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soft enamel vs hard enamel: difference

soft enamel vs hard enamel

Custom enamel pins have become a popular personal preference to showcase brand identity, celebrate fandoms, or commemorate events.

However, when ordering pins, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing between hard enamel and soft enamel.

While they may look similar at first glance, there are key differences in durability, texture, cost, and manufacturing.

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between hard and soft enamel pins, helping you decide which is best for your needs.

Traditional Enamel Pin Overview

Hard Enamel Pins

Hard enamel pins are crafted using a traditional and time – honored technique. These pins undergo a polishing process that creates a smooth, flat surface.

The enamel is baked at high temperatures, harden and cure, then polished down to the metal dividers , resulting in a glossy, durable finish.

One of the key advantages of the hard enamel technique lies in its ability to create highly detailed and precise designs. The etched or stamped patterns on hard enamel coins are sharply defined, with every letter and line clearly distinguishable from any viewing angle. Unlike some other finishes, hard enamel does not produce a glossy sheen that could cause glare and make the design difficult to read. Instead, it offers a consistent, matte – like appearance that enhances the clarity and legibility of the coin’s design.

دبابيس المينا الناعمة

Soft enamel pins, on the other hand, use a different type of enamel and have a textured surface where the enamel sits slightly below the metal lines.

These pins are not polished flat, giving them a tactile, raised feel. They are often more affordable and faster to produce.

As soft enamel coins don’t require stoning or polishing, this cannot occur. Usually, soft enamel is used to make an item look more realistic. The application of soft enamels can give an object a look as if it’s really there.

soft enamel vs hard enamel

Comparision of Pin Types: Quick Visual Distinction

Let’s get a quick understanding of Soft Enamel VS Hard Enamel Pins, just judging from the surface:

شارة دبوس مخصصة تتميز بتصميم فريد من نوعه، مثالية للتعبير الشخصي أو للاستخدام الترويجي.
Company Soft Enamel Pins
دبوس مينا وردة حمراء على شكل وردة حمراء على شكل ثعبان ملتف حول قلب، يرمز إلى الحب والتحول.
Hard Enamel Pins

1、Surface Texture and Appearance

Hard Enamel: Smooth & Glossy

  • The surface is completely flat because the enamel is polished down.

  • High-gloss finish

  • Looks more premium and refined.

  • metallic ridges to block color blending.

دبوس قطة زهري وأزرق غريب الأطوار مزين بالنجوم، ويتميز بتصميم مرح وملون.
دبابيس المينا الصلبة المخصصة

Soft Enamel: Textured & Dimensional

  • Raised metal edges, creating a tactile feel.

  • Colors are slightly recessed, adding depth.

  • Often used for designs requiring a vintage or rugged look.

  • Soft enamel pins have raised

دبوس بيسبول عالمي لعام 2020 يتميز بتصميم الكرة الأرضية مع عناصر البيسبول، ويرمز إلى الوحدة العالمية في هذه الرياضة.
دبابيس المينا الناعمة المخصصة

2、Cost Comparison

Soft Enamel Pins: Most Popular Style

Soft enamel pins have earned their place as the most sought – after choice, offering an ideal blend of style and affordability. With a moderate level of quality, these pins feature a delightful textured finish that adds to their visual appeal.

Their cost – effectiveness makes them a smart option for a wide range of projects, allowing for creative freedom in terms of shape and size. Whether you’re looking to create promotional items, fan merchandise, or personal accessories, soft enamel pins are perfect for mid – range lapel pin needs.

Hard Enamel Pins: Luxury and Prestige

Hard enamel pins represent the pinnacle of lapel pin craftsmanship. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these high – end pins boast a flawlessly smooth and elegant surface that exudes luxury.

While they come with a higher price tag compared to soft enamel pins, the investment is well worth it for those seeking a touch of sophistication.

Hard enamel pins are the go – to choice for corporate branding, commemorating special events, or creating exclusive collectibles, making a lasting impression with their premium quality and timeless appeal.

