Laser engraving vs sandblasting: which to pick for a logo
Four glass marking techs: laser, sandblast, film, UV print. When each works best, with office partition examples.
For a company logo on an office partition or a decorative pattern on a shower — you have four options. Each makes "an image on glass," but differently, with different lifespans and prices.
011. CNC sandblasting
How: a computer-controlled blaster removes the top glass layer along the contour. 0.3–2 mm deep.
Life: forever — there's nothing to wear off.
Best for: permanent logos, decorative patterns, privacy frosting.
2026 price: from 1 800 ₽/m².
022. Laser engraving
How: laser creates micro-fractures inside the glass, forming a 3D image or pattern within the material.
Life: forever, physically inside the glass.
Best for: award plaques, photo etchings, very fine detail (mm-size text).
2026 price: from 2 400 ₽/m² or 800 ₽ for a small plaque.
033. ORACAL film
How: self-adhesive vinyl on glass. Any contour, frosting effect, colour images.
Life: 7–10 years (less in sun).
Best for: temporary campaigns, frequent rebrands, test placement.
2026 price: from 1 200 ₽/m².
044. UV print
How: colour photo printer with UV-curing inks at 1440 dpi.
Life: 10–15 years, doesn't fade.
Best for: coloured logos, multi-colour images, photo patterns.
2026 price: from 2 800 ₽/m².
| Tech | Life | Colour | 2026 price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNC sandblast | forever | frosted white | from 1 800 ₽/m² |
| Laser engraving | forever | frosted white | from 2 400 ₽/m² |
| ORACAL film | 7–10 years | any | from 1 200 ₽/m² |
| UV print | 10–15 years | any | from 2 800 ₽/m² |
Engraving isn't "instead of" film. Film has its niche — colour vibrancy and quick redesigns. Don't compare "forever" and "flexible" as the same thing.
05This service at REAL GLASS
If you've read this far, the topic is probably relevant to a real project. We make engraving and sandblasting in-house in St. Petersburg, with a measure within 1–3 days, 1-year warranty and a fixed contract price. All numbers in this article come from our actual 2026 quotes.
For a project-specific estimate — see the service page or request a free on-site measure.
