Gel Plates

Gel plates add a unique and distinctive finish to your vehicle registration plate, further stating a level of individuality that can be the finishing touch to a vehicle you have already customised.

 

Bespoke plates is a renowned and legally certified number plate maker and installer, with options of 3D Plates, 4D plates, Show plates, and regular/electric vehicle plates, we are the one-stop shop in all things number plates!

 

Whether it’s a private plate, plating accessories or our gel plate range, we have you covered. Our gel plates are installed to the specification of UK law, along with the appropriate paperwork you need. (The only exception to this being show plates.)

3D and 4D Gel Plates

At Bespoke Plates, we offer the option of 3D plates and 4D plates. These are also known as gel plates.

In a nutshell, a gel plate refers to a number plate which has its characters altered to achieve a distinct 3-dimensional raised appearance on the words and numbers on the registration plate. This is achieved by applying industrial-strength long-lasting resin on top of the 3D characters.

The outlay of the gel characters provides a modern easily readable finish, along with a durable top layer of resin which ensures that the characters are durable as well as readable.

It’s important to mention that as of September 2021 new rules have been implemented to number plating in Great Britain as a result of Brexit. Here are the new rulings directly from the UK Government.

We know that seems worrying especially if you’re considering personalising your number plate, however, at Bespoke Plates, we thoroughly advise you on what plates can be put on your car legally.

3D and 4D plates, although similar, have distinct differences, which we will explain below.

3D vs 4D plates

The key difference between these plates is in their production and aesthetic. 3D plates are easier and faster to make than 4D plates, which also makes them cheaper. Both plates are made by hand using alignment bars.

The physical difference between 3D and 4D plates is in how raised the letters are and how they look. 4D characters are more raised and rectangular. 3D characters are less raised and more rounded for an understated look.

3D plates

  • Characters placed by hand
  • Acrylic plate – polyurethane letters
  • Rounded-raised characters with a wet, gel-like look

3D plates are made from acrylic with individual raised letters. The raised letters are manufactured from polyurethane and get ‘stuck’ to the acrylic plate by hand. An aligner bar is used to guarantee perfect spacing.

The rounded and shiny gel-like appearance of 3D plates makes them a great choice if you want to add understated personalisation to your vehicle.

4D plates

  • Characters placed by hand
  • Acrylic plate – acrylic letters (laser cut)
  • Rectangular and deep-raised characters

4D plates are also made from acrylic but instead of polyurethane characters, they use professionally laser-cut characters made from acrylic sheets. This allows the characters to be thicker and more rectangular for a more eye-catching look.

You can also get 4D gel characters which have a ‘wet look’. These are made in the same way as 3D letters but have a thicker profile. All of our plating options are made in-house.

In terms of cost, 4D plates carry a premium over 3D plates by up to 20%. The reason 4D plates cost more is that the individual characters are laser cut, or they are of the thicker gel variety. In the case of laser-cut, the characters are also made to order in-house.

The 3D and 4D plates we offer are available in several styles:

4D

  • 4D 3mm
  • 4D 5mm
  • 4D Gel
  • 4D Glitter Gel
  • Carbon 4D Gel
  • Krystal 4D
  • Krystal Gel

3D

  • Black
  • Carbon Brickwork
  • Carbon Galaxy
  • Glitter Gel

It’s important to note that with all these different styles, the only thing that changes is the texture and appearance of the characters.

Want to see what we mean rather than read an explanation? head over to our website so you can visualize what your plate could look like. Do you like what you see? We have same-day collections and fittings available.

Yes - Gel plates are LEGAL

To clear up any confusion, gel plates are 100% LEGAL if you stick to the outlined rules from the DVLA.

The DVLA created these outlines to improve road safety, minimise the number of illegal vehicle activities, and clear up any confusion drivers were expressing.

As a DVLA-certified producer of number plates, we were thrilled to see these changes come into effect as it added that extra layer of legality supporting trusted businesses like ours. The legal terms that a number plate must adhere to are:

  • be made from a reflective material – for road safety
  • black display characters on a white background (front plate)
  • black display characters on a yellow background (rear plate)
  • not have a background pattern – so as not to distort the readability of your plate
  • be marked to show who supplied the number plate – to assist with thefts and sourcing queries
  • be marked with a British Standard number – this is ‘BS AU 145e’ for plates fitted after 1 September 2021
  • The characters must not be removable or reflective. If your number plates were fitted after 1 September 2021, they must also be a single shade of black.

