How Much Does a Custom Gobo Cost? (2026 Price Guide)
Oct 22,2026 | JINGYU OPTOELEC
If you have ever asked a supplier for a gobo quote and received "it depends" as the answer, this guide is for you.
Below is what custom gobos actually cost in 2026, what drives the price up or down, and the four hidden costs that turn a $40 quote into a $200 invoice.
The short answer
For a single custom glass gobo, budget 39-120 per piece depending on color count and size. Stainless steel gobos run 25-60. Full-color photographic gobos cost the most, typically 90-250.
Most first-time buyers order 1–3 pieces and land between $50 and $150 total, including artwork setup.
Price by gobo type
|
Gobo type |
Typical price (USD) |
Best for |
Durability |
|
Blank gobo (uncut) |
|
Testing, DIY cutting |
Varies |
|
Steel, one color |
|
Simple logos, short events |
6–18 months |
|
Glass, one color |
|
Storefront logos, long-term install |
3–5 years |
|
Glass, two color |
|
Branded colors, retail |
3–5 years |
|
Glass, three color |
|
Detailed brand marks |
3–5 years |
|
Full-color glass |
|
Photographic images, portraits |
3–5 years |
Prices reflect standard sizes (roughly 25–37mm outer diameter). Large-format or projector-specific sizes cost more.
What actually drives the price
1. Number of colors. Each color is a separate production pass. One color is one pass; full color can mean four or more. This is the single biggest factor — a full-color gobo can cost 3× a one-color version of the same artwork.
2. Glass vs steel. Steel is cheaper but degrades faster under heat. Glass handles higher wattage and holds fine detail far better. For anything installed permanently, glass is almost always the cheaper choice over five years.
3. Artwork complexity. Thin lines, small text, and gradients all cost more because they require higher-resolution etching. A clean vector logo with 2mm minimum line weight is the cheapest thing you can send us.
4. Size. Standard sizes are cheapest. Oversized gobos for high-power projectors are cut individually.
5. Quantity. This is where the math changes. At 10+ pieces, per-unit pricing typically drops 20–35%. At 50+, a gobo that costs $70 alone might cost $38 each.
The four hidden costs nobody quotes you
Setup / artwork fees. Some suppliers charge 20–50 to vectorize your logo. We do this free — but confirm it in writing before you pay, because it is the most common surprise on a gobo invoice.
Rush production. Standard turnaround is 3–7 business days. Need it in 48 hours? Expect a 30–50% surcharge, and not every design can be rushed.
Shipping. A single gobo ships in a flat envelope for 10–25 internationally. But gobos are fragile — cheap shipping means cracked glass. Insist on rigid packaging.
Replacement cycles. A steel gobo in a 300W projector under daily use may need replacing every 6–9 months. Over three years that is 4–6 replacements. Glass bought once usually outlasts the projector.
How to get an accurate quote in one email
Most back-and-forth happens because the first email is missing information. Send these five things and you will get a firm price the same day:
- Your logo as a vector file (AI, EPS, SVG, or PDF). A JPG screenshot will cost you a design fee or a delay.
- Intended projection size in meters or feet.
- Projector model and wattage — this determines the gobo's heat tolerance.
- Indoor or outdoor installation.
- Quantity and deadline.
With those five, a quote should take minutes, not days.
Is a custom gobo worth it?
Do the comparison against your alternative. A custom neon sign with your logo runs 300–800 and needs an electrician. A vinyl window decal costs 80–200 but fades in a year and is invisible at night. A custom gobo plus a projector is a one-time 40–120 cost that can be re-projected on any wall, window, or facade you point it at — and it works best after dark, when a decal does nothing.
For a venue hosting events, a rental business, or a storefront open evenings, the gobo pays for itself in under one event.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a different gobo for each projector? Usually yes — gobos are sized to a projector's specific optics. A gobo cut for a 25W unit will not fit a 300W housing. Tell us the model and we will match the size.
Can I use one gobo in multiple projectors? Only if the projectors are the same model. Otherwise order one gobo per projector.
How long does production take? 3–7 business days standard. Free design proof within 24 hours.
What is the minimum order quantity? One piece. There is no MOQ on custom glass gobos.
Can you match a specific brand color? Yes, within standard glass color ranges. Send a Pantone reference and we will confirm feasibility before production.
Want a firm price today?
Send your logo and projector details to sales@gobofactory.com or message us on WhatsApp at +86 13456752363. Free design proof, no MOQ, ships in 3 days.
टिप्पणी