3、The Manufacturing Flow Soft Enamel Pins VS Hard Enamel Pins

Although they can use the same plating colors, gold or silver or other platings, the processes in manufacturing are completely different.

دبابيس المينا الناعمة

Hard Enamel Pins

1. CNC artwork and Engrave metal molds

1. CNC artwork and Engrave metal molds

2. Fix mold

2. Fix mold

3. Polish

3. Filling color

4. Metal plating

4. Bake

5. Filling color

5. Polish

6. Bake

6. Metal plating

4. Durability and Longevity

Hard Enamel Pins: More Resistant to Wear

  • The polished surface is less prone to scratches.

  • Better for frequently handled items (e.g., employee badges, military pins).

  • Can last 10+ years with proper care.

Soft Enamel Pins: Slightly Less Durable

  • The raised metal lines can wear down over time with heavy use.

  • More susceptible to chipping if dropped or scraped.

  • Typically lasts 5-7 years under normal conditions.

Hard enamel pins are high temperature to harden – temperature firing process. The vitreous enamel forms a hard, protective layer over the metal base. They are resistant to scratches, fading, and general wear and tear.

Soft enamel pins are generally less durable than hard enamel pins. Over time, with repeated handling and friction, the surface of a soft enamel pin may develop small scratches that can dull the appearance of the colors.

A study by a pin manufacturer found that hard enamel pins retained 90% of their color vibrancy after 5 years, while soft enamel pins showed 15-20% fading in the same period.

final product Quick Comparison

To make your decision easier, here’s a quick comparison of hard و soft enamel pins:

الميزة

المينا الصلبة

مينا ناعمة المينا

Finish

Smooth, flat, glossy

Textured, raised metal details

المتانة

Highly durable, scratch-resistant

Durable but slightly less so

Price

Higher cost due to polishing

More budget-friendly

Colors

Limited but elegant

Bright and vibrant

Best For

Corporate, professional designs

Artistic, intricate, colorful designs

How to pick?Choosing the Right Type

Choose Hard Enamel If:

  • You want a luxury, polished look.

  • Durability is a priority (e.g., daily wear).

  • Budget is not a constraint.

Choose Soft Enamel If:

  • You need fast, affordable production.

  • You prefer a textured, dimensional look.

  • You’re ordering in bulk for events or promotions.

There ara some Related Products:

Hard Enamel Pins

دبابيس المينا الناعمة

دبوس نابض بالحياة يتميز بتصميم قلب ملون، يعرض مزيجاً من الألوان الزاهية والأشكال المرحة.
شارة من عام 1664 تحمل كلمة "بلانك" معروضة بشكل بارز بخط أنيق.
يد تحمل دبوس قنفذ باللونين الأبيض والأسود بلطف، ويظهر تصميمه المعقد وملامحه الساحرة.
دبوس يحمل عبارة "هيوستن الحب لا يفشل أبدًا"، والتي ترمز إلى المرونة والمودة في مجتمع هيوستن.
دبوس غريب الأطوار يضم خفاشاً كرتونياً يجثم على جمجمة منمقة، ويجمع بين العناصر المرحة والمخيفة.
دبوس ملوّن يعرض شعار كونفيرس بتصميم متكرر، يؤكد على جمالية العلامة التجارية الفريدة والعصرية.

الأفكار النهائية

Both hard and soft enamel pins have unique advantages.

If you prioritize durability and a premium finish, hard enamel is the way to go.

If you need فعالة من حيث التكلفة, textured pins with quicker turnaround, soft enamel is the better choice.

running your fingers to Make Pins?

Now that you know the differences, you can confidently choose the best enamel pin type for your project.

If you are still unsure, contact us and let us know. We have pin designers to help you complete your designs(It’s COMPLETELY FREE). Contact us and get a free quote now!

As an enamel pin maker with a professional experience, بيكين is able to help you to pick out the most suitable one and the best looking one for your design. Whether it’s for branding, merch, or personal use, both styles offer great ways to make a lasting impression!

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