Custom Lapel Pins VS Custom Acrylic Pins: How to Choose？
Lea Alber
Were you aware that pins can consist of not just a metal material but a material made of acrylic, too? The differences between the two are significant, including hardness and weight, which you can feel directly.
A keychain is not better the heavier it is, or the lighter it is. So, how to choose these two different materials? The right choice will improve the experience and make it a win-win situation.
What are Custom Lapel Pins?
1. Definition
Custom lapel pins are small ornamental pins made of metal that are designed to be worn on the collar, lapel or chest area of outerwear.
2. Popular Types
● Soft Enamel Pins: These types of pins have recessed areas filled with colored enamel, providing a textured feel.
● Hard Enamel Pins: These types of pins are smooth and polished and have a higher perceived quality and durability of finish.
● Stamped Pins: A simpler pin produced by stamping the metal to create the design, but it is available in colors.
3. Benefits
The weight and feel of the metal give the impression of quality and high-class. Has considerable durability, will not break down nearly.
4. Typical Applications
● Corporate branding and branding events.
● Awards or recognition.
● Uniforms.
● Professional gifts or collectibles.
II. What are Custom Acrylic Pins?
1. Definition
Customized acrylic pins are produced using either colored or transparent acrylic sheets. The acrylic is then cut out into the desired shape, and then the design color is printed on the pin.
2. Common Types
● Full-color printing pins: Full color printed directly onto the surface of the acrylic. Great for vibrant designs.
● Transparent Pins: Have a clear design that creates a modern or minimalist look.
● Glow-in-the-dark Pins: Some fun pins might also utilize glow-in-the-dark colors to pop and look cool.
3. Benefits
Light-weight to allow for easy putting on or passing out a lot of pins.
Achieves very high resolutions with very precise, detailed patterns.
It can offer a vibrant color versus the look of metal pins.
4. Common Applications
● Promotional gifts or handouts.
● Merchandise for a brand, artist, or event.
● Leisure or hobby activities, novelty.
III. Differences Between Lapel Pins and Acrylic Pins
| Feature | Custom Lapel Pins | Custom Acrylic Pins |
| Durability |
long-lasting, durable, and resistant to wear and tear |
lighter but less durable, can crack or scratch more easily |
| Design |
soft, hard, and a classic, elegant look; stamping as an option | with high resolution; bright; designed in full color, transparent, dark or light glow effect, or multi-layer construction |
| Weight |
Heavier based on metal | Light and easy to wear or send out |
| Cost |
Generally higher due to metal materials and manufacturing process | Usually more affordable, especially for large quantities and complex designs |
IV. How to Choose Lapel Pins vs Acrylic Pins？
When comparing custom lapel pins and acrylic pins, there are a few considerations:
1. Function of the Pin
Lapel Pins: Most often used for formal events, corporate events, awards, or uniforms.
Acylic Pins: More effective for informal events or casual advertisements, or giveaways.
2. Budget
Lapel Pin: Typically more expensive.
Acrylic Pins: Less expensive - particularly if getting bulk orders, or if your design is an intricate full-color design.
3. Design Complexity
Lapel Pins: Best suited for traditional styles, using a simple standard design, most often no more than 2 colors in enamel or metal.
Acrylic Pins: Best choice for logos that are complex, full color art, or highly complex designs.
4. Durability
Lapel Pins: Very sturdy for longer-term use, can be kept for longer-term display.
Acrylic Pins: Lighter, less sturdy than lapels; good for short-term, novelty products.
5. Shape & Size Options
Lapel Pins: Generally limited to more traditional style shapes due to the processes required for metal stamping or enamel.
Acrylic Pins: Different, more irregular shapes and custom sizes can be made, offering more unique design possibilities.
V. Which Trustworthy Pin Manufacturers are Recommended?
Key Factors explains that selecting an appropriate, dependable partner can be accomplished through five key factors: cost, quality, resources, customer service, and reputation. After establishing custom pins' craftsmanship and design, the manufacturer's ultimate job of carrying out production is key. Here are five points to consider.
1. Cost: Look at what different companies charge for their pins. Prices for the same pins may vary greatly from one manufacturer to another, based on the quantity ordered. When you have established a budget, reach out to the company and ask for price quotes and pricing.
2. Quality: Quality is really going to affect the usability of your product.
3. Resources: Look at the supplier's website for information and recommendations on relevant information to get a general feel for the brand.
4. Customer Service: Timely responses will make for a good shopping experience.
5. Reputation: If you want to see a reputation for the manufacturer, look on forums for user experiences.
Here are some manufacturers you may want to look at:
1. gs-jj.com: A fast-custom gift company that prioritizes speed in design, production, and shipping.
2. vograce.com: Offers free artistic design and a 60-day quality guarantee.
3. wizardpins.com: A high-quality brooch manufacturer with fast shipping.
How to display my enamel pins？
Lapel pins not just look gorgeous but also say a lot, have memories, and mean a lot. If it is a memorial pin for a function, a souvenir, or a gift from a special one, how you showcase your pins is important. Showing your pins in the right manner keeps them clean, displays their beauty, and makes them last for years to come.
Custom Pins Guide: How to Make Enamel Pins Online
What are Enamel Pins? An enamel pin is a type of pin made by carving grooves into the metal surface and then filling it with different colored enamel pigments. Finally, it is baked at high temperatures to create a brightly colored, wear-resistant, and fade-resistant surface.
Enamel pins are divided into two types: soft enamel and hard enamel. The most fundamental difference between the two types of pins is the surface of the pin. The surface of soft enamel is uneven and has a sense of lines, while the surface of hard enamel is the opposite and has a flat surface.
How to wear a lapel pin correctly?
A lapel pin is a tiny accent piece that can complete any attire. Whether you are in a suit, shirt, or jacket, if styled correctly, it can complete a full outfit.
Most individuals opt for lapel pins for their visual appeal as well as for their ability to declare a certain attitude. Whether it is a symbol for status or merely a visual selection, both make a person distinctive as a wearer while making him or her feel more assured.