Any tips?

hannahlisa

I have silver chargers for each place setting and I want to engrave or somehow write on each of them. So, I was wondering if anyone knew a place that would engrave on plastic chargers? Or any other tips or techniques to engrave each charger?

Thanks!

Liberty27

My background is in manufacturing engineering...

You really can't engrave plastic.  The first reason is most likely your charges are painted silver so when you go in with a machine to "engrave" it you will end up seeing whatever color the actual plastic is (probably white) and you don't want to paint over it because the paint will just fill in the engraving.  Second, the tools you use to engrave or remove material gets really hot and heat + plastic = melting.  To do this on plastic you have to have a special water-cooled CNC machine.  My suggestion would be to look at some kind of print transfer process, similar to iron on, just make sure you always keep the heat on the lowest setting possible.

MesmrEwe

Just from the standpoint of using them after your wedding, if you want to sell them or use them for even Christmas at your place after the wedding, you'll be less likely to reuse them if they've got markings from your wedding on them.  I'd hate to see them all just pitched when they're something that you could easily resell or reuse for another event (shower, event, etc.) if nothing is done to them. 

hannahlisa

Thanks so much Liberty27. I figured that there wouldn't be a way to actually engrave them because yes, they are painted silver and I am sure the plastic underneath isn't pretty.... I have a few extras so I will practice on some. I have done ink transfers before from a photograph onto a wall with gel medium before and onto a canvas, maybe I can figure out a way to do something like that to them. Thanks!

carlakindschy

You could always try the etching paper.  I have seen people use those on plastic cups before and they turned out great.  Good luck!!