Custom Logo on Glasses Frames: Laser Engraving vs Silk Screen Printing

Building your own eyewear brand starts with one critical decision: how will you put your logo on your glasses frames? Your branding method affects not only the visual appeal of your product but also manufacturing costs, minimum order quantities, and long-term durability.

Whether you're launching a private label glasses frames line or adding branded frames to your existing optical store, understanding the difference between laser engraving and silk screen printing is essential. Each method has distinct advantages depending on your frame materials, brand positioning, and budget constraints.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about custom logo glasses frames, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your brand identity and business model.

Why Logo Method Matters for Wholesale Glasses Frames

Your Logo Is Your Brand Identity

In a competitive eyewear market, your logo is often the only thing differentiating your frames from hundreds of similar designs. Customers who love your frames will look for your brand when they need a replacement or want to recommend you to friends. A well-executed logo signals:

· Quality and professionalism – Clean, durable branding suggests attention to detail

· Brand authenticity – Permanent logos reduce counterfeiting risks

· Customer confidence – Professional branding increases perceived value

· Repeat business – Customers can easily identify and reorder your products

The method you choose for applying your logo directly impacts how customers perceive your brand's quality level.

Different Materials Require Different Approaches

Not all logo methods work equally well on all frame materials. The wrong choice can result in:

· Poor durability – Logos that fade, peel, or wear off within months

· Visual inconsistency – Unclear or blurry branding that looks unprofessional

· Manufacturing limitations – Some materials simply can't be processed with certain methods

· Higher costs – Using the wrong method may require expensive workarounds

Understanding material compatibility is the first step in choosing the right branding approach.

Cost and MOQ Implications

Logo customization affects your wholesale economics:

· Setup costs vary dramatically between methods

· Per-unit costs change based on complexity and volume

· Minimum order quantities (MOQ) are often influenced by the customization method

· Lead times differ – some methods add 1-2 weeks to production

For new brands testing the market, these factors can make or break your ability to launch with limited capital.

Laser Engraving – Best for Metal & Titanium Frames

Laser engraving uses a focused laser beam to permanently etch your logo into the frame material by removing a thin layer of the surface. The result is a subtle, permanent mark that becomes part of the frame itself.

How Laser Engraving Works

A computer-controlled laser precisely burns your logo design into the frame surface at predetermined depths. For metal frames, the laser creates a contrast by exposing the underlying material or creating an oxidized layer. The process is:

1. Digital – Your logo file is converted to a laser-compatible format

2. Precise – Accuracy within 0.01mm for intricate designs

3. Fast – Each frame takes 5-30 seconds depending on logo complexity

4. Clean – No chemicals, inks, or additional materials required

Pros of Laser Engraving

Permanent and Highly Durable Laser engraving is essentially permanent. The logo won't fade, peel, or wear off even after years of daily use, exposure to sweat, cleaning solutions, or environmental factors. This makes it ideal for premium positioning where longevity matters.

Works Perfectly on Metal & Titanium Metal and titanium frames are ideal candidates for laser engraving because:

· The laser creates excellent contrast against metallic surfaces

· No risk of material damage or warping

· The subtle, sophisticated look matches premium metal aesthetics

· Consistent results across different metal alloys (stainless steel, aluminum, titanium)

Clean, Professional Aesthetic Laser engraving produces a subtle, refined look that appeals to customers seeking minimalist or premium eyewear. The engraved logo doesn't add thickness or texture – it's flush with the frame surface, creating an understated elegance.

No Color Limitations on Metallic Tones While laser engraving doesn't add color, it creates beautiful contrast on:

· Silver/brushed metals (creates darker marks)

· Gold frames (creates contrasting tones)

· Black/dark metals (creates lighter exposed metal marks)

· Rose gold and colored coatings (reveals base metal)

Lower MOQ Impact Since laser engraving requires minimal setup (just a digital file), it doesn't significantly increase minimum order quantities. Many manufacturers can laser engrave orders as small as 50-100 pieces.

Cons of Laser Engraving

Limited Material Compatibility Laser engraving works well on:

· ✅ Stainless steel

· ✅ Titanium

· ✅ Aluminum alloys

· ✅ Some plastic materials (though results vary)

· ❌ Not ideal for acetate (can cause burning, discoloration, or cracking)

· ❌ Not ideal for TR90 (creates poor contrast and may weaken material)

No True Color Options You cannot add colored logos through laser engraving. The result is always a tonal variation of the base material. For brands requiring colorful logos (multi-color designs, specific brand colors), this is a dealbreaker.

