Materials
What materials can I use for precision plaques?
Gemini’s Precision plaques are available in aluminum, brass, and bronze. Our metal alloys are free of lead and mercury.
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Minimum and Maximum Size
How big can Precision plaques be?
Precision plaques can be up to 38 inches by 64 inches.
How small can precision plaques be?
Precision plaques can be as small as 2 inches by 2 inches.
Depth
What thicknesses are there for precision plaques?
Precision plaques made in aluminum, brass, and bronze are available in three thicknesses.
| 1/8 in | 1/4 in | 5/16 in |
3/8 in |
| Up to 18 in x 18 in | Up to 12 in x 26 in | Up to 38 in x 64 in | Ask for Availability* |
*Note: 3/8 inch thickness may be available, size limitations, with additional cost.
Borders
Can precision plaques be made with a border?
Precision plaques can be designed with or without a border. They are available in twelve standard border designs and can be made with custom borders.
Note: Have vector art for a custom border? Request a quote through Partner Portal.
Background Colors
What background colors can I have on my precision plaque?
Precision plaques can be painted in a selection of standard plaque paint colors or with your custom paint color.
Multicolor paint can be applied upon art review for additional cost. Consider our UV Colorlast option for plaques with 3 or more colors.
Note: Our standard paint colors for plaques have a satin finish.
Background Textures
What background textures can I have on a precision plaque?
We have four background textures for precision plaques:
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| Leatherette | Stipple | Sand | Pebble |
A background texture is required to conceal marks left by production.
Sand and stipple are considered smoother textures than leatherette and pebble.
Precision Plaque Finishes
What finishes are available for precision plaques?
- Horizontal Brushed Surface - Standard for all plaques.
- Polished Surface
- Oxidized
- Flash Bronze Coating
- Random Orbital Surface
- Multi-Paint
- UV Colorlast
Vertical grain direction available, ask your sales representative for details.
Typeface/fonts
What fonts can I use on Precision plaques?
Most fonts can be produced on Precision plaques. The level of detail in the font and the size of the strokes will determine the letter height required. The smallest letters able to be produced on a Precision plaque will have a "regular" appearance. Regular fonts contain moderate stroke values but also larger openings between serifs and other defining features. Very thin or bold text requires larger letters.
A "regular" version of a font is both able to be machine routed through the serifs and other small gaps in the letter, while also being able to survive the sanding process that produces the iconic horizontal grain surface. Bold letters survive the sanding process, but struggle with the gaps in the letters. Thin letters can have gaps in the letters easily routed, but will struggle to survive the sanding process. Regular versions of fonts (usually) are just right.
Gemini often modifies fonts in order to assure your provided artwork matches production standards. Typical edits include: thickening strokes, cutting serifs, and adjusting spacing. Most often, these changes are imperceptible and will be mentioned on your proof.
Note: A Microsoft Word (.doc) file is required for text if Gemini is to typeset with a standard font style. Shorter amounts of text may also be supplied through the portal comments on the order.
Portrait and Image Options
What image options are available for Precision plaques?
- Etched Portrait - halftone dot pattern paint filled to contrast the brushed background finish
- UV Colorlast - full color CMYK print applied directly to the plaque's raised surface
- Flat Relief - artist interpretation of a photo rendered in a 2D vector drawing
- Ceramic Insert - full color kiln-fired portrait
- Bas Relief - artist interpretation of a photo rendered in a 3D sculpt
Install Environment
Where can I install precision plaques?
Precision plaques are for interior or exterior applications.
Painted backs for harsh environments would be recommended, for additional cost.
Note: UV Colorlast and Flash Bronze finishes are available for interior use only.
Clear Coat
We have four clear coat options to seal your plaque for a long-lasting installation.
- Satin: Standard on brushed, painted, oxidized, Colorlast printed finishes
- Gloss: Standard on polished finishes.
- Semi-Gloss
- Matte
Note: A clear coat for harsh environments is available upon request at no charge.
Gemini recommends that you request this clear coat for plaques that are installed on posts, stakes, fences, gates, benches, or other applications where the back will be exposed to the elements.
Mounting
What mounting options are there for precision plaques?
We have several mounting options for precision plaques. To see all available mounting options for all plaque products, check out our Plaque Mounting and Hardware guide!
Surface Mounts for Precision Metal Plaques:
- Blind Stud Mount - used in solid wall installations for plaques with 1/4" depth or greater, mounting is hidden once installed.
- Machine Screws - used in solid wall installations, screws visible on face of plaque.
- Machine Screws with Toggle Wings - used in hollow wall installations, screws visible on face of plaque.
- Machine Screws with Masonry Shields - used in solid wall installations involving brick, stone, or cement.
- Wood Screws - used in wood surface installations or hollow wall with wood studs behind the wall.
- Thru Holes - used when installation calls for screws but Gemini is not providing hardware (ex: if torx or another style screw head is being sourced by installer). Hole size limited to standard screw sizes.
- Welded Stud Boss - used for solid wall installations on plaques with depths less than 1/4" and where hidden mounting is required.
Tip: We offer decorative screw covers called Rosettes. Learn more about them here.
Free Standing Mounting Options for Precision Metal Plaques:
- Garden Stake - used for smaller plaques ranging from 4"w x 4"h – 20"w x 8"h
- Square Post F Type - designed to hold medium-sized plaques up to 900 sq inches
Shipping
- Oversized shipping charges apply for 8-foot posts.
- Plaque size with dimensions of a single dimension of 36 inches up to 79.9 inches will have oversized shipping charges.
- Plaques sized 80 inches or larger have no guaranteed ground freight.
More About Precision Plaques
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