Did you know the custom pin market is on track to hit almost $200 million soon? It is an interesting fact. If you are thinking about getting custom pins made for your business, club or even a personal project, you really need to understand the differences between enamel and soft enamel pins. The right choice can make your design truly special. There are subtle differences that can significantly affect the final look, how long they last and what they cost. I have been making custom pins for years and I always guide my clients, so they can make smart choices. Let us take a look at what makes these popular options different.
Understanding Enamel Pins
Enamel pins are made by filling recessed areas in a metal base with melted enamel. I think they are a great way to show who you are, support causes you believe in or promote a brand. When talking about enamel pins, you need to know the difference between soft enamel and hard enamel. What is different about them?
Soft Enamel Pins: All About Texture
Soft enamel pins have a textured surface that you can feel. When they are made, enamel is poured into the recessed parts of a metal mold but does not fill them completely. This leaves the metal outlines raised, which creates a grooved effect that people really like. I find that soft enamel is often best for designs that need very clear color separation because the recessed areas clearly define each part.
From my experience, I often recommend soft enamel pins for designs that you want to stand out. The texture is interesting to look at and captures attention.
How Soft Enamel Pins Are Made
- Design Finalization: The design is perfected and ready for production.
- Die Creation: A metal mold is made based on the approved design and used to stamp the pin’s shape.
- Metal Stamping: The pin shape is stamped from a metal sheet, usually copper, iron or a zinc alloy.
- Enamel Application: Enamel is carefully poured into the recessed areas of the stamped metal.
- Baking: The pin is baked at high temperatures so the enamel hardens.
- Polishing: The raised metal surfaces are polished to make them bright and shiny.
- Plating: The pin is coated with a metallic finish like gold, silver or black nickel.
- Final Inspection: A pin backing is attached and the pin is checked to make sure it meets quality standards.
Hard Enamel Pins: Smooth and Polished
Hard enamel pins, sometimes called cloisonné pins, are known for their smooth, even surface. Like soft enamel pins, enamel is poured into the recessed areas. The main difference is that the area is filled a little above the metal lines. The pin is then fired at high temperatures and carefully polished until the enamel is perfectly level with the metal outlines. This makes the surface smooth and strong and means it does not scratch easily.
Hard enamel pins are great when you need something that will last. The smooth surface means there is less risk of scratches or damage, which makes them good for everyday use.
How Hard Enamel Pins Are Made
- Design Finalization: Same as soft enamel.
- Die Creation: Same as soft enamel.
- Metal Stamping: Same as soft enamel.
- Enamel Application: Enamel is poured into the recessed areas, filling a little above the metal lines.
- Baking & Polishing: The pin is baked and polished over and over to make a perfectly smooth, even surface.
- Plating: Same as soft enamel.
- Final Inspection: Same as soft enamel.
Enamel versus Soft Enamel Pins: Key Differences
The main difference is the surface finish and how they are made. Let us take a closer look at the main differences:
- Surface Texture: Soft enamel pins have a textured surface with raised metal lines and hard enamel pins have a smooth, even surface.
- Durability: Hard enamel pins are more durable and resist scratches because of the polishing process. Soft enamel pins scratch more easily but a protective epoxy coating can help.
- Color Vibrancy: Soft enamel pins often have brighter colors because of how the recessed enamel interacts with light. Hard enamel pins can also have vibrant colors but the polishing may make them a little less intense.
- Detail: Soft enamel pins are best for designs with lots of details and complex color separation. The raised metal lines clearly define each area.
- Cost: Soft enamel pins usually cost less to produce because they are easier to make.
- Feel: Soft enamel pins have a dimensional feel that you can touch and hard enamel pins feel smooth like jewelry.
Aesthetics: What They Look Like
How soft enamel and hard enamel pins look affects your design. Soft enamel pins have a more rugged look, which is good for designs where you want a tactile quality. The recessed enamel adds depth and shadow, making colors stand out and highlighting details.
Hard enamel pins have a smooth surface that gives a more sophisticated impression. The even surface reflects light evenly, which creates a clean, polished look that is often chosen for designs that are supposed to look high quality.
What About Durability?
When you compare enamel pins, durability is very important, especially for pins that you will wear often. Hard enamel pins are usually more durable because of the polishing process, which makes them resist scratches and a good choice for everyday wear.
Soft enamel pins do not resist scratches as well but they can still be durable. An epoxy coating adds protection and makes them last longer, especially for designs with delicate details.
Cost: What Will It Cost?
The price often determines whether you choose soft or hard enamel pins. Soft enamel pins are usually more affordable because they are easier to make, which makes them good for large production runs or if you do not have much money to spend.
Hard enamel pins typically cost more because they take more work to make, including repeated polishing steps. The increased durability and polished look can make them worth the extra money, especially for designs that you want to look high quality.
Design Complexity: How Detailed Is the Design?
How complex your design is affects whether you choose soft or hard enamel pins. Soft enamel pins are good for intricate designs because the raised metal lines clearly separate each color area, which gives excellent color separation. Soft enamel pins capture complex designs accurately.
Hard enamel pins can handle detailed designs as well but the polishing process may blur fine lines a little. Soft enamel pins are often preferred for very intricate designs.
How Are They Typically Used?
Different pin types are good for different uses. Soft enamel pins are often used for promotional merchandise, band merchandise and casual apparel because they are affordable and look good, which makes them popular for events, giveaways and creating a playful feel.
Hard enamel pins are commonly chosen for corporate gifts, employee recognition and premium merchandise. They are durable and polished, which makes them good for situations where quality is very important and makes a lasting impression on clients.
Making the Right Choice
When you select between enamel versus soft enamel pins, it depends on what you need. Ask yourself these questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? Soft enamel pins are more economical.
- How durable do the pins need to be? Hard enamel pins resist scratches better.
- How detailed is your design? Soft enamel is best for intricate designs.
- What look are you trying to achieve? Soft enamel has a textured look and hard enamel has a smooth finish.
- What will the pins be used for? Make sure your choice matches how they will be used, such as promotional merchandise versus corporate gifts.
Other Enamel Pin Options
Soft and hard enamel pins are common but there are other options that have unique characteristics:
- Glitter Enamel Pins: Add sparkle by adding glitter to the enamel, which is perfect for special events.
- Glow in the Dark Enamel Pins: Create an interesting effect with glow in the dark enamel, which is good for nighttime events.
- 3D Enamel Pins: Add depth to your design with a three dimensional effect, which makes a unique product.
How to Care for Enamel Pins
No matter whether you choose soft or hard enamel pins, taking care of them will make them last longer. Follow these tips:
- Avoid harsh cleaners: Clean them with a soft cloth and mild soap.
- Store them properly: Store pins in a cool, shaded place.
- Handle them with care: Do not drop them or scratch them.
- Consider protective coatings: Apply an epoxy coating to soft enamel pins for extra protection.
In Conclusion: The Right Pin for You
Knowing the differences between enamel and soft enamel pins is important for making custom pins that match what you want. Soft enamel pins have a textured look and are affordable and hard enamel pins have a smooth finish and are better quality. If you carefully consider the design, how they will be used and how much you want to spend, you can make a smart decision and create pins that you will be proud to show off. Enamel pins are a great way to show who you are, promote your brand or remember special moments.
