What's the Difference Between Hard and Soft Enamel Pins?

If this is your first time ordering custom pins you may be wondering which is better, hard or soft enamel pins. It all depends on what you need. We created a guide to explain what are soft enamel pins, what are hard enamel pins, and which type will best suit your artwork. 

When designing a custom enamel pin, one of the first decisions you'll face is choosing between hard and soft enamel. While they may seem similar, these two popular styles have distinct differences in appearance, texture, durability, and cost. Understanding these variations will help you create the perfect pin for your brand, event, or personal collection

Hard Enamel Pins: The Polished, Durable Choice Hard enamel pins, often referred to by their traditional name, "cloisonné," are known for their high-end, jewelry-like finish. The design is filled with enamel and then polished down to create a smooth, flat surface. The result is a pin with crisp, clean lines and a glass-like sheen that gives it a sophisticated, durable feel.

• • Appearance: Polished, smooth, and flat. The enamel is level with the raised metal lines.

• • Durability: Highly durable and scratch-resistant due to the polishing process.

  • Best For: Detailed logos, elegant designs, and pins intended for frequent wear.

Soft Enamel Pins: The Textured, Versatile Option Soft enamel pins have a classic, textured feel. The enamel is filled into the recessed areas of the design, leaving the metal lines raised. This creates a tactile, dimensional surface that adds depth to the artwork. The raised metal lines can also be colored with a variety of Pantone shades, offering more design flexibility.

• • Appearance: Textured surface with recessed enamel and raised metal lines.

  • Versatility: Offers more options for line colors and a distinctive, dimensional look.

  • Best For: Bold designs, promotional items, and a more budget-friendly approach.

Durability and Longevity Both hard and soft enamel pins are built to last, but there are key differences in their long-term performance. Hard enamel pins are exceptionally durable because the polished finish protects the enamel from scratches and fading, making them ideal for everyday wear. Soft enamel pins, while still robust, may be more susceptible to surface scratches over time, as the recessed enamel is not fully protected.

How Much Do Enamel Pins Cost?

The production process for hard enamel pins is more complex, involving multiple polishing stages, which typically makes them slightly more expensive. Soft enamel pins, with their simpler filling and baking process, are generally more budget-friendly. For businesses or individuals ordering in bulk, the cost difference becomes more significant. Remember that ordering a larger quantity of either type of pin will always result in a lower per-piece price

Which Enamel Pin is Right for You?

Choosing between hard and soft enamel pins depends on your priorities. If you need a high-end, durable pin with a polished look for a corporate logo or a special gift, hard enamel is the best choice. If you're looking for a cost-effective, versatile pin with a unique textured feel for a promotional campaign or a vibrant art piece, soft enamel is the way to go.

So, whether you're an artist, a company, or simply looking for an elevated way to spread your message, remember that both hard and soft custom enamel pins have something special to offer. We also offer packaging for your lapel pins to add a little extra information or to make them retail ready!

Check out these examples of hard enamel pins:

And these are some fun soft enamel pins:

Which one will you customize? We can hardly wait to see! Check out our Enamel Pin Step By Step guide to get started!