Introduction
Custom enamel pins are one of the most popular promotional and collectible products in recent years. From brand merchandising to event giveaways and creative collectibles, enamel pins offer durability, customization, and strong visual impact.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the complete production process of custom enamel pins, explain key material choices, and help you understand what affects quality, pricing, and delivery time.
What Are Enamel Pins?
Enamel pins are small metal badges filled with colored enamel. They are typically made from iron, brass, or zinc alloy and finished with various plating options.
There are two main types of enamel pins commonly used in custom manufacturing:
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Soft enamel pins
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Hard enamel pins
Each type has its own visual characteristics, production methods, and use cases.
Soft Enamel Pins vs Hard Enamel Pins
Soft Enamel Pins
Soft enamel pins have recessed enamel areas with raised metal lines. This creates a textured surface that allows you to feel the metal outlines when touching the pin.
Advantages:
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Lower production cost
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Strong metal outlines for detailed designs
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Shorter production time
Soft enamel pins are ideal for bold designs, logos, and designs with clear metal separation.
Hard Enamel Pins
Hard enamel pins are polished flat after enamel filling, resulting in a smooth, jewelry-like surface.
Advantages:
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Smooth and premium finish
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Highly durable surface
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Clean, flat appearance
Hard enamel pins are commonly used for high-end branding, commemorative pins, and retail merchandise.
The Enamel Pin Production Process
1. Artwork Preparation
The production process starts with converting your design into a manufacturing-ready vector file. Line thickness, color separation, and size must be adjusted to ensure durability and clarity.
At this stage, manufacturers also confirm:
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Pin size
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Number of colors
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Enamel type
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Plating finish
2. Mold Creation
A custom metal mold is created based on your approved artwork. This mold determines the final shape, raised lines, and recessed areas of the pin.
Mold creation is a one-time cost and can be reused for future reorders.
3. Stamping or Die Casting
Depending on the material:
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Iron pins are stamped
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Zinc alloy pins are die-cast
This step forms the raw metal base of the pin.
4. Enamel Filling
Enamel colors are filled into the recessed areas by hand or machine.
Soft enamel pins remain recessed, while hard enamel pins are overfilled and later polished flat.
5. Polishing and Plating
After enamel curing, the pins go through polishing and metal plating. Common plating options include:
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Gold
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Silver
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Black nickel
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Antique finishes
Plating affects both appearance and corrosion resistance.
6. Attachment and Final Inspection
Common pin attachments include:
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Butterfly clutch
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Rubber clutch
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Deluxe locking clutch
Each pin is inspected for color accuracy, surface quality, and attachment strength before packaging.
What Affects the Cost of Custom Enamel Pins?
Several factors influence the final price:
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Pin size
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Number of colors
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Enamel type
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Plating finish
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Order quantity
Larger quantities significantly reduce the unit cost.
How to Choose the Right Enamel Pin for Your Project
When deciding on pin specifications, consider:
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Purpose: promotional, retail, or collectible
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Budget: soft enamel is more cost-effective
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Visual style: textured vs smooth surface
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Delivery time: hard enamel usually takes longer
Choosing the right combination ensures the best balance between appearance and cost.
Final Thoughts
Custom enamel pins are a versatile and high-impact product for branding and creative projects. Understanding the production process helps you make informed decisions and achieve better results.
If you’re planning a custom pin project, starting with clear artwork and the right material choice will save time and cost in the long run.
