English Soft Enamel vs Hard Enamel Pins: How to Choose Perfect Pins for Your Brand？
In the world of custom merchandise, enamel pins have become a popular choice for brands, organizations, and individuals looking to make a statement. Whether you’re launching a new product line, promoting an event, or simply expressing your creativity, enamel pins offer a versatile and stylish way to communicate your message. But when it comes to choosing the right pin for your brand, the decision often boils down to a choice between soft enamel and hard enamel pins. Each type has its own unique characteristics, advantages, and customization options. In this blog, we'll explore what enamel pins are, the differences between soft and hard enamel pins, and how to select the perfect one for your brand.
What is Enamel Pin?
Enamel pins are small, decorative items typically made from metal and filled with enamel paint to create colorful designs. These pins are commonly used as fashion accessories, collectibles, or promotional items. They can be attached to clothing, bags, hats, and other fabric items using a pin or clasp. Enamel pins are known for their durability, vibrant colors, and ability to capture intricate details, making them an ideal medium for showcasing logos, artwork, and other custom designs.
Hard Enamel Pin
Hard enamel pins, also known as Cloisonné pins, are known for their polished, smooth finish and high durability. The process of creating hard enamel pins involves filling the recessed areas of the pin design with enamel paint and then heating the pin at a high temperature to harden the enamel. After the enamel is set, the pin is polished to achieve a flush, smooth surface where the metal and enamel are at the same level. Due to their intricate production process and polished appearance, hard enamel pin badges are often seen as more valuable. They are ideal for collectibles, limited edition items, or high-quality promotional merchandise.
Soft Enamel Pin
Soft enamel pins are perhaps the most common type of enamel pin. These pins are made by stamping the design onto a metal base, filling the recessed areas with enamel paint, and then air drying the enamel. Unlike hard enamel pins, the enamel in soft enamel pins sits slightly lower than the metal lines of the design, creating a textured, dimensional effect. This effect can make the design stand out more and feel more tactile. These promotional soft enamel pin badges are generally less expensive to produce than hard enamel pins, making them an excellent choice for larger orders or budget-conscious projects.
Difference Between Hard Enamel and Soft Enamel Pin
To help you better understand the differences between hard and soft enamel pins, here's a quick comparison chart:
| Feature | Hard Enamel Pins | Soft Enamel Pins |
| Finish | Smooth, polished | Textured, dimensional |
| Durability | Highly durable, scratch-resistant | Durable but less scratch-resistant |
| Cost | Generally more expensive | More affordable |
| Production Time | Longer due to additional processes | Faster production |
| Appearance | Luxurious, professional look | Bold, tactile design |
| Metal Plating Options | Hard enamel pins pair well with high-end metal plating options such as gold, silver, and black nickel, as the smooth finish enhances the shine and reflective quality of the metal. | Soft enamel pins work well with a variety of metal plating options, including antique finishes (e.g., antique gold, silver, or bronze) that highlight the pin's raised areas and add character to the design. |
| Best For | High-end brands, collectibles | Promotional items, large orders |
Which Pin Style is Best?
The perfect pin style for you will be determined by your planned pin design, target audience, and business needs. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each type has specific advantages to meet diverse needs, budgets, and brand aesthetics. For vibrantly colored pins, enamel is unquestionably the way to go. You'll simply have to pick between hard enamel and soft enamel based on your design—hard enamel is ideal for creative pins that don't require defined lines throughout, while soft enamel is better for more intricate designs. If you have a certain design or photo in mind that you want to replicate as closely as possible, offset printed pins may be the best option. It will look the most like your original design.
Every pin is unique, so the final choice is ultimately up to you. However, if you’re still unsure about which enamel finish to choose, our team of experts is always available to help and provide guidance. If you're interested in more about custom pin badges, please contact us at your convenience.
