What are the most important practices when marking on metal?

Depending on what application you are using to personalize metal, there are a few practices that decorators should keep in mind:

• If you are sublimating, bake the transfer first to get a crisper image. This helps to remove any moisture in the paper.
• Watch your temperature settings when sublimating. If brass gets too hot, the metal will change colors.
• If you are rotary engraving, make sure the spindle is spinning fast enough to give you a clean line.
• If you are laser engraving, ensure the brass plate is completely flat. A bow in the metal will cause the laser to lose focus.
• When oxidizing, make sure to not go over the edge. The edges aren’t lacquered and will turn dark.

-Karen Guzman, Identification Plates