THE UK'S #1 CHEMICAL ETCHING COMPANY. DEDICATED TRADE SUPPLIER OF ETCHED METAL SIGNAGE, LABELS & ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS
Chemical etching UK trade supplier, Etched plaques, signs, lables, nameplates, lasercut letters
 YOUR TRADE PARTNER FOR CHEMICAL ETCHING - DEDICATED TRADE ONLY SUPPLIER

YOUR TRADE PARTNER FOR CHEMICAL ETCHING

YOUR TRADE PARTNER FOR CHEMICAL ETCHING

THE UK'S #1 CHEMICAL 
ETCHING COMPANY. 
DEDICATED TRADE SUPPLIER OF ETCHED METAL SIGNAGE, LABELS & ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS 

We founded Trade Etching Direct in 2012 with the simple mission of offering a dedicated first class etching service to UK sign companies, architects and designers. Our unique focus solely on chemical etching means we are able to offer faster turnarounds at a competitive price. 

Our unwavering commitment to delivering great quality work, on time - every time, has enabled us to become the UK’s leading trade suppliers of etched signs and nameplates. We continually invest in state of the art equipment and technologies to ensure we are able to offer the best possible service to our customers. 

In 2017 T.E.D moved into a new 4,000 sq.ft facility enabling us to increase our production capacity to handle projects running to many thousands of pieces. 

We are able to offer express turnaround services including same day and next day deliveries.

Our goal is to develop long term relationships with sign companies by providing value for both them and the end customer, and consistently delivering high quality work.
Our unwavering commitment to delivering great quality work, on time - every time, has enabled us to become the UK’s leading trade suppliers of etched signs and nameplates. We continually invest in state of the art equipment and technologies to ensure we are able to offer the best possible service to our customers. 

In 2017 T.E.D moved into a new 4,000 sq.ft facility enabling us to increase our production capacity to handle projects running to many thousands of pieces. 

We are  able to offer express turnaround services including same day and next day deliveries.

Our goal is to develop long term relationships with sign companies by providing value for both them and the end customer, and consistently delivering high quality work.

Contact Us

THE UK'S #1 CHEMICAL ETCHING COMPANY. 
DEDICATED TRADE SUPPLIER OF ETCHED METAL SIGNAGE, LABELS & ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS

We founded Trade Etching Direct in 2012 with the simple mission of offering a dedicated first class etching service to UK sign companies, architects and designers. Our unique focus solely on chemical etching means we are able to offer faster turnarounds at a competitive price. 

THE UK'S #1 CHEMICAL ETCHING COMPANY. 
DEDICATED TRADE SUPPLIER OF ETCHED METAL SIGNAGE, LABELS & ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS

We founded Trade Etching Direct in 2012 with the simple mission of offering a dedicated first class etching service to UK sign companies, architects and designers. Our unique focus solely on chemical etching means we are able to offer faster turnarounds at a competitive price. 
Our unwavering commitment to delivering great quality work, on time - every time, has enabled us to become the UK’s leading trade suppliers of etched signs and nameplates. We continually invest in state of the art equipment and technologies to ensure we are able to offer the best possible service to our customers. 

In 2017 T.E.D moved into a new 4,000 sq.ft facility enabling us to increase our production capacity to handle projects running to many thousands of pieces. 

We are  able to offer express turnaround services including same day and next day deliveries.

Our goal is to develop long term relationships with sign companies by providing value for both them and the end customer, and consistently delivering high quality work.

Contact Us

Our unwavering commitment to delivering great quality work, on time - every time, has enabled us to become the UK’s leading trade suppliers of etched signs and nameplates. We continually invest in state of the art equipment and technologies to ensure we are able to offer the best possible service to our customers. 

In 2017 T.E.D moved into a new 4,000 sq.ft facility enabling us to increase our production capacity to handle projects running to many thousands of pieces. 

We are  able to offer express turnaround services including same day and next day deliveries.

Our goal is to develop long term relationships with sign companies by providing value for both them and the end customer, and consistently delivering high quality work.

