Craftsmanship · 5 min read

UV Printing vs Engraving vs Enamel: Choosing the Right Way to Personalise Silver

Once you've decided on a silver coin, the next question is how it gets personalised. The technique changes both the look and the durability of the final piece — here's how the three most common methods compare.

UV printing

UV printing uses ultraviolet light to cure full-colour ink directly onto the silver surface, layer by layer. It's the only one of the three techniques that reproduces a photograph in real colour, which makes it the standard choice for photo coins, baby pictures, and couple portraits.

Best for: photographs, colourful designs, logos with brand colours.

Laser engraving

Engraving etches the design directly into the metal using a laser, leaving a permanent monochrome mark. It has a classic, formal look and is extremely durable since there's no surface layer to wear off.

Best for: names, dates, initials, and minimalist text-only designs.

Enamel & inlay work

Enamel involves filling engraved sections with coloured resin or vitreous enamel, producing a raised, decorative finish. It's typically more labour-intensive and better suited to elaborate motifs than photographs.

Best for: ornamental designs, religious symbols, decorative borders.

So which should you choose?

If the gift centres on a photograph — a baby, a couple, a family — UV printing is the clear choice, since it's the only technique that renders a photo accurately. If the piece is text-only (a name, a date, a short message), engraving gives a timeless, highly durable result. For elaborate decorative motifs without a photograph, enamel work adds visual richness.

At The Shining Owl, we primarily UV-print our coins because most orders are photo- or colour-based, but we're happy to discuss engraving for text-focused designs.

Frequently asked questions

Does UV print fade over time?

UV-cured ink is designed to resist fading under normal indoor conditions, though like any printed surface it should be kept away from prolonged direct sunlight and abrasive contact.

Can UV printing be done on both sides of a coin?

Yes, both sides can be printed — a common choice is a photo on one side and a name or date on the other.

Is engraving more expensive than UV printing?

Pricing depends on design complexity and coin weight rather than the technique itself. Message us with your idea and we'll quote accordingly.