What is a metal logo?
A metal logo is your brand made in real metal, either as a thin, flexible plate (1 mm label) that you can stick on, or as a rigid cast badge (2–3 mm) that you screw on or glue. With both versions you get 3D relief and a premium look.
Key features
- Two forms: metal label (1 mm, flexible, self-adhesive) or hard badge (2–3 mm, rigid, with hole for a screw)
- 100% real metal (labels): tin, copper, brass or aluminium, no plating
- Coloured zinc alloy (badges): not solid precious metal, but a cast base with a finish that imitates the metal
- 3D relief on both: subtle on labels, more pronounced on badges thanks to the greater thickness
- Flexibility: labels bend with curves (frames, bottles); badges are rigid
- Minimum order quantity: labels possible below 250 units (at a higher unit price), badges start from 250 units
- Lead time: 4–5 weeks after approval of the free digital preview
- Made in Europe: produced in the EU (Schild Inc. in Almere, NL)
Which material should you choose for your metal logo?
Not every metal is suitable for every environment. The choice depends on where your logo will be used: outdoors, in a damp space, or indoors. More guides on this topic are in the category Metal labels. Read our guide on metal badges vs labels. Read our guide on metal label thickness.
Aluminium is the first choice for outdoors. It stays stable, does not discolour and is the most durable option for bikes, garden furniture or outdoor equipment. Aluminium comes with yellow Lohmann adhesive (from Germany), which gives strong adhesion on smooth surfaces.
Tin gives that classic silver shine, but oxidises quickly outdoors. Within a few months it darkens. We call this patina, and some brands find that very characterful. But for applications where you want to keep the original silver look, we recommend aluminium. Tin also gets yellow Lohmann adhesive.
Copper and brass have a warmer colour and oxidise on the surface to a greenish white (brass) or reddish brown (copper) patina. This is a natural process that also occurs despite the protective layer where the metal is exposed. Indoors copper and brass are beautiful; outdoors you must like that they change. Both get 3M adhesive, because adhesion is otherwise weaker. Especially larger copper and brass labels need a thicker 3M variant.
In practice we recommend: if you are outdoors, choose aluminium; if you accept or want patina, choose tin (but accept oxidation) or copper/brass; if you are indoors, choose what appeals to you aesthetically.
Metal label or hard badge, what fits better?
Both have 3D relief, but the form determines which you need. All versions and prices are on the page 1 mm metal labels. All versions and prices are on the page 1 mm metal labels.
Choose a metal label if:
- Your logo needs to go on something round or curved, a bike frame, a design flacon, a tubular wooden piece of furniture. The 1 mm thin label is flexible and bends with it. A rigid 3 mm badge will not follow that shape and could come loose.
- Your minimum quantity is small. Labels can be ordered below 250 units (at a higher unit price), badges cannot.
- You might want to remove the label later without leaving traces. With an adhesive remover it comes off cleanly.
Choose a hard badge if:
- Your surface is flat, a wooden box, a metal plate, an instrument.
- You want maximum impact: the 3D relief is more visible thanks to the greater thickness.
- You prefer a fixed fixing with a screw or bolt (the badge has a pre-drilled hole).
A common mistake is choosing a badge for a curved surface. That does not work. Conversely: badges on flat surfaces look more impressive than labels.
What about self-adhesive mounting and adhesive types?
Both types, label and badge, can be self-adhesive. Our labels have a self-adhesive back as standard; badges too, but they can also be fixed with a screw/bolt or a magnet. Read our guide on metal labels. Read our guide on metal label finishing.
The adhesive depends on the metal. See our custom metal labels and you will see which adhesive applies to your choice. Yellow Lohmann adhesive (Germany) works best on aluminium and tin; 3M adhesive on copper and brass. 3M is slightly stronger and more ‘elastic’, which is needed for larger surfaces, otherwise the edge of the label can lift.
Important: self-adhesive sticks best on clean, dry, smooth surfaces. On oiled or waxed wood, common with premium furniture, self-adhesive sticks less well. There we recommend screw mounting or a hard badge.
Price: what does it cost to have a metal logo made?
The price depends on size, shape, material and quantity. Here are realistic examples. More background on oxidation can be found on Wikipedia.
An aluminium label of about 3.5 cm costs as a price example €1,27 per piece at 250 units. At larger quantities the price drops sharply: 500 units ≈ €0,75 per piece, 1.000 units ≈ €0,64 per piece, 2.500+ units ≈ €0,60 per piece. This excludes one-off die-cut and print costs.
Hard badges are calculated per project; the base shape, the zinc casting and the finish make them more expensive per piece. They start from 250 units.
The exact price? That depends on your exact size, shape, number of relief layers and quantity. Our suggestion: request a tailored quote, or use our price calculator on the product page for a quick estimate.
If you are starting small, it can be interesting to buy a test pack of 50 or 100 metal labels (new customers only), so you can first test whether the look and adhesion are exactly right. Unfortunately hard badges cannot be produced in such a small trial; they really start at 250 units.
Who is a metal logo for?
Bicycle manufacturers and bike shops
Frames, road bikes, e-bikes, all have curved frames and mudguards. That is why bicycle manufacturers almost always choose the metal label. It follows the curve, and in one colour choice (e.g. aluminium silver or polished copper) it gives your brand character. See our range of bike labels & accessories.
Furniture and woodworking companies
Hand made is worth more if you can see it. A tin or copper logo on a wooden table leg, seat or cupboard door speaks for craftsmanship. Hard badges work well here if you have a flat spot; on curved wooden parts choose the flexible label. See labels for furniture for inspiration.
Perfume and cosmetics brands
The bottle is already beautiful, but a metal logo makes it luxurious. Tin or copper gives warmth; aluminium gives silver shine. The label follows the bottle or lid. For applications see labels for perfume bottles.
Musical instrument makers
Violins, guitars, drums, a small brass label with your name in 3D relief is a handmade statement. Small size, premium material, strong visual impact. See labels for musical instruments.
Candles and interior
A cast badge on a large candle pack or a metal label on a leather accessory: this is where minimalism and material meet. Also see labels for candles.
Wine and premium food
Metal logos on bottles are rare and therefore memorable. Labels for wine bottles shows how this works.
Industry and machinery
Anyone who needs nameplates, warning labels or serial numbers chooses aluminium (durability outdoors) or in certain cases (not online yet: our stainless steel nameplate product is coming). For now the aluminium label is the most suitable for marking.
