Learn how custom gobos are made for logo projection — from choosing between metal and glass, preparing artwork files, and navigating the production process, to maintenance tips that extend gobo lifespan.
A gobo (short for "goes between optics") is a precision-cut template placed inside a specialized projector. Light passes through the gobo's pattern and casts that image onto any surface — a wall, floor, ceiling, or facade. Gobos are widely used for logo projection, event branding, architectural lighting, and safety signage. They come in two primary materials: metal and glass.
Metal gobos are laser-cut from thin stainless steel. They excel at high-contrast, single-color projections — logos with clean lines, bold text, or geometric shapes. Metal gobos are durable, heat-resistant, and cost-effective for most standard applications. One key constraint: any fully enclosed area in the design (like the interior of the letter "O") requires a physical bridge to hold it in place. This must be factored into the artwork before production.
Glass gobos are etched or printed onto optical-quality borosilicate glass. They support full-color imagery, gradients, and photographic detail that metal cannot reproduce. Glass gobos are the preferred choice for premium brand activations, multi-color logos, and high-resolution imagery. They require more careful handling but deliver significantly richer projection output.
Artwork preparation is the most critical step. Manufacturers typically require:
Most professional gobo suppliers offer a free artwork review before production begins. Always request this step to catch issues early and avoid costly reprints.
1. Artwork Conversion
The design is converted into a production-ready file. For metal gobos, this means generating a precise laser-cutting path. For glass gobos, the image is prepared for UV printing or chemical etching onto the glass substrate.
2. Cutting or Etching
Metal gobos are laser-cut with tolerances typically within ±0.1 mm. Glass gobos are either chemically etched for monochrome designs or UV-printed for full-color output, then fired to permanently bond the image to the glass surface.
3. Quality Inspection
Each gobo is inspected for structural integrity, edge quality, and image accuracy. Metal gobos are checked for clean cuts and intact bridges; glass gobos are reviewed for color fidelity and surface clarity.
4. Sizing and Fitting
Gobos are manufactured to standard sizes — A, B, M, and others — that correspond to specific projector models. Confirm your projector's gobo size specification before ordering. An incorrectly sized gobo will not seat properly in the gate and cannot be used.
5. Proofing (Recommended)
For large orders or critical brand applications, request a digital render showing how the gobo will project at your intended throw distance and surface type. Physical proofs are also available from select manufacturers.
Standard metal gobos typically ship within 3–5 business days after artwork approval. Full-color glass gobos may require 7–14 business days. Rush production is available at a premium from most suppliers. For events with fixed dates, build in at least two weeks of buffer to allow for artwork revisions and shipping.
Proper care significantly extends gobo life:
Making a custom gobo for logo projection involves selecting the right material for your design, preparing production-ready artwork, and partnering with a manufacturer who understands optical precision. Metal gobos suit bold, single-color applications; glass gobos unlock full-color brand expression. With the right file, the correct size, and proper maintenance, a custom gobo delivers consistent, high-impact projection for years.
Browse our gobo projector products to find the right system for your application, or contact us to discuss your project. Start a custom gobo order →