As well as these outlined conditions, custom plates must also display the following:

If the rules have been adhered to, you will be fine. Number plates must also have either a ‘BSAU 145d’ or  a ‘BSAU 145e’ code applied to them, which can only be completed by a legally certified licence plate vendor.

Gel plates - durable and stylish

Gel number plates can last just as long if not longer than traditional number plates, especially with adequate care and being fortified along with a number plate holder.

Our 3D gel plates and 4D gel plate options offer superior resilience compared to a standard registration plate due to the industrial strength, and long-lasting resin we apply over the characters creating a slightly more reinforced top layer on our 3D and 4D registration plates.

Although there is no set date for how long your gel plate will last, it is definitely worth being aware of what we will shortly mention, in order to keep your plate safe and undamaged.

In March 2022, more rules were added. These amendments to number plate production reflect not just legal requirements but also have been designed to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy and safer for longer.

These rules mean that all number plates, including 3D and 4D designs, must be:

  • Additionally toughened to ensure they can withstand hits and destructive materials that can be found on UK roads.
  • Only single in colour as two tones are deemed to cause issues when dealing with different light sources and bad weather. Acrylic and gel lettering is still approved, it just needs to be a single tone to be a legal plate. Show plates can, of course, still have more creative designs.
  • Location identifiers, including the address and postcode of the supplier, also need to be included.
3d Number Plate Maker

Private Plates

Looking for a private plate instead? Private plates offer you the chance to have a plate that truly stands out by its ability to signify a special meaning, or even just the sheer simplicity of having fewer characters, whilst still remaining legal. As long as you buy from a certified seller.

We are a legal and certified seller of private plates, just click here to view our options. We are able to provide you with all the necessary documentation you need should you be interested in browsing our private plate selection. Take a look at our selection.

Gel show plates

Maybe you are on the hunt for the unique style of the gel plate characters, whilst having the freedom to make any choice on the plate itself. This is where show plates come in.

As a creator and seller of show plates, we can create them to your specification but will always firmly repeat that gel plates are for decorative purposes and are not made to be used on the road.

Want to take a look at options for show plates? Decide if you want a 3D Plate or 4D plate and simply click the option for ‘show plate.’

Purchase your gel plates today

We at Bespoke Plates have all the options you can ask for, as an approved license vendor we can guarantee your modification abides by the DVLA rules whilst offering same-day collections and full fitting service.

So browse our options today to get the plate that speaks to you, and speak for you, with Bespoke Plates.

To get in touch and discuss the full fitting service we offer with our plates you can talk to one of the members of our team by:

  • Email – info@bespoke-plates.co.uk
  • Phone – 0333 006 7878
  • Visit in-store –

36A Broughton Street,
Manchester,
England,
M8 8NN

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FAQs

Gel number plates can last just as long if not longer than traditional number plates, especially with adequate care and being fortified along with a number plate holder.

Our 3D gel plates and 4D gel plate options offer superior resilience compared to a standard registration plate due to the industrial strength, long-lasting resin we apply over the characters creating a slightly more reinforced top layer on our 3D and 4D registration plates.

Although there is no set date for how long your gel plate will last, it is definitely worth being aware of what we will shortly mention, in order to keep your plate safe and undamaged.

Whilst we provide show plates to deliver a fun alternative for car enthusiasts or for those who want to personalise their garage, home or business, or as a thoughtful gift for a loved one, we must disclose clearly that show plates are illegal to use on public roads.

Here are 3 reasons a gel plate can benefit anyone:

Enhanced durability

The characters are made from materials that are durable in compliance with DVLA rules, this means that it is less likely for your plate to get damaged over time as much as a normal plate would.

Aesthetics

3D & 4D gel plates add a unique aesthetic to your vehicle, it’s a dash of character on any car, and the ‘cherry on top’ of a car that has already been modified. With a variety of options available to you, you will be sure to find the style that suits you.

It’s legal!

This modification is fully approved by the DVLA as long as you employ the services of a licenced vendor like Bespoke Plates. We can address any queries you may have whilst fully guaranteeing the legality of the modification. (Unless you want a show plate.)

It is not recommended you drill your plate if you have no experience or are unsure about the process. There are options to stick your plate with adhesive tape, purchasing a number plate holder or alternatively, Bespoke Plates offers a full fitting service.

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