How to add a non-repeating image to an object?

[J.C]

...
But the problem with that solution is that text edges can't be smoothed, subdivided, beveled or otherwise softened.
...

Alternatively you can try new rounded edges in Octane 2019.x (Blender 18.x)

[J.C]

...
I tried the setup here, but perhaps I did something wrong:
...

Another workaround to this, that should work, is creating a separate UV map with for text texture and separate UV map for the rest of the mesh.

[justavisitor]

But the problem with that solution is that text edges can't be smoothed, subdivided, beveled or otherwise softened.

That's why I tried Displacement instead...

But please let me know if I'm missing something...

Before you extrude and cut a hole, with text mesh, using booleans make sure the text has enough polygons to look smooth. After this you can apply boolean and bevel modifiers.

boolBevelText.png

Thank you J.C,
The problem with the Boolean method is that I have to use the Edge Split modifier subsequently -- if I don't, there are lots of render artifacts (it's like the Edge Split magically cleans up all the geometry) -- and when I do that, I can no longer use the Bevel modifier (I asked why at Blenderartist, and a user gave me a technical reason I didn't quite get; but as far as I understood, the resulting edges are not 'real,' so no further modifiers can be applied).

So the advantage of Boolean is that the text itself is super smooth -- but the edge between the vertically engraved text and the horisontal object is a razor-sharp 90 degrees angle that can't be smoothed or beveled.

[justavisitor]

...
But the problem with that solution is that text edges can't be smoothed, subdivided, beveled or otherwise softened.
...

Alternatively you can try new rounded edges in Octane 2019.x (Blender 18.x)

rounded edges.png

I don't have this Octane All Access (I believe it's called?) -- I didn't know there were any actual Blender advantages. But this definitely looks interesting, so I'll reconsider.

[justavisitor]

...
I tried the setup here, but perhaps I did something wrong:
...

Another workaround to this, that should work, is creating a separate UV map with for text texture and separate UV map for the rest of the mesh.

Thank you, I'll try that too!