I was wondering how they were painted. Are they really made by prisoners, or is that just an old wife's tale? I was thinking that after the letters were punched into the aluminum, the plate (pre painted with the background and other state / province bullshit) would then be "dipped" into the paint the same color as the letters. For example, it would be face down over a tray of paint or something, then just lowered enough to get only the raised surfaces.

I think of the stupidest ****, I know! Anyone know the answer?

 

well I don't know about canada...but the plates in MOST U.S. states are NOT aluminum....they are galvanized steel. As for if they are made by prisoners....well at one time they were....that part is not an old wives tale....but I am pretty sure that is not the case anymore.

 

Not sure about the prisoner thing - or the painting for that matter.

But a funny thing here in NY:

Standard plates are stamped like described - the plates have a silver-ish white-ish background with dark blue lettering. But - there is also a clear coat of some sort, with a holographic strip in it - looks like the state of New York repeated in a strip down the center of the plate. Cool.

Also - vanity plates (custom), are NOT stamped - it's a flat plate, and the letters are only printed on. Seems to be the same as the standard plates, just not stamped. weird.

~HH