Choosing the Best Acrylic Awards: Engraved vs. Full-Color Options
When it comes to recognizing achievement, the award itself should feel just as meaningful as the accomplishment. Acrylic awards have become a go-to choice for events of all kinds thanks to their versatility, durability, and modern appeal.
At Hodges Badge Company, you’re not just choosing an award, you’re partnering with a family-owned and operated, USA-based manufacturer with over a century of craftsmanship and 5-star customer service. That means every piece is made with care, precision, and pride right here in the United States.
So how do you choose between engraved acrylic awards and full-color acrylic awards? Let’s break it down.
Engraved Acrylic Awards: Timeless & Professional
Engraved acrylic awards are all about subtle sophistication. The etched design creates a refined, permanent mark that feels both classic and elevated.
Why choose engraved acrylic awards:
- Clean, professional appearance
- Timeless style that won’t go out of trend
- Ideal for corporate, academic, and formal events
- Durable engraving that won’t fade or wear off
- Available in classic shapes like arches, stars and rectangles
Best for:
- Employee recognition
- Corporate milestones
- Academic honors
- Leadership awards
If your event leans traditional or formal, engraved acrylic awards deliver a polished look that lets the achievement speak for itself.
Full-Color Acrylic Awards: Bold & Customizable
Full-color acrylic awards are designed to stand out. With vibrant printing and endless customization options, they bring energy and personality to any event.
Why choose full-color acrylic awards:
- Eye-catching vivid colors and graphics
- Perfect for showcasing logos, branding, or images
- Great for creative and community events
- Modern shapes like circles, squares, and diamonds
- Strong visual impact for photos and social sharing
Best for:
- Competitions & fairs
- School and community events
- Branded corporate celebrations
- Creative or themed events
These awards are ideal when you want your recognition pieces to feel fun, memorable, and uniquely tied to your event.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Engraved Acrylic | Full-Color Acrylic |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Classic & refined | Bold & modern |
| Customization | Etched text/design | Full-color graphics |
| Best For | Formal events | Creative & branded events |
| Durability | Extremely long-lasting | Long-lasting with vibrant finish |
| Visual Impact | Subtle elegance | High visibility |
How to Choose the Right Option
When deciding, think about the tone of your event and your audience:
- Choose engraved if you want a professional, timeless feel
- Choose full-color if you want a fun, high-impact presentation
- Consider your branding needs, logos and colors shine in full-color designs
- Match the award to the experience you want recipients to remember
Why It Matters Where Your Awards Are Made
Not all awards are created equally. When you order from Hodges Badge Company, you get:
- 🇺🇸 Made in the USA
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-owned & operated since 1920
- ⭐ 5-star customer service you can count on
- 🎯 Precision, quality, and attention to detail in every order
Whether you choose engraved or full color, you can trust that your awards will reflect the importance of the moment.
Final Thoughts
Both engraved and full color acrylic awards offer something special, it just depends on the story you want your event to tell.
- Go classic with engraved for elegance and tradition
- Go bold with full color for creativity and impact
Either way, choosing high-quality, American-made awards ensures your winners receive something truly worth celebrating.