How does the design show up without color?

It's all about light reflection. We use a 'Two-Tone' technique: raised lines are polished to a mirror shine, while the recessed background is sandblasted to be matte. This contrast makes your logo and text clearly visible without using any ink.

Which plating is best for small text?

If your design has small text, we strongly recommend an Antique Finish (Antique Gold, Silver, or Bronze). An oxidation wash settles into the recesses, turning them dark. This creates a high-contrast shadow effect that makes text much easier to read than shiny plating.

Are Die-Struck pins durable?

They are the most durable option we offer. Since there is no enamel paint to chip, fade, or peel over time, a Die-Struck pin is essentially a solid piece of stamped metal. They age beautifully, making them the standard choice for Years of Service awards.

Is production faster than Enamel pins?

Yes. Because we skip the coloring, drying, and curing stages required for enamel pins, Die-Struck production is significantly faster. If you have a tight deadline for an event, this is often your safest bet.

Can I add color if I change my mind?

Technically, yes. Adding color turns it into a 'Soft Enamel' pin. However, if you want the metal look but just need one specific color (like a red logo on gold), we can do that. But for the true Die-Struck look, we recommend letting the metal texture do the talking.

Custom Die-Struck Pins

Elegant metal-on-metal design. We use sandblasting to create a matte background that makes polished metal lines pop. The professional choice for years of service awards and subtle corporate branding.

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Home / Pin Styles / Die-Struck (Sandblast)

Custom Die-Struck Pins

The beauty of pure metal. Using sandblasting to create a matte background against polished raised lines for a sophisticated, two-tone finish.

Custom Die Struck Pin with sandblast texture and polished raised metal

Silver sandblast pins for corporate service awards

Macro shot of sandblast texture vs polished metal

Die struck pin back side with butterfly clutch

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Description

Details & Specs

Artwork & Production

Less is More: The Power of Metal

Die-Struck pins rely on the contrast between texture and shine, rather than color. We stamp your design into metal and then sandblast the recessed areas to create a matte, grainy background. The raised areas are then highly polished.

Classy Look: The two-tone metal effect (Matte vs. Shiny) looks incredibly professional and understated.
Jewelry Quality: Often used for "Years of Service" pins or military coins because they feel like solid jewelry.
Antique Options: Can be finished with an antique wash (blackened recesses) to highlight details even more.

Product Type: Die-Struck (Sandblast / Antique).
Finish: Metal-on-Metal (No Enamel Paint).
Material: Iron, Zinc Alloy, Copper, or Brass.
Plating Options: Gold, Silver, Nickel, Bronze, Copper (Shiny or Antique).
Colors: None. (Contrast created by texture).
Minimum Order: 30 pieces.
Attachments: Butterfly Clutch, Rubber Clutch, Magnet, or Cufflink.

Design Tips

Since there are no colors, bold lines and simple shapes work best. Avoid tiny details that rely on color contrast. Our designers will help convert your color logo into a "metal-ready" proof.

Timeline

Proofing: 24 hours.
Production: 10–12 business days (Faster than enamel!).
Shipping: Free Express Air (3–5 days).

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Why Choose Die-Struck Pins?

The sophisticated choice for awards, years of service, and professional branding.

Close-up of die struck pin showing sandblast texture vs polished metal

Elegant Metal Contrast

It’s not about color; it’s about light. We use sandblasting to create a matte background that makes the polished raised lines pop. This creates a two-tone metal finish that looks incredibly professional.

Professional metal lapel pin for corporate service awards

Jewelry-Quality Feel

Without paint to scratch off, these pins feel solid and valuable, like a coin or jewelry. That’s why they are the standard for Years of Service awards and executive gifts.

Antique bronze and gold finish die struck pins

Timeless Antique Finish

Want a vintage vibe? Our Antique Finishes (Bronze, Copper, Silver) naturally darken the recessed areas. It creates instant depth and readability without needing a single drop of enamel.

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High Polish vs. Antique

Choose between a modern two-tone shine or a classic aged look.

High polish die-struck pin with sandblasted matte background

Modern Look

High Polish (Sandblasted)

Jewelry-quality shine. We use sandblasting on the recessed background to create a matte texture. This contrasts beautifully against the raised, mirror-polished metal lines for a clean, sophisticated look.

Corporate Modern Jewelry Feel

VS

Vintage Look

Antique Finish

Aged to perfection. A dark oxidation wash is applied to the recesses, creating high contrast that highlights every detail. This is the best option for maximizing legibility of small text.

Military Historical High Contrast

The Science of Light

Texture Creates Contrast

Who needs color when you have light? By contrasting mirror-polished raised lines against a grainy sandblasted background, we create a sharp, readable design using nothing but metal. It’s understated, elegant, and permanently distinct.

01

Raised Metal (Polished)

The top layer is buffed to a mirror-like shine. It catches the light to clearly define your logo and text.

02

Recessed Metal (Sandblasted)

The bottom layer is textured with a fine matte grain to absorb light, creating a dark, contrasting backdrop.

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Polished (Reflects)

Sandblasted (Matte)

Where Metal Speaks Loudest

The go-to choice when you need authority, tradition, and timeless prestige.

Custom Antique Bronze Military Unit Pin on Uniform

Military & Police

A badge of honor. The deep 3D relief and antique finishes convey history and authority, making them the standard for official insignia, regiment coins, and law enforcement badges.

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Corporate Identity

Understated elegance. Without distracting colors, these pins offer a sophisticated, tone-on-tone look that pairs perfectly with a business suit. Ideal for finance, law, and luxury brands.

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Gold Years of Service Award Pin with Medal Quality Finish

Service Awards

Miniature medals. Celebrate loyalty and achievement with something that feels substantial. The jewelry-quality plating makes them a cherished keepsake for Years of Service and employee recognition.

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The Die-Struck Process

From raw metal to jewelry-quality finish. How we create texture without ink.

01

Steel mold stamping design into metal base

Precision Stamping

It starts with high pressure. We create a custom mold and strike it into the metal base. This creates sharp raised lines and deep recesses that define your design.

The Foundation

02

Applying sandblast texture to recessed metal areas

Sandblasting Texture

To create contrast without color, we sandblast the recessed background. This creates a grainy matte finish that absorbs light, making the shiny raised areas stand out.

Creating Depth

03

Hand polishing the raised metal surfaces

High-Polish Buffing

The raised metal surfaces are hand-buffed to a mirror-like shine. This stark contrast between the matte background and shiny lines is the signature of Die-Struck pins.

Jewelry Shine

04