When it comes to medals, people typically focus on color, shape, and design. While these details matter, another important aspect, the material of the medal, is often overlooked. The material affects how premium the medal feels, how prominent small details become, and how well it matches the theme of your event.
This blog explains different medal materials and which events they suit the most.
Understanding Custom Medals: Material vs. Finish
First, let’s start by understanding the materials and finishes of custom medals. A medal’s material is its base. It is what the medal is made of. Some common types of medal materials include metal (zinc alloy, iron, brass, and aluminum), acrylic, wood, and PVC.
A medal finish, on the other hand, is the way a medal’s surface is coated, colored, plated, or decorated. Medal finishes include soft and hard enamel, UV printing, shiny plating, antique plating, and sandblasted texture.
Now that we have established this difference, let’s see which material suits which event.
Metal Medals: Best for Marathons and Formal Recognition
Metal is one of the most common medal materials for many events. Its presence and weight carry a sense of achievement that people associate with a real award. It offers excellent durability and strong compatibility with 2D and 3D designs.
Among metal types, zinc alloy is more popular for its design flexibility. Metal medals are great for premium charity events, marathons, annual branded sports events, and corporate recognition awards.
Wooden Medals: Best for Eco-Themed and Outdoor Events
Wooden medals have become increasingly popular for their natural, handcrafted character. Their warmth and organic presence are great for events where the environment is as important as the award.
These medals are great for trail runs, mountain races, nature-themed events, community charity runs, school activities with an eco message, and wellness or outdoor events. However, it might not be suitable if your design has very tiny raised details or deep sculpting.
Acrylic Medals: Best for School and Youth Events
Acrylic medals are ideal when the event’s theme is color and creativity. They are lightweight and allow you to print graphics, choose bold brand colors, add glitter or floating elements, and achieve a transparent or semi-transparent effect.
Acrylic medals perform well for youth events, themed races, pop culture events, modern brand activations, and school sports day.
PVC Medals: Best for Kids’ Events and Playful Themes
While people don’t usually go for PVC medals, they can be great in the right setting. They are lightweight, soft, and can be made colorful. It is great if you want bright colors, playful styles, a friendly feel, and lower weight.
The events it is ideal for include children’s events, family fun runs, school celebrations, or colorful themes. PVC medals are not the right option for premium corporate awards, formal events, and high-prestige races.
Matching the Medal Material to Your Event’s Goal
You should always choose the medal based on your event’s goal. Here is how to match the material with the goal.
- For prestigious events, choose metal.
- For an eco-friendly event, choose wood or a wood-and-metal hybrid.
- For bright events and modern branding, choose acrylic.
- For playful themed events or children, choose PVC or lightweight acrylic.