Less Visible on Some Frame Colors Dark logos on dark frames or light logos on light frames may lack sufficient contrast. For example:

· Gunmetal frames with laser engraving can be hard to read

· Light gold frames may not show enough contrast

Small Logo Size Limitations While laser engraving is precise, very intricate logos with fine details or small text (under 3mm height) may become difficult to read. Simple, bold designs work best.

Cost Level for Laser Engraving

Setup Costs: $0 - $50

· Most manufacturers don't charge setup fees since it's a digital process

· One-time digitization fee if your logo needs vectorization

Per-Unit Costs: $0.30 - $1.00 per frame

· Simple text logos: $0.30 - $0.50

· Moderate complexity (simple graphics): $0.50 - $0.75

· Complex designs (detailed logos): $0.75 - $1.00

Volume Discounts:

· 100-500 pieces: $0.80 per frame

· 500-1,000 pieces: $0.60 per frame

· 1,000-5,000 pieces: $0.40 per frame

· 5,000+ pieces: $0.30 per frame

MOQ Impact: Minimal – most factories can laser engrave from 50 pieces onwards

Durability Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Laser engraving is the most durable branding method. The logo is literally etched into the material and cannot be removed without damaging the frame itself. Expect the logo to last the entire lifetime of the frame.

Best For:

· Premium and luxury eyewear brands

· Metal frame collections (stainless steel, titanium, aluminum)

· Minimalist or sophisticated brand aesthetics

· Brands prioritizing longevity and durability

· Medical/safety eyewear requiring permanent identification

Silk Screen Printing – Ideal for Acetate & TR90

Silk screen printing (also called pad printing in eyewear) transfers ink onto the frame surface through a mesh screen or silicone pad. This method allows for colored logos and works beautifully on plastic-based materials.

How Silk Screen Printing Works

The process involves:

1. Screen Creation – A mesh screen is prepared with your logo design

2. Ink Application – Specialized ink is pressed through the screen onto the frame

3. Curing – The ink is heat-cured or UV-cured to bond with the surface

4. Quality Check – Each frame is inspected for print clarity and alignment

For eyewear, "pad printing" is more common – a silicone pad picks up ink from an etched plate and transfers it to the curved temple surface.

Pros of Silk Screen Printing

Perfect for Acetate and TR90 Materials Silk screen/pad printing is specifically designed for plastic materials:

· Acetate frames: Ink bonds beautifully with the glossy or matte acetate surface

· TR90 frames: Excellent adhesion on this flexible plastic material

· Creates smooth, professional results without material damage

Full Color Logo Options Unlike laser engraving, you can print logos in any color:

· Single color (most common and cost-effective)

· Multi-color designs (2-4 colors)

· Pantone-matched brand colors for perfect consistency

· White, gold, silver, or any custom color

This is essential for brands with colorful logos or specific brand color requirements.

Better Visibility on All Frame Colors With silk screen printing, you control the ink color for maximum contrast:

· White ink on dark frames

· Black ink on light frames

· Gold/silver ink for premium appearance

· Custom colors to match your brand palette

Great for Detailed Logos and Text Modern pad printing can reproduce fine details, small text, and complex logo designs with excellent clarity. Text as small as 2mm can be printed legibly.

Cost-Effective for Medium to Large Runs Once the screen/pad is created, per-unit costs are very low. For orders of 300+ pieces, silk screen printing becomes extremely economical.

Cons of Silk Screen Printing

Lower Durability Than Laser Engraving While modern inks are quite durable, silk screen printing is still susceptible to:

· Gradual fading from UV exposure (especially on outdoor/sports eyewear)

· Wear from repeated cleaning with alcohol-based solutions

· Scratching from rough handling or abrasive materials

· Peeling if the frame surface wasn't properly prepared

Expected lifespan: 2-5 years with normal use and care (still acceptable for most consumers)

Higher Setup Costs Each logo design requires creating a custom screen or pad:

· Screen/pad creation: $80 - $200 per color

· Color changes: Each additional color requires a separate screen

· Design changes: New screens needed for any logo modifications

Higher MOQ Requirements Due to setup costs, manufacturers typically require higher minimum orders:

· Standard MOQ for silk screen: 300-500 pieces per design

· Some factories offer 200-piece minimums at premium pricing

· Multi-color logos may require even higher MOQs (500-1,000 pieces)

Not Ideal for Metal Frames While technically possible to print on metal, the results are often:

· Less durable (ink doesn't bond as well)

· Less aesthetically pleasing (looks like a sticker rather than premium branding)

· Prone to chipping and peeling

Cost Level for Silk Screen Printing

Setup Costs: $80 - $200

· Single color: $80 - $120 (one-time plate/screen creation)

