Quick Comparison
| Feature | Metal (Steel) | Glass | Plastic / Acetate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detail & Resolution | Good for bold designs; fine detail limited by bridges | Excellent—razor-sharp detail, halftones, and full color is possible | Low–medium; simple shapes only |
| Color | Single color (white/mono) | Full color or grayscale | Usually single color (mono) |
| Heat Resistance | High (great for high-watt fixtures) | Medium (tempered/borosilicate); avoid thermal shock | Low—for cool LED projectors only |
| Durability / Reuse | Very durable; long-lasting | Durable if handled carefully; can scratch | Short-term / disposable |
| Cost | Lowest | Highest | Lowest upfront (but limited use) |
| Lead Time | Fastest for simple files | May require longer proofs for color | Fast |
| Best For | Logos with bold lines, monograms, patterns, rush jobs | Detailed logos, photos, gradients, brand-critical color | Temporary signage, seasonal/event testing on cool LEDs |
Key takeaway:
- Choose metal for speed, durability, and budget.
- Choose glass for fine detail and color (no bridges).
- Choose plastic only for short-term use with cool LED projectors.
What Is a Gobo
A gobo (“goes before optics”) is a stencil or disc placed in a projector to shape light into a design—monograms, logos, textures, or patterns. Materials change how much detail, color, and heat the gobo can handle.
Metal (Steel) Gobos
Why people pick metal
- Fast + durable: handles heat from powerful fixtures and road use.
- Budget-friendly: perfect for DJs, venues, and multi-event reuse.
- Classic look: crisp, high-contrast projection.
Design constraints (bridges)
Metal works like a stencil. Any “island” (e.g., the inside of O, A, or a star) must be held by bridges (tiny uncut connectors). Expect small breaks in letters/shapes—this is normal and part of the aesthetic.
When to use metal
- Wedding monograms with bold serif/sans fonts
- Corporate logos with solid shapes (no tiny text)
- Texture gobos (leaf breakups, sunbursts, geometric patterns)
- Rush orders and touring applications
File prep tips
- Provide vector artwork (AI, SVG, EPS, PDF).
- Minimum stroke/space: 0.6–1.0 mm (≈ 2–3 pt) at gobo size.
- Avoid hairline serifs and micro text; simplify where possible.
- We’ll add/adjust bridges where needed to preserve readability.
Glass Gobos
Why people pick glass
- Ultra-fine detail: tiny text and intricate logos stay legible.
- Grayscale & full color: gradients, photos, and exact brand colors.
- No bridges: interiors remain continuous and visually perfect.
Considerations
- Highest price point; requires careful handling and clean storage.
- Still heat-resistant, but avoid rapid temperature changes.
When to use glass
- Brand-critical color (corporate events, TV, retail activations)
- Photo or gradient effects on stage walls and backdrops
- Architectural installs where fidelity matters
File prep tips
- Vector art for line work; 300+ DPI for raster/photo elements.
- Provide brand color values (Pantone/HEX/CMYK) for color glass.
- Keep quiet backgrounds—projected color looks best on darker surfaces.
Plastic / Acetate Gobos
Why people pick plastic
- Lowest cost for short-term use.
- Quick tests, seasonal decor, and simple shapes on cool LED projectors.
Limitations
- Not heat-resistant—avoid high-watt halogen/discharge fixtures.
- Softer image edges; scratches more easily; best for short runs.
When to use plastic
- Budget-conscious events, classroom demos, prototypes.
- Temporary signage where ultimate sharpness isn’t required.
Which Should You Choose? (Use-Case Guide)
- Weddings:
- Bold monograms on dance floors → Metal
- Daytime tents / bright venues → consider projector brightness first
- Corporate Branding:
- Exact logo colors / tiny ® marks → Glass (color)
- Single-color logo on stage or lobby → Metal or Glass (mono)
- Theatre / Concerts:
- Textures and breakups for atmosphere → Metal
- Photo/gradient backdrops → Glass or Metal
- Outdoor / Architectural:
- Long throws and weather-exposed housings → Metal or Glass; skip plastic
- Rush Jobs:
- Metal gobos win (fastest to fabricate, simplest proofing)
Projector & Size Basics (Don’t Skip This)
- Gobo size must match your fixture (A, B, M, etc.).
- Throw distance and lens angle control image size.
- Ambient light (and surface color) affects brightness and contrast.
- Not sure which size you need? Check your projector model or use our Gobo Size Guide.
Artwork Prep Checklist
- ✅ Vector art preferred; outline all fonts.
- ✅ Minimum positive/negative line width: 0.6–1.0 mm at final size.
- ✅ Convert strokes to shapes; remove tiny gaps and stray points.
- ✅ For metal gobos, expect/allow bridges to hold interior shapes.
- ✅ For glass, include high-res images and color specs if needed.
FAQs
Do metal gobos always show little breaks?
Yes—those bridges keep interior shapes from falling out. We place them strategically so readability stays high.
Will a glass gobo be brighter than a metal gobo?
Brightness depends more on fixture output, lens, and surface than material. Glass can appear crisper on fine detail; metal often looks punchier on bold designs.
Can I project in color with metal?
Metal is single-color (white/mono). For true color or gradients, choose glass.
What if I only know my projector brand/model?
That’s enough—send it over and we’ll match the correct gobo size and advise the ideal material.
How fast can you make one?
Metal Gobos: often 24–48h after artwork approval (rush available). Glass: Usually a week. Add time for proofs and color checks.
Ready to Order?
- Explore materials and pricing on Custom Gobos
- Planning a wedding? See ideas and real photos on Wedding Gobos
- Need help with artwork? We’ll adjust paths and add bridges for you.