Contact Us

chemical etched brass patina etching company

Where state of the art meets age old craft

At Trade Etching Direct we pride ourselves on the quality of our work. Our skilled craftsmen draw on years of experience to ensure every order meets the very highest standard.  When you partner with T.E.D.  we understand that your success is our success.

Our unique focus solely on chemical etching allows us to offer fast turnarounds and competitive pricing, to provide real value for you and your end customer.  We invest in state of the art equipment, continually pushing the boundaries of etching technology to develop new and exciting options for your customers. We are known in the industry for the quality of our patination work and infilling.
View our Services
patina brass service chemical etching

Where state of the art meets age old craft

At Trade Etching Direct we pride ourselves on the quality of our work. Our skilled craftsmen draw on years of experience to ensure every order meets the very highest standard.  When you partner with T.E.D.  we understand that your success is our success.

Our unique focus solely on chemical etching allows us to offer fast turnarounds and competitive pricing, to provide real value for you and your end customer. We invest in state of the art equipment, continually pushing the boundaries of etching technology to develop new and exciting options for your customers. We are known in the industry for the quality of our patination work and infilling.
View our Services

Like having your own etching department

Like having your own etching department

Trade Etching Direct is a dedicated trade supplier offering a first class chemical etching service to the UK sign industry.  Partnering with T.E.D. is like having  your own etching department without having to invest in equipment and specialist staff. We offer a 100% quality guarantee, fast turnaround time and prices that offer excellent margins for our customers. 

We aim to build long term relationships with our customers and treat all enquiries in the strictest confidence. 
◈ Dedicated trade supplier
◈ Confidential service
◈ Responsive quotes
◈ Fast turnaround - including same and next day
◈ State of the art etching equipment
◈ High production capacity for bulk orders
◈ Skilled and experienced craftsmen
Trade Etching Direct is a dedicated trade supplier offering a first class chemical etching service to the UK sign industry.  Partnering with T.E.D. is like having  your own etching department without having to invest in equipment and specialist staff. We offer a 100% quality guarantee, fast turnaround time and prices that offer excellent margins for our customers. 

We aim to build long term relationships with our customers and treat all enquiries in the strictest confidence. 
◈ Dedicated trade supplier
◈ Confidential service
◈ Responsive quotes
◈ Fast turnaround
◈ State of the art etching equipment
◈ High production capacity
◈ Skilled and experienced craftsmen
◈ High quality patina finishes in-house
◈ Chemical Milling
Trade Etching Direct is a dedicated trade supplier offering a first class chemical etching service to the UK sign industry.  Partnering with T.E.D. is like having  your own etching department without having to invest in equipment and specialist staff. We offer a 100% quality guarantee, fast turnaround time and prices that offer excellent margins for our customers. 

We aim to build long term relationships with our customers and treat all enquiries in the strictest confidence. 
◈ Dedicated trade supplier
◈ Confidential service
◈ Responsive quotes
◈ Fast turnaround - including same and next day
◈ State of the art etching equipment
◈ High production capacity for bulk orders
◈ Skilled and experienced craftsmen
◈ High quality patina finishes in-house

The UK's chemical etching experts

chemical etching sign supplier trade uk

The UK's chemical etching experts

Chemical etching is a method of engraving that uses a high pressure, temperature regulated, chemical spray to remove material to create a permanent etched image or shape in metal. A UV sensitive resist is then applied to the surface of the material and is selectively removed using a photographic process, to expose the areas to be etched.

This process allows for reproduction of exceptionally detailed artwork. There is no heat distortion as associated with laser processing, and no tool wear, as with mechanical engraving methods. 

In the etching process the material is dissolved atom by atom, producing a smooth burr free finish and leaving the material grain structure unaffected.

