The first thing anyone notices about a medal isn't the wording — it's the finish. Before a single word is read, the surface tells the story: whether this is a formal, decades-old honour or a bright, modern achievement badge. Choosing the right finish is one of the highest-leverage design decisions you'll make.

Antique brass: weight and tradition

Antique brass is the finish most people picture when they think "medal." The recessed detail is darkened while the raised surfaces stay bright, giving strong contrast under any light. It reads as established and formal, which makes it a natural fit for academic honours, long-service awards, and anything meant to feel timeless.

Bright bronze: bold and modern

Bright bronze skips the antiquing step, leaving a warm, uniform glow across the whole face. It photographs beautifully and tends to suit sports and competition medals, where organisers want something that pops on a podium and in event photography.

Brushed pewter: quiet and understated

Pewter's soft, matte texture is the least flashy of the three — and that's exactly the point. It works well for corporate recognition pieces and any award where subtlety matters more than shine.

A good rule of thumb: the more formal or historic the occasion, the more contrast and depth you want in the finish.

Combining finishes

Two-tone plating — antique brass detail with a bright rim, for example — is increasingly popular for flagship awards, since it lets a design carry both texture and shine in the same piece. We're happy to send sample chips for any finish before you commit to a full production run.