Engraving Guide

At KATAAB, we enhance your leather goods with expertly crafted laser engraving. Here's everything you need to know about engraving – before you order.

What types of engravings are possible?

Name & Initials

The classic: a first name, last name, initials, or a combination. Ideal for wallets, keychains, and cases. We recommend 1–3 letters for initials or up to 15 characters for a full name.

Photo & Portrait

A black-and-white photo or portrait is precisely engraved onto the leather. Photo engraving is particularly suitable for wallets as a personal gift. The image should have good contrast – light backgrounds and clear facial features yield the best results.

Date

A wedding date, birthday, or special anniversary – discreetly engraved on the inside or back of the product.

Short Text or Dedication

A short message, a quote, or a personal dedication. Up to approximately 30–40 characters depending on the product and placement.

Monogram

Two or three letters in a classic monogram arrangement – elegant on book covers, pen cases, and wallets.

Where will it be engraved?

The engraving position depends on the product. For wallets, typically on the front or inside. For keychains, on the leather tag itself. For cases and book covers, on the front or back. The exact position is shown in the product image or can be selected during the ordering process.

What does engraving on leather look like?

Laser engraving burns off the top layer of the leather, creating a lighter, slightly recessed line on natural brown or black leather. The result is permanent, fade-resistant, and becomes more beautiful over time – just like the leather itself.

What does engraving on metal look like?

For products with metal fittings or cards (e.g., aluminum insert in a wallet), the engraving appears as a matted indentation in the shiny metal. Very precise and elegant.

Production Time and Shipping

Personalized items are produced after order placement. Production time is typically 2–4 business days in addition to normal delivery time. During high demand (e.g., Christmas, Father's Day), it may take longer – we communicate this transparently on the product page.

Care Instructions after Engraving

Engraved leather is cared for like normal untreated leather. The engraved area should not be treated with damp cloths or aggressive care products. Applying a light leather conditioner to the non-engraved areas is completely sufficient. The engraving itself requires no special care.