option if you need somethign that will out last you this is the right choice. Each plaque is cast to your exact specicfications and size makeing a truly one of a kind piece. Add logos, text, and images to highlight the display. 

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Why Choose Trophy Outlet?

At Trophy Outlet, we’ve spent over 40 years perfecting the art of creating durable, customized plates, tags, and plaques. Our family-owned, third-generation business knows that every project is unique—which is why we offer so many material choices. Whether you need a small indoor nameplate, an industrial outdoor tag, or a permanent cast bronze plaque, we’ll help you select the right material for your needs and budget. No minimums and free shipping make it easy to get the plate you need when you need it. 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right material for your custom plate or tag ensures your project looks great and stands the test of time. From industrial plastic tags to high-end brass nameplates and long-lasting cast plaques, Trophy Outlet is your trusted source for every application.

Ready to order? Explore our full selection of custom plates and tags and let us help you create the perfect solution today. If you are needing somethign truly unique or can't find what you are looking for Contact Us today to talk to one of our helpful representatives to help you find exactly what you need.