Learn more
 In House Capabilities at a glance
   ◈ Maximum panel size 4m x 2m
   ◈  Intricate colour infills
   ◈ Wide range of patinas & finishes
   ◈ Wide variety of mounting options
   ◈ Full colour digital UV printing
   ◈ High volume production capacity

Materials
   ◈ Stainless steel
   ◈ Brass
   ◈ Bronze
   ◈ Copper
   ◈ Aluminium
   ◈ Rimex Metals® incl T22™ range
   ◈ Other materials available
 In House Capabilities at a glance
   ◈ Maximum panel size 4m x 2m
   ◈  Intricate colour infills
   ◈ Wide range of patinas & finishes
   ◈ Wide variety of mounting/fixing options
   ◈ Full colour digital UV printing
   ◈ High volume production capacity

Materials
   ◈ Stainless steel
   ◈ Brass
   ◈ Bronze
   ◈ Copper
   ◈ Aluminium
   ◈ Rimex Metals® including T22™ range
   ◈ Other materials available on request
Chemical etching is a method of engraving that uses a high pressure, temperature regulated, chemical spray to remove material to create a permanent etched image or shape in metal. A UV sensitive resist is then applied to the surface of the material and is selectively removed using a photographic process, to expose the areas to be etched.

 This process allows for the reproduction of exceptionally detailed artwork. There is no heat distortion as associated with laser processing, and no tool wear, as with mechanical engraving methods. 

In the etching process the material is dissolved atom by atom, producing a smooth burr free finish and leaving the material grain structure unaffected.

Learn more
 In House Capabilities at a glance
   ◈ Maximum panel size 4m x 2m
   ◈  Intricate colour infills
   ◈ Wide range of patinas & finishes
   ◈ Wide variety of mounting/fixing options
   ◈ Full colour digital UV printing
   ◈ High volume production capacity

Materials
   ◈ Stainless steel
   ◈ Brass
   ◈ Bronze
   ◈ Copper
   ◈ Aluminium
   ◈ Rimex Metals® including T22™ range
   ◈ Other materials available on request
Chemical etching is a method of engraving that uses a high pressure, temperature regulated, chemical spray to remove material to create a permanent etched image or shape in metal. A UV sensitive resist is then applied to the surface of the material and is selectively removed using a photographic process, to expose the areas to be etched.

This process allows for the reproduction of exceptionally detailed artwork. There is no heat distortion as associated with laser processing, and no tool wear, as with mechanical engraving methods. 

In the etching process the material is dissolved atom by atom, producing a smooth burr free finish and leaving the material grain structure unaffected.

Learn more
 In House Capabilities at a glance
   ◈ Maximum panel size 4m x 2m
   ◈ Intricate colour infills
   ◈ Wide range of patinas & finishes
   ◈ Wide variety of mounting/fixing options
   ◈ Full colour digital UV printing
   ◈ High volume production capacity

Materials
   ◈ Stainless steel
   ◈ Brass
   ◈ Bronze
   ◈ Copper
   ◈ Aluminium
   ◈ Rimex Metals® including T22™ range
   ◈ Other materials available on request

Quality Etched Metal Signage 

Chemical etching is a versatile manufacturing technique with a wide variety of uses in the sign industry, favoured for its quality and durability both for inside out outdoor installations.

Typical applications for chemical etching include:

   ◈  Hotel & office signage
   ◈  Wayfinding  signage
   ◈  Industrial nameplates & labels
   ◈  Architectural panels
   ◈  Plaques & memorials
   ◈  Interpretation boards
   ◈  Corporate awards
   ◈  Safety & compliance signs
chemical etching sign supplier trade uk
View more examples in our gallery

Quality Etched Metal Signage 

Chemical etching is a versatile manufacturing technique with a wide variety of uses in the sign industry, favoured for its quality and durabillty both for inside out outdoor installations

Typical applications for chemical etching include:

   ◈  Hotel & office signage
   ◈  Wayfinding  signage
   ◈  Industrial nameplates & labels
   ◈  Architectural panels
   ◈  Plaques & memorials
   ◈  Interpretation boards
   ◈ Corporate awards
   ◈ Safety & compliance signsph

Quality Etched Metal Signage 

Chemical etching is a versatile manufacturing technique with a wide variety of uses in the sign industry, favoured for its quality and durability both for indoor and outdoor installations.

