An award medal is a small, commemorative object, usually in the form of a disc. You may want to award a medal for several reasons, whether for placing in a competition or simply for participating in an event. Awards can also be given out as a form of recognition for academic or military achievements.
Since these objects are often cherished for years to come as a way of looking back on a significant event, customization is important. Here are some different award medal options and how to further customize for your special achievement.
Award Medal Finishes
Antique Gold/Silver/Bronze
Customizing your medals with an antique finish adds a vintage and sophisticated look. During the process, we brush a darker finish that matches the gold, silver, or bronze of your medal onto the surface. You can customize the medal further with an additional color fill, or keep it one tone.
Bright Gold/Silver/Bronze
Another option for gold, silver, and bronze award medals is to skip the antique finish and add a high gloss. The high-gloss finish on these medals really makes them stand out and shine. Customize these bright, shiny medals even further with an additional color fill to emphasize the text or image on the front of your medal, or keep it classic with an allover gold, silver, or bronze look.
Black Nickel Finish and Shiny Black Nickel Finish
A black nickel finish gives a medal a sophisticated and high-quality look, and can be further customized with color fills. The surface of the medal is covered in a layer of glossy black nickel, which is more reflective and shinier than a silver finish, or a normal black nickel, which is then painted with a matte black pigment for a pure black look.
[Related: Types of Custom Patches]
Award Medal Attachments
Ribbon Drape
Medal ribbon drapes are an excellent way to display your medal on a jacket or uniform. Each ribbon drape has a pin back to attach it and includes a ring at the bottom to hold a medal.
Ribbon
A common ribbon attachment is a neck ribbon equipped with an attachment device — usually a small loop at the V-point to attach the medal to. These further your customization options by adding a pop of color to the award, as well as making it easy to wear and show off.
Award Medal Customization
Location
Show off your hometown pride with an image on your medal that commemorates the area. Live by the beach? Add some waves to your medal. In the big city? Customize your medal with a significant landmark or skyscraper.
Organization
Customize your text, image, and select a custom ribbon to match with your organization. If you’re giving out a medal for a school field day, consider adding your school’s mascot, the class’s graduating year, or the school initials somewhere. Will you award a medal at the end of a camp or work retreat? Customize the medal with your camp or work logo. If you’re giving out medals to a sports team, your team mascot, team name, and player’s jersey number can be unique and thoughtful touches.
Southwest Emblem has decades of experience helping customers showcase their passion and interests through the highest-quality commemorative products. Do you want to find out more about customization options for medals, or are you interested in ordering your own? Contact us today and let’s get started!