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Soft Enamel Pins VS Hard Enamel Pins

custom pins

Enamel pins are staging a powerful comeback, ready to assist you in creating a significant impact and making a bold statement. And enamel pins are taking the spotlight in this trend.

Here, we will explore the distinctions between soft and hard enamel pins, delve into their manufacturing processes, and uncover the advantages they bring. So, let’s get started!

Soft Enamel Pins

Soft enamel pins are a popular form of lapel pins crafted with a distinct manufacturing process. First, the design is engraved onto a metal base, typically znic alloy. Then, soft enamel, which has a relatively lower viscosity, is carefully filled into the engraved recesses.

During the subsequent baking process, the enamel hardens, yet it retains a slightly textured surface due to its nature. This texture, along with the smooth blending of colors, gives soft enamel pins a unique aesthetic. They are often lower cost – effective to produce compared to hard enamel pins, making them an appealing option for businesses, organizations, and collectors looking for an affordable yet high – quality promotional or collectible item.

soft enamel pin
soft enamel pin

Hard Enamel Pins

Hard enamel pins are a premium class of collectible and promotional items. They start with a precisely engraved metal die, usually made of zinc ally or brass. High – quality enamel, which is more viscous than its soft counterpart, is then applied to the recessed areas.

The pins are fired at high temperatures multiple times. This process results in a smooth, glass – like finish with sharp, well – defined edges. The colors on hard enamel pins are vivid and retain their luster over time. Due to the intricate manufacturing process and superior materials used, hard enamel pins often command a higher price point, making them a symbol of luxury and durability in the pin – making world.

hard enamel pin
hard enamel pin

Soft vs. Hard Enamel Pins: Key Differences

Creating your first custom enamel pin is fun. But before you get into color choice, artwork, or backer design, you have an important decision to make: soft enamel or hard enamel.

What’s the difference between hard and soft enamel? The biggest difference between hard and soft enamel is the finished texture. Soft enamel pins have raised metal edges that give them texture, are less expensive, and offer more design flexibility. Hard enamel pins are smooth and shiny, more durable, and take longer to make.

Soft Enamel Pins

A pin featuring the phrase "Houston Love Never Fails," symbolizing resilience and affection in the Houston community.

Hard Enamel Pins

A red rose enamel pin featuring a snake entwined around a heart, symbolizing love and transformation.

Enamel Pin Manufacturing Process

Step 1. 2D artwork

It serves as the initial visual guide, presenting the overall layout and basic shape of the badge.

Step 2. CNC artwork

This provides precise numerical data for the CNC machine, ensuring accurate carving of the mold.

Step 3. Engrave mold

Carve the shape in the drawing on the iron block by cnc machine.

Step 4. Fix mold

Removes imperfections and smooths the surface, making it suitable for high – quality casting.

Step 5. Die casting

Pours molten material into the mold to give the badge its three – dimensional form.

Step 6. Polish

Smoothens the surface to enhance the badge’s appearance and feel.

Step 7. Plating

Adds a protective and decorative metal layer to prevent corrosion.

Step 8. Filling color

Gives the badge its desired hue, making it more visually appealing.

Step 9. Bake color

Fixes the color, ensuring its long – term stability.

Step 10. QC

Checks for defects to guarantee the quality of the final product.

Step 11. Packing

Protects the badge during transportation and storage.

process of producing pins

Key Characteristics

Steps in Making Soft Enamel Pins

Steps in Making Hard Enamel Pins

1. CNC artwork and Engrave mold

1. CNC artwork and Engrave mold

2. Fix mold

2. Fix mold

3. Polish

3. Filling color

4. Plating

4. Bake

5. Filling color

5. Polish

6. Bake

6. Plating

Most importantly, a key difference in making soft and hard enamel pins is that, unlike soft enamel where the pin is colored fully before baking, hard enamel pins are baked after each color application, and the multiple baking times are time and resource-consuming.

