Guide · 6 min read
UV printed vs engraved pet tags: an honest comparison
By Romain · Furaoh workshop, Bemmel NL
UV printing uses UV-cured ink under a clear protective layer, which allows full-colour photos and fine detail but lasts around 5 to 7 years on a daily-worn tag. Engraving cuts into the metal and lasts essentially forever, but it's monochrome and cannot reproduce photos or colour.
Choose UV if you want a photo or colour of any kind. Choose engraving if you want maximum lifespan and line-based text only. This guide explains how each method works, where each wins, where each loses, and which one suits different kinds of owner and companion.
Quick comparison
| Factor | UV printing | Engraving |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 5 to 7 years | 20+ years |
| Colour | Full photo colour | Monochrome (metal tone) |
| Image detail | Photographic | Line-based only |
| Water resistance | Waterproof (sealed) | Waterproof (inherent) |
| Scratch resistance | Good (protective layer) | Very high (cut into metal) |
| Price | From €14.99 | From €8 to €15 (market) |
| Production time | 2 to 3 days | Usually same-day at a shop |
| Reprint if wrong | Easy, new print | Requires a new tag entirely |
How UV printing works
A UV printer lays ink directly onto the tag surface, then instantly cures it with ultraviolet light. The ink bonds to the metal and stays put. A clear protective layer is added on top to resist scratches and water.
Because the printer can lay down multiple layers, it can also build a tactile relief up to 5 mm. You can choose flat or raised depending on how you want the tag to feel.
How engraving works
An engraver physically cuts grooves into the surface of the tag. The grooves can be filled with a contrasting colour (black on silver, for example) or left as raw metal. Because it's a physical cut, there's no ink to wear off, and the tag is as durable as the metal itself.
When to choose UV
- You want a photo of your companion on the tag.
- You want colour, shading, or artwork.
- You want fine detail (a small illustration, a crest).
- You want a tactile raised finish.
- You're okay with a tag that needs replacing after several years.
When to choose engraving
- You only want text (name, phone number).
- You want the tag to outlast your pet by a wide margin.
- You prefer a classic, simple look.
- You want the fastest, cheapest tag possible.
Which does Furaoh make?
We only make UV-printed tags. We chose UV because we believe a tag should feel like a small portrait, not a licence plate. If you want an engraved tag, any local key cutter can do one for around €5 to €10. We're not the right shop for that.
Closing
If you're still on the fence, here's the simplest test: open your phone, look at the photo of your companion you love most. If you can't imagine that photo not being on the tag, choose UV. If the tag is purely functional and you just want it to outlast the dog, choose engraving.