Medal Finishes Guide
The finish of a custom medal determines its color, shine, and overall character. Choosing the right finish helps your medal match your event theme, budget, and desired impression. This guide explains the most common medal finishes and when to use each one.
Shiny Finishes
Shiny gold, silver, nickel, and copper finishes create a bright, reflective surface. They give medals a polished, prestigious look that works well for corporate awards, first-place prizes, and commemorative coins. Shiny finishes show fingerprints more easily but photograph well.
Matte and Satin Finishes
Matte or satin finishes have a soft, non-reflective surface. They reduce glare and give medals a modern, understated appearance. Matte gold, matte silver, and matte nickel are popular choices for contemporary events and designs with both raised and recessed areas.
Antique Finishes
Antique gold, silver, bronze, and copper finishes darken the recessed areas while highlighting raised details. This creates strong contrast and a vintage, collectible feel. Antique finishes are ideal for 3D relief, challenge coins, and commemorative medals. See our antique medals page for examples.
Black and Dual Finishes
Black nickel and black dye finishes create a dark, modern look. Dual plating combines two metal colors on one medal for dramatic contrast, such as gold and nickel or silver and black. These finishes are great for premium designs and limited editions.
Key Features
Shiny
Bright and reflective for a prestigious appearance.
Matte
Soft, modern finish that reduces glare.
Antique
Vintage contrast that highlights relief details.
Dual Plating
Two-tone metal colors for premium designs.
Related Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Which finish is best for 3D medals?
Antique finishes are usually best because they highlight raised details and create depth.
Can finishes be combined with enamel?
Yes, plating finishes define the metal areas, while enamel fills the recessed colored areas.
Does matte finish cost more?
Matte, shiny, and antique finishes are usually similar in cost. Dual plating and special colors may add a small premium.
Get a Free Quote for Medal Finishes Guide
Send us your design or idea and receive a digital proof and pricing within 24 hours.
Request a Quote How to Order