Put Your Signature Permanently on Your Work
A tintype is a physical photograph meant to last. Your signature should be just as permanent.
S.K. Grimes offers custom engraving of aluminum tintype plates, allowing photographers to permanently add their signature, studio name, logo, website, date, or other identifying information directly to their plates.
Unlike a marker, label, or sticker, an engraved signature becomes part of the plate itself. It won’t fade, peel, or become separated from the photograph over time, ensuring that the artist’s identity remains with their work for generations. Whether you’re creating individual portraits, limited editions, or a collection of fine art photographs, engraving adds a professional, lasting touch that reflects the care and craftsmanship behind every image.
Your Plates, Already Marked
Having your plates marked ahead of time means there is no need to stop and individually sign photographs after a session. Your signature and branding are already there, ready for use.
Engraving can include:
- Handwritten signatures or logos
- Studio name and contact information
- Website
- Dates or edition numbers
- Wedding, portrait, or event information
- Custom text or graphics
Adding your website or studio information also helps keep the photograph traceable to its maker for years to come.
How It Works
Supply the tintype plates you already use by shipping them to S.K. Grimes or having your supplier drop-ship them directly to us.
A one-time setup charge establishes your custom marking, followed by a per-plate engraving charge. Your setup is retained for future orders, eliminating the need for additional setup charges when reordering the same design.
We currently accommodate three engraving methods:
Deep Etching: Engraving directly into the aluminum, for plates up to 20″ × 32″.
Surface etch: Engraving the face black coating, for plates up to 36″ × 48″.
- Bonded Black Marking : Marking the black coating, for plates up to 36″ × 48″.
Marking Options
Deep engraving cuts into the aluminum, creating a permanent recessed mark with distinct texture and depth. Its appearance changes with lighting and viewing angle, ranging from white to dark gray. This dynamic effect adds depth and character, giving each engraving a distinctive appearance as light moves across its surface.
Yes, you can engrave the face of your tintype plate! The process does not affect the collodion and, depending on the image, creates a silver accent or subtle watermark effect. The laser removes the black coating to expose the aluminum beneath, producing a clean, contrasting design that adds a distinctive, personalized touch to your tintype.
A laser marking compound is applied to the surface and bonded to aluminum using the laser, creating a permanent black mark without cutting into the metal. The black finish provides exceptional contrast against bare aluminum, making it ideal for logos, signatures, and QR codes that require sharp, clear definition for reliable scanning.
Before you buy traditional trophy plate, take a closer look at our Signature Tintype Plates. Discover the significant differences in material quality, rigidity, and finish that set our plates apart.