Types of Custom Medals for Events and Awards
Custom medals can be made in many materials and finishes. The right choice depends on the event type, design style, budget, weight, delivery schedule and how the medal will be presented.
For races, tournaments, schools, clubs and company events, Difway Awards offers a broad range of custom medals that can be matched to different award programs.
Metal Medals
Metal medals are the most common choice for races, sports competitions and commemorative awards. They can be die struck, die cast, 2D, 3D, antique plated, shiny plated or filled with enamel color.
Best for
- Marathons and running events
- School competitions
- Corporate award ceremonies
- Sports clubs and tournaments
- Commemorative events
Metal medals are strong and premium, especially when the design includes raised relief, cutout shapes or antique finishes.
PVC Medals
PVC medals are flexible, colorful and lightweight. They are useful for fun runs, kids events, holiday races and playful mascot designs. PVC can support bold shapes, cartoon artwork and bright colors.
If your event needs a softer and more colorful medal style, PVC medals can be a practical option.
Acrylic Medals
Acrylic medals are lightweight and modern. They can show printed color, transparent effects and clean shapes. Acrylic is useful when the design needs a bright visual style without heavy metal weight.
They are often used for school events, creative competitions, branded campaigns and lower-weight award programs.
Wood Medals
Wood medals create a natural look. They are suitable for eco-themed events, trail races, outdoor activities and handmade-style award programs. Wood can be laser engraved, printed or combined with ribbons.
For events that want a warmer material, wood medals can help the award feel different from standard metal medals.
Crystal and Glass Medals
Crystal and glass medals have a clean, elegant appearance. They are often chosen for premium awards, business events, commemorative gifts and presentation pieces. Laser engraving can create a refined finish.
When a polished, gift-like award is needed, crystal medals can be a strong fit.
Printed Medals
Printed medals work well for full-color artwork, gradients, portraits, landscapes and detailed illustrations. They can reproduce designs that are difficult to separate into enamel color blocks.
This option is useful for event artwork with many colors, photo-style graphics or sponsor-heavy layouts.
How to Choose the Right Medal Type
| Need | Recommended medal type |
|---|---|
| Classic premium award | Metal medal |
| Colorful kids event | PVC medal |
| Modern lightweight design | Acrylic medal |
| Natural outdoor theme | Wood medal |
| Elegant business gift | Crystal or glass medal |
| Full-color illustration | Printed medal |
Details That Affect Medal Quality
- Artwork clarity and line thickness
- Medal size and thickness
- Plating or material finish
- Ribbon width and color
- Packaging choice
- Quantity and delivery schedule
For a complete event set, medals can also be paired with custom pins or branded coins for staff, sponsors and VIP guests.
FAQ
What is the most popular type of custom medal?
Metal medals are the most widely used because they feel durable and premium, but PVC, acrylic, wood and crystal medals can be better for specific event styles.
Can medals be made in custom shapes?
Yes. Many medals can be made in custom outlines, including logos, mascots, shields, landmarks and event-themed shapes.
Which medal type is best for kids events?
PVC medals and colorful printed medals are often good for kids events because they are bright, lightweight and flexible for playful artwork.
