Etched Brick Fundraisers: what you need to know
- Jeff Nelson
- Oct 28
- 2 min read
Why Etched Brick Fundraisers are an excellent idea and how to do it
Brick fundraisers have become a popular and effective way for schools, churches, community organizations, and nonprofits to raise money while creating something beautiful and lasting. A walkway, wall, or courtyard of personalized bricks not only generates much-needed funds—it also becomes a permanent display of community spirit and pride. Successful etched brick fundraisers begin with planning - see here for more information on how to plan.
But before starting your fundraiser, it’s important to understand that not all etched bricks are created equal. The materials and etching methods you choose will determine how your project looks not just next year—but decades from now.
Choosing the Right Material
The most common materials for engraved bricks include soft stone (like limestone or sandstone), cement pavers, and fired clay bricks.
Soft stone and cement pavers offer a variety of colors and sizes, but they are less durable when exposed to weather and foot traffic. In northern climates, where bricks are exposed to wet and freezing conditions, inscriptions can become unreadable in as little as 3–4 years.
Fired clay bricks, on the other hand, are far more durable. They hold up to harsh weather and heavy use, making them the best long-term choice for outdoor installations.
When you want your donors’ names or messages to remain legible for decades, fired clay bricks are the superior choice.
Understanding Etching Methods
Equally important is how your bricks are etched. Many companies still use mechanical routing or sandblasting, both of which remove material from the brick’s surface to form shallow gouges. These etched areas are usually paint-filled to add contrast—but over time, that paint can peel or fade. Worse yet, removing material weakens the brick’s surface and makes it more vulnerable to weathering.
The Laser Advantage
A more advanced and lasting method is laser etching, which uses a high-powered laser to permanently mark the brick’s surface. Rather than removing material, the laser actually transforms the iron content of the clay brick into a hard black glass, creating crisp, dark lettering and artwork that contrasts beautifully against the brick’s natural color. This black glass layer doesn’t compromise the structure of the brick—it enhances it. The result is text and images that remain sharp, legible, and weatherproof for the entire life of the brick.
The Bolt Laserworks Difference
At Bolt Laserworks, we specialize exclusively in laser-etched clay bricks because we believe fundraisers should create monuments that endure. We don’t use off-the-shelf hardware-store bricks—instead, we source premium clay bricks manufactured specifically for laser etching. That means consistent quality, uniform color, and superior results every time.
Whether your project is a school walkway, a veterans’ memorial, or a community park, we’ll help you create something that looks just as beautiful in fifty years as it does today.
Ready to start your etched brick fundraiser?
Contact Bolt Laserworks to learn how our durable, high-contrast laser-etched bricks can make your next project truly stand the test of time. Call 800-438-2658 or visit boltlaserworks.com
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