Customization Options for Soft Enamel Pin

  • Exceptionally Durable and Premium – Quality Materials: These pins are meticulously crafted from resilient metals such as zinc alloy and lustrous brass, making them true survivors in the world of accessories. The harmonious blend of top – notch materials with the smooth soft enamel creates a product that not only endures but thrives through daily wear.

Choose Plating Color

plating color gold
Gold
plating color silver
Silver
plating color nickle
Nickle
plating color brass
Brass
plating color copper
Copper
plating color matt gold
Matt Gold
plating color matt silver
Matt Silver
Matt-Nickle
Matt Nickle
plating color antique brass
Antique Brass
Antique-Copper
Antique Copper
Antique-Gold
Antique Gold
Antique-Silver
Antique Silver
Antique-Nickle
Antique Nickle
Black-Nickle
Black Nickle
Dye-Black
Dye Black
  • Unique Forms and Dimensions: When dealing with custom soft enamel pins, the scope for design is boundless. Be it the timeless allure of round pins, the distinctiveness of intricately die – cut shapes, or the boldness of extra – large pins, we have the prowess to materialize your every design aspiration. The size spectrum spans from dainty lapel pins perfect for a subtle accent to substantial statement – making pieces, all tailored to suit your specific requirements.

Some examples of pins made by Peakeen
  • Multiple Attachment Methods: Our soft enamel pins can be effortlessly added to various items, including clothes, handbags, caps, and lanyards. To meet different needs, we offer a range of backing options, like the common butterfly clutch for a firm hold, the flexible rubber backing that’s gentle on fabrics, and the reliable safety pin, which provides both security and convenience during attachment.

Choose Pin Accessories

plating color gold
Gold
plating color silver
Silver
plating color nickle
Nickle
plating color brass
Brass
plating color copper
Copper
plating color matt gold
Matt Gold
plating color matt silver
Matt Silver
Matt-Nickle
Matt Nickle
plating color antique brass
Antique Brass
Antique-Copper
Antique Copper
Antique-Gold
Antique Gold
Antique-Silver
Antique Silver
Antique-Nickle
Antique Nickle
Black-Nickle
Black Nickle
Dye-Black
Dye Black

Benefits of Choosing Soft Enamel Pins

  1. Bright, Glossy Finish: The soft enamel gives off a radiant and tactile sheen, making your design’s colors and details practically leap out at you.

  2. Customizable to Your Needs: You’re free to craft everything from straightforward logos to elaborate artworks, integrating your preferred colors, fonts, and shapes.

  3. A Collectible Souvenir: Custom pins are highly sought – after collectibles and can act as keepsakes for special occasions, landmarks, or festivities.

  4. Long – Lasting: These pins are built to last, with enamel that stands up to fading over the years, guaranteeing your design remains vivid for ages

Type Selection Guide

When to Choose Soft Enamel Pins
When to Choose Hard Enamel Pins

You are on a budget and want the more cost-effective type of custom enamel pins.

You are making enamel pins for executives or a high-end event or occasion.

You are making enamel pins with minute design and color details.

You are making a commemorative enamel pin that will pass the test of time

You want custom enamel pins with a unique metal finish.

 You want a custom enamel pin that is resistant to scratch and wear.

Best Practices for Designs

If you want to get some information about our custom enamel pins and how you can order them, explore our popular custom enamel pins, which offer plenty of options to choose from!

An assortment of colorful badges arranged on a pink and blue surface, highlighting their diverse shapes and styles.
Soft Enamel Pins
A vibrant pin featuring a colorful heart design, showcasing a blend of bright hues and playful shapes.
Hard Enamel Pins
soft enamel soccer medals
Soft Enamel Medal
hard enamel soccer medal
Hard Enamel Medal

Need Help? No Problem

We understand that there is a lot to learn when it comes to developing your own custom pins. So if you’re still not sure which option is best, that’s not a problem. Our team of experts have decades of experience in the pin-making industry. Let us know what you’re looking to create and we’ll guide you along the process to make that vision a reality

Soft or Hard? Choosing the Best Lapel Pin for You!

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