Trophy & Medal Materials Guide
At Trophies Plus Medals, we offer a wide selection of premium materials to create the perfect awards for any occasion. Understanding the characteristics of each material will help you choose the ideal option for your event. Here’s a guide to the materials we use and their benefits.
Trophies
Resin
Resin is a durable and versatile material that can be moulded into intricate designs, making it perfect for lifelike sports-themed trophies. It is lightweight, impact-resistant, and cost-effective, making it a popular choice for various awards.
Plastic
Plastic trophies are lightweight, cost-effective, and available in various finishes. They are ideal for high-volume events and are resistant to fading, ensuring they stay looking fresh. Plastic is also an excellent base for custom vinyl designs, such as our Geo Block range, offering endless personalization possibilities.
Heavyweight Composite
Heavyweight composite trophies combine the strength of metal with affordability. They are durable, tarnish-resistant, and provide a premium feel without the high cost of solid metal trophies.
Medals
Metal Medals
All our medals are crafted from high-quality metal—never plastic. We offer:
Iron: Stamped for a traditional, solid finish. Affordable but may require maintenance to retain its appearance.
Zamac: A premium alloy of zinc, aluminium, magnesium, and copper. It offers durability, tarnish resistance, and a smooth, high-quality finish.
Ribbons
Our ribbons are made from high-quality polyester and come in two types:
Standard Ribbons: Fitted with a sturdy metal clip to keep medals securely in place.
Safety Ribbons: Feature a quick-release clip for added safety, preventing choking hazards if the ribbon gets caught.
Medal Cases
Our medal cases are designed to protect and showcase your medals with elegance. Inside each case, there are various recess sizes to accommodate the different medals we offer.
Options include:
Leatherette: Elegant, durable, and professional.
Satin Finish: A refined case option designed to protect and display medals stylishly.
Velvet: Offers a luxurious feel, with a soft, plush interior that enhances the presentation of high-end medals.
Plastic: A practical, lightweight option, providing a cost-effective yet durable way to store and present medals securely.
Glass Awards
Glass awards offer a sleek, modern look, ideal for corporate and special events. They can be engraved or UV printed, with the clear surface making logos and designs stand out beautifully.
Crystal
Crystal provides a more luxurious, high-end finish with exceptional clarity. Heavier than standard glass, it adds a prestigious touch to awards. Can be laser engraved or UV printed.
Jade Glass
With its subtle green tint, jade glass exudes elegance. Like standard glass, it supports laser engraving and UV printing, making it a premium yet affordable option.
Optical Crystal
Optical crystal is clearer, more durable, and has a higher refractive index than regular glass, creating a dazzling prismatic effect. It’s the top choice for luxury awards.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a lightweight, cost-effective alternative to glass and crystal. It is scratch-resistant, can be customized with vibrant colours, and mimics the look of glass while being more durable.
Presentation Cups
Nickel-Plated Cast Cups
Nickel plating provides a silvery-white finish with a slight grey or yellow tint. It is highly durable, corrosion-resistant, and an affordable alternative to silver or gold plating.
Silver-Plated Cast Cups
Silver plating offers a bright, reflective surface with a premium white tone. While elegant, it requires occasional polishing to maintain its shine.
Gold-Plated Cast Cups
Gold plating delivers a warm, luxurious finish, perfect for prestigious awards and championships. Although gold does not tarnish, the plating can wear over time, making it the most exclusive and delicate option.
Other Awards
Wooden Plaques
Wooden plaques offer a classic, timeless appeal. They can be customized with engraving plates, shields, or vinyl logo inserts, making them perfect for long-lasting commemorative awards.
Bamboo Eco Awards
Bamboo is a sustainable, eco-friendly material with a modern natural aesthetic. Strong and durable, it’s a great choice for environmentally conscious awards. Read more about our eco-friendly mission here.
Pewter Tankards & Hipflasks
Pewter is a durable, vintage-style metal that is naturally tarnish-resistant. Tankards and hipflasks make memorable awards with minimal maintenance.
Components
Vinyl Inserts
Vinyl inserts allow for full-colour customisation, including logos, branding, or intricate designs. They can be finished with an acrylic dome for a more polished, premium look.
Engraving Plates
Our metal engraving plates are made from aluminium, a durable, high-shine material ideal for diamond drag engraving.
Marble Bases
Marble bases add weight, elegance, and stability to any trophy. The natural stone finish enhances the overall premium look of the award.
Bakelite Bases
Bakelite is a durable, cost-effective plastic material often used as a base for trophies. It offers a modern, sleek look while remaining an affordable alternative to marble.
Each material at Trophies Plus Medals is carefully selected for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and ability to create lasting impressions. Whether you're looking for a classic wooden plaque or a premium optical crystal trophy, we have the perfect material for your next award.
Explore our collection today and find the ideal award for your event!
Need help choosing the perfect award?
Email: sales@trophiesplusmedals.co.uk
Phone: 01788 422 222
Or start a live chat via the pop-up in the bottom right of the page.