Custom medals can be made in two main ways: DIY handmade medals for small personal events, or professionally manufactured custom medals using zinc alloy and soft enamel for durable, high-quality awards. This guide explains everything you need to know about custom medals — from simple DIY ideas to factory production, material selection, medal designs, and how to choose reliable medal manufacturers.
By the end of this article, you will clearly understand:
How custom medals are made
What materials are best for medals
How to design professional custom award medallions
When to choose DIY or factory manufacturing
A custom medal is a personalized award designed for a specific event, organization, or achievement. Unlike standard medals, custom-made medals are produced according to unique designs, materials, and finishing requirements.
Custom medals are commonly used for:
Sports competitions
Marathons
Corporate awards
Military recognition
School events
Commemorative ceremonies
Size
Shape
Material
Color
Logo
Ribbon
Plating
| Feature | DIY Medals | Professional Custom-Made Medals |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Small family events, classroom activities, temporary awards, low-budget projects | Sports events, corporate awards, brand recognition, large competitions, public events |
| Materials | Clay, cardboard, recycled objects | Zinc alloy, brass, stainless steel |
| Advantages | Low cost, creative freedom, fast production | Durable, premium appearance, consistent quality, strong brand presentation |
| Limitations | Low durability, not suitable for formal events, limited design precision | Higher cost, requires planning, bulk production preferred |
DIY custom medals are suitable for small-scale creative projects.
Step 1: Choose Material: Air-dry clay, cardboard, bottle caps
Step 2: Shape the Medal: Cut a circle or a custom shape; add name, date, symbol
Step 3: Paint and Decorate: Use acrylic paint; add glitter, stickers, and markers
Step 4: Add Ribbon: Punch a hole, insert the ribbon, and tie securely
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Medal Design | Vector artwork created; size, shape, and metal thickness defined |
| 2. Mold Creation | Steel mold engraved using CNC technology for accurate 3D designs |
| 3. Die Casting | Molten zinc alloy is injected into a mold to create a strong, durable, heavy medal |
| 4. Polishing | Edges and surfaces smoothed; medal refined and clean |
| 5. Electroplating | Gold, silver, and antique copper were applied for a premium finish |
| 6. Soft Enamel Coloring | Color filled into recessed areas; optional epoxy coating added for protection |
| Material | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Zinc Alloy | Strong, rust-resistant, excellent for 3D designs, affordable, suitable for bulk production |
| Brass | Premium weight, better detail, used for high-end custom award medallions |
| Stainless Steel | Strong, corrosion-resistant, modern look, used for simple designs |
Mold creation
Die casting
Plating
Color filling
Polishing
| Design Aspect | Tips |
|---|---|
| Keep Text Simple | Use event name, year, logo; avoid long sentences |
| Use Strong Contrast | Dark color + light metal, e.g., navy + silver for better visibility |
| Choose the proper size | 50mm to 70mm is standard, comfortable, and visually balanced |
| Use Ribbon for Extra Branding | Print event name, sponsor logo, and date on ribbon to keep medal clean |
Factory experience
Free design support
Low MOQ
Fast production
Quality control
Looking for reliable custom medal manufacturers?
Cugle offers free design, low MOQ, factory-direct pricing, and fast production.
Get your custom medal quote today
Zinc alloy is the most recommended due to its durability and cost efficiency.
50mm to 70mm is most common.
Usually 10 to 15 days. This depends on the number of processes you choose.
Yes, many medal manufacturers offer low MOQ options. Our minimum order quantity is 50 pieces.
Custom medals can be created through DIY methods or professional manufacturing. DIY medals work for small creative events. Professional custom medals provide durability, branding, and premium quality for large-scale events. Working with experienced medal manufacturers ensures the best results.
