Case study
Louise: an engraved Zippo as a birthday gift for Tom
A black Zippo as a personal birthday gift. SDLG engraved the motorcycle club logo, revealing the brass-coloured material beneath the coating.
- Client / sector
- Louise Eisenga · private customer · Leeuwarden
- Material / product
- 1 Zippo Black Crackle · black textured coating
- Technique
- Agreeing the logo layout · laser engraving the coating
An engraved Zippo with a personal story
An engraved Zippo featuring her husband’s motorcycle club logo was Louise’s idea for a birthday gift. For this private order from Leeuwarden, SDLG worked on one black Zippo Black Crackle. The supplied artwork was placed on the black textured coating. The lighter was completed on 21 October 2026 and then sent to Louise.
The finished design stands out through its gold-coloured linework against the black surface. That appearance comes from the brass-coloured material beneath the coating. No gold-coloured paint fill was applied.
Fitting a motorcycle club logo onto a small lighter
A Zippo offers limited space for lettering and artwork. Bart therefore discussed whether Louise wanted the logo with its curved text panels, known as rockers, or only the central emblem. That choice determines how many elements need to fit on the available surface.
The photograph shows the visible design with an upper text panel, the central motorcycle club emblem and lettering below. With this layout, the overall dimensions are only part of the assessment. The balance between lettering, fine lines and the lid separation also needs attention.
Why the engraving looks gold-coloured
SDLG engraved the supplied motorcycle club artwork by selectively removing the black coating. This revealed the brass-coloured material underneath. The contrast therefore comes from the combination of this particular Zippo finish and the laser process.
The black texture remains visible around the artwork. The detail photograph shows how the fine engraved lines stand out against it. This result relates to the Black Crackle version used here; a different coating or underlying material may produce a different appearance.
From direct delivery to a personal birthday gift
Louise arranged for the Zippo she had ordered to be delivered directly to Bart. This avoided an additional shipping step. After engraving, SDLG sent the lighter to her in Leeuwarden. The project demonstrates how a personal gift can also be coordinated remotely.
Louise confirmed that she and Tom were pleased with the result. The gold-coloured engraving was a particular highlight. Her response to the project:
“It looks great and Tom is very happy with it! He also thinks it’s really cool that it turned out gold-coloured.”
Louise Eisenga · customer · translated from Dutch
Frequently asked questions about Zippo engraving
Does engraving look gold-coloured on every black Zippo?
That depends on the version, coating and underlying material. In this case, the brass-coloured base of the Black Crackle became visible. Send the exact model and clear photographs so SDLG can assess the requested work.
Can I have my ordered lighter delivered directly?
That was agreed for this project. Discuss direct delivery beforehand so the product can be matched to the correct enquiry and return shipping can be arranged clearly.
What should I supply for a motorcycle club logo?
Send your artwork file, the lighter model and the intended layout. Specify whether the curved text panels are part of the design. SDLG checks the file and positioning first. Scheduling is confirmed after checking stock and the proposed work.
Would you like your own Zippo or personal gift engraved?
Explore engraving customer-supplied products or our options for personalised gifts. Send details of the product, your artwork and your preferred date. SDLG in Breda discusses the possibilities and the proposed work with you first.