Typical applications for chemical etching include:

   ◈  Wayfinding  signage
   ◈  Plaques & memorials
   ◈  Interpretation boards
   ◈  Corporate awards
   ◈  Safety & compliance signs

Concepts

Discover our latest innovations in metal etching and finishing at Trade Etching Direct. Explore new design possibilities and see how our advanced techniques can transform your projects. Visit our Concepts section to learn more and get inspired by what we can create together.

View More
chemical etched brass for architeture

Latest Projects and News

Trade Etching Direct recently etched and patinated 97 panels for Artist Ian Kirkpatrick's 'A Cunard Journey' mural onboard Cunard’s Queen Anne.

 This stunning installation situated in the Grand Lobby captures the vessel's departure, serene sea journey, and magical arrival. 

Learn more about this project and our work here.
Read more about this project
chemical etched brass for architeture

Industrial Applications

Trade Etching Direct is your specialist UK trade partner, dedicated to providing quality etched metal laser-cut components for industrial nameplates and control panels. 



Industrial etching application
chemical etched brass for architeture

ITheme Parks, Film & TV

Trade Etching Direct can work with you to create stunning etched metal signs for theme parks, and for use in Film and TV productions. 



Theme parks, Film & TV

The British Sign Awards shine a light on British sign makers and provide a showcase for the ‘Best of British’. Since they were launched in 2013, the Awards have celebrated some truly remarkable achievements that have demonstrated that the skills and creativity of British sign businesses is world class. The awards are open to all UK-based sign businesses.


The Craftsman award is designed to recognise traditional sign making skills. Entries can be complete signs created using traditional methods or can be signs produced using modern techniques but which include a hand-crafted element.


Trade Etching Direct produced a total of 16 trophies, each one made up of ten components. The front panel was produced from laser-cut 3mm brushed stainless steel , etched and digitally printed with the Awards logo, category and winner’s details and individual sponsor logo; the back panel consisted of 3mm laser cut, patinated brass, reverse etched with the logo of ISA-UK, hosts for the event. 


Between these were sandwiched layers of cnc cut neon acrylic in red, blue and clear, representing the colours of the Awards logo. TED incorporated re-chargeable internal LED illumination to create an edge-lit effect.


Trade Etching Direct are proud to be profiled in issue of Sign Update (#189)



Visit www.signupdate.co.uk

TRADE ETCHING DIRECT FAQ

  • Who are Trade Etching Direct?

    Trade Etching Direct are a chemical etching company based in Corby, UK. We offer a first class trade-only chemical etching service to the UK sign industry. Founded in 2012 and operating out of a state of the art 4,000sq.ft facility we have the capacity to handle orders running to many thousands of pieces. 

  • What are the applications for chemical etching in the sign industry?

    Typical applications for chemical etching include:

    • Hotel & office signage
    • Wayfinding  signage
    • Industrial nameplates & labels
    • Identification products
    • Architectural panels
    • Plaques & memorials
    • Interpretation boards
    • Corporate awards
    • Safety & compliance signs
    • Promotional items
    • Thin metal components

  • What materials can T.E.D. chemically etch?

    Trade Etching Direct can chemically etch a wide variety of metals. Typical metals requested by our customers include:

    • Stainless steel
    • Brass
    • Bronze
    • Copper
    • Nickel
    • Zinc
    • Aluminium
    • Mild Steel
    • Rimex Metals® incl T22™ range

      Other materials are available on request.

  • What size material can T.E.D. process?

    Trade Etching Direct have the ability in-house to etch panels up to a maximum size of 4m x 2m. 

  • What other services do T.E.D. offer in-house?

    Trade Etching Direct offer a number of additional supporting processes in house to help reduce costs and lead times for our customers. These include:


    • Patination
    • Photochemical Milling
    • CNC Routing
    • UV Printing