Handle Design
A great tuft on a bad handle is a bad brush. We engineer handles for grip, weight balance, and visual identity — and we treat the handle as the buyer's branding surface, with printing, engraving, and finishing options that go far beyond a paint dip.
Shape & ergonomics
Round, hexagonal, tapered, contoured, sculpted grip zones — handle shape affects both grip and brand perception. We design and tool to spec, including 3D-printed prototypes for ergonomic validation.
Weight balance is critical for long-session tools (artist, nail, dental). We adjust handle wall thickness or fill weight to hit a target center of gravity.
Surface finish
Lacquered (gloss / satin / matte), painted, anodized (for aluminum), powder-coated, raw and oiled, soft-touch rubberized — every finish is sampled before approval.
For premium retail lines, we offer pearlescent, metallic, and even soft-touch finishes that significantly elevate perceived quality.
Printing & branding
Pad printing — most economical, ideal for logos and size markings.
Hot stamping — gold and silver foil for premium feel.
Laser engraving — permanent, no ink, perfect for metal handles.
Pattern engraving on aluminum — an East Rich signature, customizable per buyer.
Direct UV printing — full-color photographic prints on handles for limited editions.
Iconic East Rich innovation
Founder Jeff Lai introduced aluminum handles with engraved patterns to the brush industry — replacing the standard wooden handle for nail and detail brushes. This single innovation shifted market demand and remains one of our most-requested handle styles.
By the
numbers.
What we can build
for you.
Custom tooling
For unique handle shapes, we develop new tooling. Tooling cost varies by complexity and is typically amortized across initial production.
Anodized color matching
We anodize aluminum to your Pantone — within achievable range. Color swatches confirmed before production.
Pattern engraving library
We maintain a library of engravable patterns developed over the years. Pick from the library or commission new artwork.
Retail packaging coordination
Handle design coordinates with packaging design — we work with your packaging team or recommend partners.
Ready to build?
Tell us your spec — we'll come back with a sample plan.