· Two colors: $150 - $200

· Three+ colors: $200 - $300

Per-Unit Costs: $0.20 - $0.60 per frame

· Single color logo: $0.20 - $0.35

· Two-color logo: $0.35 - $0.50

· Three+ color logo: $0.50 - $0.80

Volume Discounts:

· 300-500 pieces: $0.50 per frame

· 500-1,000 pieces: $0.35 per frame

· 1,000-3,000 pieces: $0.25 per frame

· 3,000+ pieces: $0.20 per frame

MOQ Impact: Significant – typically requires 300-500 pieces minimum to justify setup costs

Durability Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

High-quality silk screen printing with proper curing lasts 2-5 years with normal use. While not as permanent as laser engraving, it's sufficiently durable for the typical eyewear replacement cycle (customers usually buy new frames every 2-3 years).

Best For:

· Acetate frame collections

· TR90 plastic frames

· Colorful or multi-color brand logos

· Fashion-forward eyewear brands

· Budget to mid-range price positioning

· Brands with established volume (300+ piece orders)

Where to Place Your Logo on Glasses Frames

Strategic logo placement is just as important as the customization method. Here are the most effective locations:

Inner Temple (Inside Arm)

Most Common Placement – 95% of Brands Use This

The inner temple is the classic location for eyewear branding because:

✅ Visible when frames are removed – Others see your brand when glasses are set down

✅ Doesn't interfere with aesthetics – Keeps the outer design clean

✅ Standard practice – Customers expect to find brand info here

✅ Ample space – Room for logo, model number, size info

Typical Format:

[BRAND LOGO]

Model: AB123

52□18-140

CE / FDA Marks

Best Practices:

· Logo size: 15-25mm width (legible but not overwhelming)

· Include model number and size for customer reference

· Add regulatory marks (CE, FDA) if applicable

· Keep design aligned and centered

Method Recommendations:

· Metal/Titanium temples: Laser engraving (permanent, professional)

· Acetate/TR90 temples: Silk screen printing (colorful, clear)

Outer Temple (Outside Arm)

Premium Branding – Used by Fashion & Luxury Brands

Some brands add subtle logos to the outer temple for:

✅ Brand visibility while worn – Others see your logo on the wearer

✅ Fashion statement – Small logos add design element

✅ Premium positioning – Associated with high-end brands

Best Practices:

· Keep it subtle and small (5-10mm)

· Position near temple tips or hinge area

· Use minimalist design (icon only, not full logo)

· Ensure it complements the frame design, not overwhelms it

Method Recommendations:

· Metal temples: Laser engraving (subtle, sophisticated)

· Acetate temples: Small silk screen logo or metal badge attachment

Demo Lenses

Retail Display Branding – Prevents Theft & Increases Visibility

Demo lenses are the non-prescription placeholder lenses that come with frames in retail stores. Adding your logo here serves multiple purposes:

✅ In-store visibility – Customers see your brand on display

✅ Theft deterrent – Marked lenses can't be easily resold

✅ Professional appearance – Shows attention to detail

✅ Marketing opportunity – Reinforces brand during try-on

Best Practices:

· Small, centered logo (8-12mm) or corner placement

· Use peel-off stickers for easy removal after purchase

· Alternatively, use laser etching on demo lenses (permanent but customers replace anyway)

· Include website or care instructions

Method:

· Removable vinyl stickers (most common, cost: $0.05-0.10 per lens)

· Laser etching on demo lenses (premium option)

Nose Pads (Metal Frames Only)

Subtle Premium Touch

Some luxury brands laser engrave micro-logos on metal nose pads:

✅ Ultra-subtle branding – Only visible on close inspection

✅ Premium detail – Shows craftsmanship attention

✅ Anti-counterfeiting – Difficult to replicate

Method: Laser engraving only (pad printing too imprecise for small surface)

Packaging – Often Overlooked But Critical

Your Packaging Is Part of the Product Experience

Don't forget to brand your packaging components:

Hard Cases:

· Logo on case exterior (silk screen or hot stamping)

· Cost: $0.40 - $1.20 per case

· Creates cohesive brand experience

Cleaning Cloths:

· Printed logo on microfiber cloth

· Cost: $0.15 - $0.35 per cloth

· Functional branding that customers keep

Boxes (Retail Packaging):

· Full-color logo printing

· Cost: $0.80 - $3.00 per box

· Premium unboxing experience

Hang Tags:

· Brand story, care instructions

· Cost: $0.10 - $0.30 per tag

· Communicates brand values

Complete Branded Package Example:

· Laser engraved inner temple: $0.50

· Branded hard case: $1.00

· Logo microfiber cloth: $0.25

· Custom retail box: $1.50

· Total branding cost: $3.25 per unit

This investment significantly increases perceived value and justifies premium pricing.

