How is an Enamel Pin Made?
A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Are you looking to turn your unique design into a striking enamel pin? Or maybe you’re planning a custom pin for your brand? Knowing the enamel pin creation process is key to ensuring your ideas come to life exactly as you envision. This guide walks you through each step, from design to final product, so you can confidently create high-quality pins that stand out. Whether you’re a professional or just starting out, this guide will help you make informed decisions.

What are Enamel Pins?

Definition and Differences:

Enamel pins are decorative items made by filling metal-stamped designs with enamel paint. These pins can vary greatly in size and application. They might be small enough to attach to clothing, hats, or backpacks, or larger for trading or collecting purposes. Enamel pins are distinct from lapel pins, which are specifically designed to be worn on clothing and are generally smaller in size. Lapel pins can be made using various techniques, not necessarily involving enamel.

Hard vs. Soft Enamel:

A crucial distinction in the world of enamel pins lies between hard enamel and soft enamel pins:

Hard Enamel Pins: These have a smooth, polished finish. During production, each color is added and baked one by one, resulting in a pin where the enamel and metal borders are flush, creating a sleek, durable surface. Hard enamel pins are often favored for their high-quality, professional
look.Choose this for a durable, smooth finish ideal for corporate or formal designs.
Soft Enamel Pins: These have a textured surface where the enamel sits slightly lower than the metal borders, giving the design a more layered, tactile feel. Soft enamel pins are popular for their vibrant colors and intricate details, often protected by a clear epoxy coating to enhance durability.
Opt for this when you want a more textured feel, often preferred for artistic or playful designs.

hard enamel

soft enamel

Manufacturing Differences:

Hard Enamel: Requires multiple rounds of firing for each color, leading to a more time-consuming and meticulous process. The result is a durable and smooth finish.
Soft Enamel: Enamel is filled in one go, with no additional firing needed for each color, making the process quicker. The result is a pin with a more pronounced texture and visual depth.

The Manufacturing Process

Mold Creation: A custom mold is created based on your design.
Stamping: Metal sheets are stamped using the mold to form the pin’s base.
Attachment: The pin attachment, such as a butterfly clutch, is soldered onto the back.
Coloring: Enamel colors are carefully hand-filled into the recessed areas of the pin.
Firing: The pins are fired in a kiln to harden the enamel for hard enamel pins.
Polishing: After cooling, the pins are polished to a shine.
Plating: A metal plating (like gold, silver, or nickel) is applied, enhancing durability and aesthetics.

Production Time and Ordering

Typically, the production time for enamel pins can range from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and the manufacturer’s workload. To ensure your pins are ready when you need them, it’s advisable to contact the manufacturer at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance. This timeframe allows for design finalization, prototype creation, and any necessary revisions before mass production.

Conclusion

Crafting enamel pins is an art that blends creativity with precision. From conceptualizing a design to the final manufacturing steps, every stage is crucial in bringing your vision to life. By following this guide and working with a reliable manufacturer like Blythepin, you can create high-quality enamel pins that resonate with your audience, whether they’re collectors, fans, or customers. Ready to start your enamel pin journey? Let Blythepin help you turn your ideas into vibrant, wearable art.