Wood, aluminium or stainless steel? Choosing what your QR code is engraved on

We laser engrave QR codes onto wood, aluminium, stainless steel and more. Each one looks and feels different, and each suits some places better than others. The best way to choose is to start with one question: where will this keepsake live?

Outdoors: think about the weather

A keepsake on a memorial bench, a headstone or in the garden will see rain, frost and sun all year round. Stainless steel is a good fit here: it’s tough and it resists rust, so the engraving stays sharp. A stainless steel heart is a lovely, simple shape for a place of remembrance.

Wood is beautiful outside, but like any wood it will weather over time unless it’s sheltered or sealed. If you love the look of wood for a garden spot, tell us where it’s going and we’ll talk it through with you.

On the move: think about weight

A tag on a collar, a keyring or a bag gets carried, knocked and handled every day. Anodised aluminium is light, so it’s comfortable to carry, and anodising gives the surface a hard, coloured finish that the laser engraves through. An ID tag in stainless steel is a sturdy alternative if you prefer a heavier feel.

At home: think about the feel

For a shelf, a memory box or a gift to unwrap, you can choose on looks alone. Wood feels warm and natural and suits a cosy home. Steel and aluminium feel modern and clean. There’s no wrong answer, so pick the one that feels most like them.

Make sure it scans easily

Whatever you choose, the code has to be easy for a phone camera to read. A few things help:

• Size. A bigger code is easier to scan, especially from a little distance, such as on a headstone.
• Contrast. A clear difference between the engraving and the surface around it helps the camera pick out the squares.
• A clear view. Try not to place the keepsake where it will be covered by plants, ornaments or a collar buckle.

If you’re not sure what will work best where you have in mind, just ask. We’re happy to help.

Can’t decide?

Tell us who the keepsake is for and where it will go, and we’ll help you choose. You can see the options on our keepsakes page. A hosted QR code engraved on a stainless steel heart, an ID tag, an anodised aluminium tag and more starts from £20.