Comparison Chart: Laser Engraving vs Silk Screen Printing

Feature	Laser Engraving	Silk Screen Printing
Best Materials	Metal, Titanium, Aluminum	Acetate, TR90, Plastic
Durability	Permanent (lifetime)	2-5 years
Color Options	Tonal only (no colors)	Full color, Pantone matching
Setup Cost	$0 - $50	$80 - $200 per color
Per-Unit Cost	$0.30 - $1.00	$0.20 - $0.60
Typical MOQ	50-100 pieces	300-500 pieces
Lead Time	+3-5 days	+7-10 days
Visual Style	Subtle, minimalist	Bold, visible
Best For	Premium brands, metal frames	Fashion brands, acetate frames

Making the Right Choice for Your Brand

Choose Laser Engraving If:

✅ Your frames are primarily metal or titanium

✅ You want permanent, lifetime branding

✅ Your brand aesthetic is minimalist or premium

✅ You're starting with small test orders (50-200 pieces)

✅ You prefer subtle, understated logos

✅ Your logo is simple (text or simple icon)

Choose Silk Screen Printing If:

✅ Your frames are acetate or TR90 plastic

✅ You need colored or multi-color logos

✅ Your brand requires specific Pantone colors

✅ You're ordering 300+ pieces per design

✅ You want high visibility and bold branding

✅ Your logo is detailed or includes graphics

Consider Both Methods If:

You're launching a diverse collection with both metal and acetate frames. Many successful eyewear brands use:

· Laser engraving for metal/titanium collections

· Silk screen printing for acetate/plastic collections

This maintains consistent brand presentation while using the optimal method for each material.

Additional Customization Options

Beyond logo application, consider these branding enhancements:

Hot Stamping (Foil Stamping)

· Metallic gold or silver logos

· Works on acetate frames

· Premium appearance but less durable than silk screen

· Cost: $0.50 - $1.00 per frame

Metal Badge/Plate Attachment

· Small metal logo plates attached to temple tips

· Common in luxury eyewear

· Highly durable and premium appearance

· Cost: $1.00 - $3.00 per frame

3D Embossing

· Raised logo on acetate frames

· Requires mold creation

· Very premium appearance

· Cost: Setup $500-1,500, per-unit $1.50-3.00

UV Printing

· Digital printing directly on frames

· Full color, no screens needed

· Good for very small runs (10-50 pieces)

· Durability similar to silk screen

· Cost: $1.50 - $3.00 per frame

Quality Control for Custom Logo Glasses Frames

Regardless of which method you choose, implement these QC measures:

Pre-Production Sample

Always request a pre-production sample with your logo applied before approving the full order. Check for:

· Logo clarity and alignment

· Color accuracy (for silk screen)

· Proper sizing and placement

· Ink adhesion (scratch test for silk screen)

Inspection Standards

Define acceptance criteria:

· Logo position tolerance: ±1mm

· Print clarity: All text legible, no blurring

· Color consistency: ±5% variation acceptable

· Defect rate: <2% of order

Third-Party Inspection

For large orders (1,000+ pieces), consider hiring third-party QC inspectors to check random samples before shipment.

Conclusion

Choosing between laser engraving and silk screen printing for your custom logo glasses frames depends on three key factors: frame material, brand positioning, and order volume.

Quick Decision Guide:

· Metal/Titanium frames + Premium brand → Laser Engraving

· Acetate/TR90 frames + Colorful logo → Silk Screen Printing

· Small test orders (50-200 pcs) → Laser Engraving

· Established brand with volume → Silk Screen Printing

Both methods can create professional, high-quality branding when properly executed. The key is matching the method to your materials and brand identity.

Don't forget that your logo placement strategy—combining inner temple branding with thoughtful packaging customization—creates the complete branded experience that turns first-time buyers into loyal brand advocates.

Get Custom Logo Recommendation for Your Frames

Not sure which logo method is right for your eyewear brand? Our team specializes in private label glasses frames and can help you choose the optimal branding solution.

We'll help you determine:

✅ The best logo method for your frame materials

✅ Cost-effective branding strategies within your budget

✅ MOQ options that match your order size

✅ Logo placement recommendations for maximum impact

✅ Complete branding package (frames + packaging)

Free Consultation Includes:

· Material compatibility assessment

· Cost comparison for your specific logo

· Sample options for testing

· Production timeline estimation

Get Your Custom Logo Recommendation Today

Whether you're launching a new private label eyewear brand or adding branded frames to your optical store, we provide the expertise and manufacturing support to bring your vision to life.

Contact us now to discuss your custom logo glasses frames project and receive a detailed quote with recommended branding methods.