Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many signatures can it hold?

A. In the product descriptions each charger, platter, tray, or matte lists the approximate number of signatures that it can hold. Because some people will write longer or larger than others this number is only an approximation based on average experience. In addition, couples will often only sign once.

Q. Is it hard to use the engraver?

A. No. The engraver is as easy to use as a pen or a pencil. When matched with our chargers, platters, trays, and mattes they provide an easy and fun way of engraving a message.

Q. Why not use silver-plated platters or trays?

A. We found through product testing that silver-plated items do not engrave well. They often flake and chip around the signatures. In addition, they tarnish very easily. We chose stainless steel and fine Mexican Pewter for the material of the platters because of their favorable engraving properties, their durability and their beauty. Both materials are the proper hardness for the engravers to achieve the best results. The material shouldn't be too soft because the engraver can get bogged down in soft materials. In addition, it shouldn't be too hard or the engraver will not etch deep enough. All of our pewter has the luster of silver but is much heavier and far easier to maintain. No polishing is ever required! Stainless Steel and Mexican pewter are both have a beautiful finish, are very strong, they don't tarnish, and both are highly resistant to corrosion. 

Q. Will any of the items tarnish?

A. No they will not. Stainless steel and Mexican pewter are actually alloys made of several metals. The stainless steel is made by adding Chromium, Nickel, and Molybdenum to the raw steel. The Mexican pewter is a lead-free aluminum alloy. The additional metals contribute to the hardness, color, finish and most importantly prevent the material from corroding by oxidizing on the surface to make a very tiny but strong coating over the metal. This coating is created wherever the metal is exposed to the air, for example while engraving or during manufacturing. It happens instantly and therefore since the metal is always protected by this oxidized coating it is very difficult to get stainless steel or pewter to corrode and nearly impossible to get it to tarnish.

Q. Should I use stainless steel or pewter?

A. It just depends on your preference. Both materials are very well suited for engraving, however, the stainless steel is a lighter weight material than the pewter and it is therefore less expensive. The Mexican pewter is all handmade and often ornately detailed but it is also more expensive.

Q. How long will it take to receive our kit?

A. All orders are shipped within 2 weeks; however, most orders are shipped the same day they are placed. We offer several shipping choices but for most orders UPS Ground shipping is the most appropriate. UPS Ground usually takes about 1 week. Overnight shipping is available to most areas in the US for an additional charge.

Q. Does the pewter contain lead?

A. No, there is no lead in our pewter. This is not the same pewter as 30 years ago! All of our pewter pieces are handmade in Mexico by local artisans. They are actually an alloy made of 87.8% aluminum, 12.02% silicon and .18% copper. They do not contain lead or any toxic substances.

Q. Can you use the platters for cooking?

A. Yes. Due to the pewter’s ability to retain heat and cold, all of our pewter pieces are well suited for use on the stovetop or in the oven. All of our pieces can even be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

Q. How do I care for the platters?

A. Hand wash platters in warm, soapy water. Do not use abrasive chemicals or sponges as they may scratch the surface. Do not allow acidic liquids to remain on the platters for prolonged periods or they may cause discoloration on the surface. Included in each kit is a polishing cloth to remove fingerprints.

Q. Can I have my charger, platter, tray, or matte personalized?

A. Yes. We do offer personalized engraving. We can engrave anything from names and a date to an entire wedding invitation. Additional fees apply.

Q. Will the signatures fade?

A. No. Because the signatures are permanently engraved in the metal, with proper care, the signatures will last indefinitely.

Q. How are they shipped?

A. Most of our packages are shipped via UPS ground, which usually takes about 7 days. We do offer alternative methods of shipping including overnight to most area in the US.

Q. How are they packaged?

A. All of our kits are packaged in a white corrugate box with a product label.

Q. What does a kit include?

A. All of our kits include a charger, platter, tray, or matte as well as a diamond tipped engraving pen, a display stand, a polishing cloth, and a table tent inviting the guests to sign.

Q. Do you offer wholesale sales?

A. We are the largest wholesaler of engravable guestbooks. Please contact us for a product catalog and wholesale prices. Minimum orders of $250 please.

Q. What if I'm not satisfied with my kit?

A. We want all of our customers and the recipients of our products to be happy with their guestbook kits. This is why we are proud to offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on every one of our un-engraved guestbook kits. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with our product, simply return it with proof of purchase within 30 days and we will refund your full purchase price less shipping.

Additional questions? Please contact us at (719) 650-9619 or reach us anytime at support@engraveplates.com