Engraved Plaques can be supplied in Wood, Metal and Plastic. Bronzed Brass is popular for exterior plaques, usually infilled in cream. Shiny brass needs to be lacquered or polished regularly. Aluminium and Stainless Steel are also available, either shiny mirror finish or brushed, butler finish. There are also laminates that give a similar feel. Acrylics and other plastics can also be used for donor plaques. Clear acrylic with stand-off fittings will produce a shadow effect on the wall and can also be edge-lit. Clear acrylic can have a green edge to emulate plate glass.

In some cases these materials can also be used with vinyl text. This may enable text to be changed periodically.