Can You Fix a Bad Engraving Done by Another Engraver?

This is something I get asked quite often.

Usually after someone has had something engraved elsewhere and it has not turned out how they expected.

The lines might be too dark, too light, uneven, or the detail just is not there.

So the question is, can it actually be fixed?

The honest answer is… only sometimes.

Can You Fix a Bad Engraving on Jewellery?

If you are not happy with an engraving you already have from a previous company, it may be possible to improve it.

It really depends on what went wrong in the first place.

Some issues can be improved quite easily. Others are much harder to reverse.

The main things that affect this are:

• How deep the engraving is

• What metal the piece is made from

• The size and placement of the design

When an Engraving Can Be Fixed

In some cases, there is room to improve the piece.

1. The engraving is too light

If the engraving is too light, the piece can sometimes be sanded back and sent to me once it has been cleaned up properly.

From there, it can be re-engraved to improve the depth and contrast.

2. The finish is not right

If the engraving looks too dark or uneven, one option is to remove the black areas completely.

This leaves a clean, even metal finish and gives a much softer overall look and removes the look of the uneven areas.

3. Minor detail issues

If the detail is not quite right, I may be able to add to it.

This depends on the size of the piece. On smaller items, it can be quite tricky and is often done by eye.

When It Cannot Really Be Fixed

This is where it gets more difficult.

1. The engraving is too deep

If the engraving is too deep or heavy, the only real option is sanding it off.

This may remove the design completely and can also take away a lot of the metal, so it is not always the best route.

2. The design does not suit the piece

If the design is too large, too small, or does not work well with the shape of the piece, there is not much that can be done without starting again.

3. The original artwork was poor quality

If the artwork was not clear to begin with, the engraving will reflect that.

In most cases, improving this means starting fresh with better artwork.

How to Avoid a Bad Engraving in the First Place

This is always the better option.

• Triple-check your artwork

• Check spelling carefully

• Make sure the layout suits the piece

• Choose the right metal and finish

  
  

You will always receive a digital mock up from me before anything is engraved, so you can see exactly how it will look.

Not Sure If Yours Can Be Fixed?

If you are not happy with an engraving you already have from a previous engraving company, feel free to get in touch.

I will let you know honestly what is possible before anything is done.

Better to get a clear answer than guess.