How We Laser-Engrave Our Wooden Name Badges

Direct answer: every name badge is laser-engraved, not printed — a focused laser beam burns away a thin layer of the wood surface, creating a permanent mark that won't fade, peel or wear off. Here's how the process actually works.

What laser engraving is

Laser engraving uses a focused laser beam to remove a thin layer of material from the surface, creating a permanent recessed mark. Unlike printing, there's no ink or coating sitting on top of the material that can wear away — the mark is part of the material itself.

The materials we engrave

Our name badges are made from FSC-certified oak veneered MDF and FSC-certified Moso bamboo (certificate BV-COC-190523). Oak veneer gives consistent, high-contrast engraving across a large batch. Bamboo has a tighter internal structure, which gives an especially sharp, clean engraved line — see are bamboo name badges water-resistant? for how the two materials compare.

From logo to finished badge

You upload your logo and any text using the personalisation options on the product page. We prepare the artwork for engraving — colour and black-and-white logos both work; we will convert colour logos for you — and the laser cuts the design directly into the material. Each badge is inspected before dispatch.

Why engraving outlasts printing

A printed badge fades under light, scratches with handling, and can peel at the edges over time. An engraved badge has nothing to wear off — the design is cut into the surface, so it looks the same after years of daily wear as it did on day one.

Ordering

Choose oak or bamboo name badges and upload your logo with the logo upload button on the product page. Bulk discounts apply automatically at checkout, per product:

• 20 or more of the same product — 10% off
• 50 or more — 15% off
• 100 or more — 20% off
• 250 or more — 25% off
• 500 or more — 30% off
• 1,000 or more — 35% off

All items are made to order. Dispatch time is shown at checkout. UK orders via Royal Mail Tracked 24. International via Royal Mail International Tracked.

Frequently asked questions

Does engraving work with colour logos?
Colour or black and white both work. We will convert your logo for engraving. If there is a problem, we will get in touch.

Will the engraving fade over time?
No — because the mark is cut into the material rather than printed on top, it doesn't fade, peel or wear off with normal use.

Which material engraves most sharply?
Bamboo's tighter internal structure gives an especially clean, sharp line, though oak veneer also engraves with excellent contrast.

See also: our guide to wooden vs plastic name badges, and the full wooden name badges collection.