What is the main difference between Hard Enamel and Soft Enamel pins?

Soft enamel has recessed paint and raised metal lines, creating a textured, dimensional feel. Hard enamel is filled, baked, and polished flat, resulting in a smooth surface where the paint is flush with the metal lines.

Can enamel pins have gradients or shading in the design?

Traditional hard or soft enamel pins use solid colors separated by metal lines, so they cannot support gradients or shadows. If your design has gradients, offset printed pins are recommended because they can print photographic details directly onto metal.

Which pin style is more durable and scratch-resistant?

Hard enamel is the most durable option. The polishing process creates a hard, smooth surface that is highly resistant to scratching. Soft enamel is also durable, but the recessed paint areas can trap dust or scratch more easily over time.

Can I get black metal plating with Hard Enamel pins?

For hard enamel, black nickel plating is typically used, which looks like a shiny dark grey or gunmetal. True dyed black metal is not used with hard enamel because the polishing process would remove the dye. If you need true matte black metal, choose soft enamel.

Do you offer custom backstamps or laser engraving on the back?

Yes. Adding a backstamp (raised metal logo) or laser engraving (serial numbers or text) is an optional upgrade available for both hard and soft enamel pins.

CUSTOM ENAMEL PINS

Premium custom lapel pins available in both Hard Enamel and Soft Enamel styles, designed for professional branding, creative artist series, and collectible merchandise.

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Popular Enamel Pin Styles

Explore our custom enamel pin collection featuring distinct manufacturing techniques, including polished hard enamel and textured soft enamel options.

Top Quality

Gold plated hard enamel pin with smooth jewelry finish for corporate branding

Custom hard enamel badge with clean lines and polished surface

Die struck hard enamel lapel pin manufacturing detail

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Hard Enamel Pins

Premium enamel pins with a smooth, flush finish for professional corporate branding.

Best For: Premium pins, awards, high-end branding & collector pieces.

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Soft Enamel Pins

Textured enamel pins with raised metal lines for vibrant sports trading and giveaways.

Best For: Promotional pins, trading pins, complex designs & bold color artwork.

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Material Guide

Hard Enamel vs. Soft Enamel: The Difference

Understanding the choice between a smooth, polished finish and a classic textured feel is key to designing the perfect custom pin.

Best Quality Hard enamel pin close-up showing smooth flush surface and polished metal

Hard Enamel

Premium jewelry finish. The enamel is filled, baked, and polished flat until it is perfectly flush with the metal lines. Smooth to the touch with no texture.

Cross-Section Profile: Flush

Most Popular Soft enamel pin close-up showing raised metal ridges and recessed paint

Soft Enamel

Dimensional and textured. The enamel paint sits lower than the raised metal ridges, creating a traditional "bumpy" feel and noticeable shadow depth.

Cross-Section Profile: Raised

Attribute	Hard Enamel (Epola)	Soft Enamel
Surface Texture	Smooth & Flat (Polished flush)	Textured (Raised metal lines)
Visual Style	High-end, Jewelry-like, Professional	Dimensional, Traditional, Vibrant
Durability	Extremely durable & Scratch resistant	Durable, metal ridges protect paint
Metal Plating	Gold, Silver, Nickel, Black Nickel, etc.	All standard + Dye Black options
Cost	Higher (More labor intensive)	Budget Friendly (Lower cost)

Customization Options

The metal finish defines the outline of your design. Choose from classic high-polished Gold, modern Black Nickel, secure attachments, or premium upgrades.