You're on the "Marker" with the Sharpies. They come in a variety of colors and offer good coverage of the (aluminum) plate edges.

The material cost, for a 5' x 7" backing plate, can amount to less than .60 ea.

Typically, they can add between $3-5 to the retail cost of a plaque.

Your mileage may vary, but backing plates are a point you should be "driving" home to your customers.

They add dimension and color. Two crucial features of an award plaque. Features people will extra pay for.

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

If you're using the right trophy tape, there's nothing better.

Don't use the paper tape or computer-table tape. Vinyl tapes are the most aggressive.

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

lj,

We do the same as you, so I now refer to the lasered border as a "self border" on our order forms so we can tell what we did a year from now. I still do the backing plate but not on every plaque like I used to, gives us another option so WE don't get bored in the shop with the "same ole, same ole".