--- title: Considerations in Under the Hood Badge Design description: Protective topcoats and robust adhesives are used in the design of durable aluminum under the hood badges which stand up to harsh environments. image: https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-46868753-jpg/images/engine-covers.jpg --- https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/60349/file-46868753-jpg/images/engine-covers.jpg [](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/112948/Considerations-in-Under-the-Hood-Badge-Design#main-nav) [![Norcorp](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Northern-Engraving-Logo-white.png?width=530&name=Northern-Engraving-Logo-white.png "Norcorp")](https://www.norcorp.com/) - [Nameplate Blog](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog) - Considerations in Under the Hood Badge Design # Considerations in Under the Hood Badge Design [![](https://www.norcorp.com/hubfs/norcorp/social-icons/facebook_footer.png)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.norcorp.com%2Fnameplate-blog%2Fbid%2F112948%2FConsiderations-in-Under-the-Hood-Badge-Design) [![](https://www.norcorp.com/hubfs/norcorp/social-icons/linkedin_footer.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.norcorp.com%2Fnameplate-blog%2Fbid%2F112948%2FConsiderations-in-Under-the-Hood-Badge-Design&title=&source=%2F&summary=) [![](https://www.norcorp.com/hubfs/norcorp/social-icons/twitter_footer.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Check%20out%20this%20great%20blog%20post%20I%20just%20read&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.norcorp.com%2Fnameplate-blog%2Fbid%2F112948%2FConsiderations-in-Under-the-Hood-Badge-Design) [![](https://www.norcorp.com/hubfs/norcorp/social-icons/googlefooter.png)](https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.norcorp.com%2Fnameplate-blog%2Fbid%2F112948%2FConsiderations-in-Under-the-Hood-Badge-Design) [Previous← Consistent Branding across Multiple Product Lines](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/114715/Consistent-Branding-across-Multiple-Product-Lines) [NextIntegration of Aluminum Nameplate with Decorative Trim →](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/114713/Integration-of-Aluminum-Nameplate-with-Decorative-Trim) [Vicky Bowie](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/author/vicky-bowie) **Tue, Jun 4, 2013 ** #### Engine Cover Badges Under-the-hood automotive badging is exposed to harsh elements including temperature extremes, grease, oil, dirt and grime.  When designing the badge or emblem these things should be taken into consideration to create a part that looks as good after several years as the day the vehicle was purchased.  Decorating processes, protective topcoats and attachment are key in the manufacturing of a part to meet these requirements. ![aluminum badges, automotive under the hood emblem](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-46868753-jpg/images/engine-covers.jpg) #### Decoration Standard processes such as [lithography](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/25374/Nameplate-Litho-Printing-FAQ) and [screen printing](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/25713/Screen-Printed-Metal-Nameplates) can be used by themselves or enhanced with [mechanical finishes](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/22644/Mechanical-Finish-Options-in-Nameplates) including brushing and spinning.  The design can be as simple as one-dimensional printing or as complex as registering graphics for a multi-level emboss.  It is important to stay away from processes which expose the aluminum such as diamond cut.  Doming is not a good fit for under the hood requirements due to the heat of the engine. #### Protective Coatings Clear coats are applied by passing the aluminum sheets through a [roll coater](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/26014/Roll-Coating-Nameplates).  Options with a range of [glosses](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/56166/Why-Gloss-Level-Impacts-Color-on-Nameplates-and-Labels) from low to high create the exact look your design demands.  This step of the decoration process ensures resistance to the harsh enviroments the engine is exposed to. #### Attachment A secure bond between the badge and engine cover is needed.  A robust option is an open cell foam [adhesive](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/27145/Nameplate-Adhesives-FAQ). This type of adhesive facilitates application to the uneven surface of the engine while standing up to the temperature extremes as well as grease, oil and dirt that are likely to be found.  Another option is to rivet the label to the engine.     *Does your nameplate or label need to be able to stand up to harsh elements?  Keep these considerations in mind and feel free to contact us for more discussion on your specific project.* #### Related Articles [Automotive Emblems, Nameplates and Badges - an overview](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/19952/Automotive-Emblems-Badges-and-Nameplates) [4 Examples of Durable Underhood Badges](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/50690/4-Examples-of-Durable-Underhood-Badges) [Mustang GT Engine Cover Nameplate](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/44198/Mustang-GT-Engine-Cover-Nameplate) [![Namplate Samples, Aluminum Nameplates, Plastic Labels](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/60349/e164d075-68b4-4518-b827-4fc20bd2ec67.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/60349/e164d075-68b4-4518-b827-4fc20bd2ec67) [![Subscribe to Nameplate Blog](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/60349/bfc1b4db-e777-4cc5-ada1-e4566cbceea8.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/60349/bfc1b4db-e777-4cc5-ada1-e4566cbceea8)   Topics: [Automotive](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/automotive), [Nameplate](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/nameplate), [Embossing](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/embossing), [Materials and Processes](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/materials-and-processes), [Exterior](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/exterior)   ### Subscribe to Nameplate Blog   [Go to Nameplate Blog Home](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog)   [![Request A Quote](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/60349/707247f9-b11b-4b90-9cda-6376f5426b5c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/60349/707247f9-b11b-4b90-9cda-6376f5426b5c) - [Topics](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/112948/Considerations-in-Under-the-Hood-Badge-Design#mia-topics) - [Popular](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/112948/Considerations-in-Under-the-Hood-Badge-Design#mia-popular) - [2021 (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/2021) - [3D (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/3d) - [Adhesives (11)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/adhesives) - [Aluminum (129)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/aluminum) - [Aluminum In-mold (9)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/aluminum-in-mold) - [Aluminum Trim (41)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/aluminum-trim) - [Anodize (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/anodize) - [Appliance (12)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/appliance) - [Appliqué (5)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/appliqué) - [Archive (35)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/archive) - [Artwork Submission (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/artwork-submission) - [Assembly (6)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/assembly) - [Automotive (35)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/automotive) - [Backlit (5)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/backlit) - [Boats (6)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/boats) - [Brass (8)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/brass) - [Brushed Aluminum (19)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/brushed-aluminum) - [Carbon Fiber (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/carbon-fiber) - [Classic (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/classic) - [Coined (5)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/coined) - [Color Development (25)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/color-development) - [Computers (13)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/computers) - [Cosmetics (24)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/cosmetics) - [Custom Patterns (11)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/custom-patterns) - [Customization (16)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/customization) - [Customized Patterns on Aluminum (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/customized-patterns-on-aluminum) - [Debossing (13)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/debossing) - [Diamond Cut (22)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/diamond-cut) - [Digital Printing (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/digital-printing) - [ebook (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/ebook) - [Electronics (23)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/electronics) - [Embossing (53)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/embossing) - [Etched (20)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/etched) - [Exterior (9)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/exterior) - [FAQ (29)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/faq) - [Faux Finish (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/faux-finish) - [Faux Finishes (7)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/faux-finishes) - [Favorite Nameplate (20)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/favorite-nameplate) - [Furniture (9)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/furniture) - [Gauges (5)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/gauges) - [Gloss (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/gloss) - [Hang Tag (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/hang-tag) - [IDSA (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/idsa) - [In-mold Decoration (5)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/in-mold-decoration) - [Individual Letters (7)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/individual-letters) - [Inlay (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/inlay) - [Key Fob (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/key-fob) - [Labels (10)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/labels) - [Large Vehicle (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/large-vehicle) - [Laser Etch (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/laser-etch) - [Lithography (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/lithography) - [Match Box Cover (6)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/match-box-cover) - [Materials and Processes (118)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/materials-and-processes) - [Mechanical Finishes (51)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/mechanical-finishes) - [Medical Equipment (10)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/medical-equipment) - [Metallic (8)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/metallic) - [Motorcycle (11)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/motorcycle) - [Nameplate (175)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/nameplate) - [Nameplate Examples (54)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/nameplate-examples) - [Nameplate Tools (7)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/nameplate-tools) - [Outdoor Equipment (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/outdoor-equipment) - [Overlay (7)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/overlay) - [Packaging (15)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/packaging) - [Patina Finish (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/patina-finish) - [Plastic (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/plastic) - [Plastic Trim (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/plastic-trim) - [Point of Purchase (8)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/point-of-purchase) - [Polycarbonate (10)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/polycarbonate) - [Process Color (16)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/process-color) - [Promotional Products (38)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/promotional-products) - [Prototypes (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/prototypes) - [Recreational Vehicles (6)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/recreational-vehicles) - [Resources (11)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/resources) - [Safety Labels (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/safety-labels) - [Selective Patterns (10)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/selective-patterns) - [Sill Plate (6)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/sill-plate) - [Sports Equipment (9)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/sports-equipment) - [Stainless Steel (17)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/stainless-steel) - [stock dies (10)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/stock-dies) - [Surfaces (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/surfaces) - [Sustainability (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/sustainability) - [Technical (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/technical) - [Telecommunications (9)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/telecommunications) - [Testing (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/testing) - [Texture (15)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/texture) - [Top 10 (9)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/top-10) - [Woodgrain (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/woodgrain) [see all](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/112948/Considerations-in-Under-the-Hood-Badge-Design#) [![Namplate Samples, Aluminum Nameplates, Plastic Labels](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/60349/e164d075-68b4-4518-b827-4fc20bd2ec67.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/60349/e164d075-68b4-4518-b827-4fc20bd2ec67) ### Resources ### Design ### About © 2026 NBHX TRIM GROUP - Northern Engraving | 803 South Black River St. | Sparta, WI 54656-0377 | Phone +1 608 269 6911