Buyer's guide
Brass vs stainless steel, engraving vs etching: choosing a metal tag or label
A plain-language guide for buyers ordering custom metal tags, labels, nameplates or signs — which metal to choose, which marking method lasts longest and what to send your supplier.
By the Street Soul workshop, Mumbai · Updated October 2026
Quick answer
- Choose stainless steel for anything outdoors, wet or handled every day — lockers, pools, gates, dog tags. It does not rust and stays silver.
- Choose brass when looks matter most — brand labels, hotel keys, door plates, gifts. It has a warm gold tone and develops a patina over time.
- Choose cut-through marking when the text must never wear off; laser engraving with black fill for fine detail and high contrast.
Brass or stainless steel?
| Brass | Stainless steel | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Warm gold; darkens to a patina over time | Silver-grey; stays the same |
| Rust and corrosion | Does not rust, but tarnishes with air and handling | Does not rust (SS 304 is standard for tags) |
| Feel | Heavier, premium, traditional | Modern, industrial, slightly lighter |
| Best for | Brand labels, hotel and club keys, door plates, gifts, medallions | Gym and pool lockers, outdoor signs, dog tags, asset tags |
| Care | Wipe with a dry cloth; polish or lacquer to keep it bright | Wipe clean; no special care |
Marking methods compared
| Method | What it looks like | Durability | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser engraving | Fine, precise marking on the surface; good for small text and detailed logos | Permanent; very shallow, so heavy abrasion can soften it over years | Logos, labels, business cards, medallions |
| Black-filled engraving / etching | Recessed text filled with black for strong contrast | Very good; the recess protects the fill | Signs, nameplates, numbered tags, labels that must be read from a distance |
| Cut-through | Letters or numbers cut right through the metal | Cannot wear off; readable from both sides | Locker and key tags, stencil-style dog tags, nameplates |
| Raised (relief) lettering | Background lowered so letters stand proud | Very good; tactile and premium | Brand labels and slot labels |
| Hand-stamping | Letters struck by hand; slightly irregular, crafted look | Very good; deep impression | Personal gifts, pet tags, small runs with a handmade feel |
Finishes
- Brushed — fine parallel lines; hides fingerprints and small scratches. The most practical choice.
- Mirror / polished — reflective and eye-catching; shows fingerprints, so best for display pieces and gifts.
- Black or gunmetal — coated finish for a dark, modern look; engraving shows through in metal colour.
- Antique / patina — darkened brass for a vintage feel.
Choosing a fixing
How a tag or label attaches matters as much as the metal. Stitching holes suit fabric and leather; slots suit straps and ribbons; rivets and screws suit furniture and hard goods; a single hole with a split ring or ball chain suits keys and dog tags. See brand labels for the full list.
What to send your supplier
- Your logo or text — vector files (AI, PDF, SVG) give the sharpest result, but a clear photo is enough to start.
- Approximate size in millimetres, or a photo of a sample next to a ruler.
- Material and finish if you know them; otherwise describe where the item will be used.
- Quantity, and whether every piece is the same or personalised from a list.
- Your deadline and delivery city.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Text too small. Very fine lines and tiny letters can merge on small tags. Ask for a to-scale proof.
- Mirror finish on hard-working items. It looks great on day one but shows every fingerprint and scratch.
- Brass where it will get wet every day. It won't rust, but it will darken quickly; steel is easier.
- Skipping the proof. Always approve spellings and numbering before the full batch is made.
Still unsure? Send us a photo of where the item will be used and we will recommend the metal, finish and fixing.
Have a logo and a quantity? That's all we need.
Send it now — we reply with a proof and a price, usually within 1 business day.