Soft Enamel vs. Hard Enamel: Which Is Best for Your Pins?

Custom pin-making has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people opting to create unique and personalized pins for various purposes. Whether creating a pin for your business or organization or simply making a pin as a fun accessory, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether to use soft or hard enamel. Here are some differences between these two types of enamel that help you determine which is best for your custom pin-making needs.

What Is Enamel?

Enamel is a paint that applies to the pin’s metal surface and is then baked at a high temperature to create a durable, long-lasting coating. It connects to the metal surface and hardens when heated, creating a smooth and polished finish.

Soft Enamel Pins

Soft enamel pins are the more popular and traditional choice for custom pin-making. They are created by filling the recessed areas of the pin’s design with enamel paint, exposing the raised metal lines. The result is a pin with a slightly textured surface with a three-dimensional look and feel. Soft enamel pins are known for their vibrant colors and are a great option for designs that require a lot of detail.

One of the benefits of soft enamel pins is that they are more affordable than hard enamel pins, making them a great choice for those on a budget. They are also more versatile than hard enamel pins, as they can be created in a wider range of sizes and shapes.

However, because the enamel is not completely smooth, it’s prone to scratching and chipping over time. Additionally, the recessed areas of the pin can collect dirt and debris, making them more difficult to clean.

Hard Enamel Pins

Hard enamel pins are a newer option for custom pin making. Unlike soft enamel pins, the hard ones are polished to create a smooth, flat surface flush with the design’s metal lines.

These pins have a more professional look and feel than soft enamel pins, which are ideal for business or organization pins. They are also more durable than soft enamel pins, as the smooth surface is less likely to scratch or chip over time.

However, they are more expensive than soft enamel pins, making them a less budget-friendly option. Aside from that, they are more limited in design options, as they require thicker metal lines to create a flush surface.

Which Is Best for Your Pins?

If you’re seeking a more affordable option that can be created in a wider range of sizes and shapes, soft enamel pins may be the way to go. However, hard enamel pins may be worth the extra cost if you want a more professional and durable option for business or organization pins.

You should also consider the design of your pin. Soft enamel pins are great for designs with a lot of detail, while hard enamel pins are better suited for simpler designs with thicker metal lines. If you need help deciding which type of enamel to choose, your pin manufacturer can help you determine the best option based on your design and budget.

Final Thoughts

Soft and hard enamel pins are great options for custom pin-making. Choosing between the two will ultimately rest on your specific needs and preferences. With the right enamel and design, you can create a unique and personalized pin that will be cherished for years.

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