The Differences: Soft vs Hard Enamel Pins

An enamel pin is a tiny, delicate, ornamented metal pin with colored enamel pigment covering it. To make one, the metal is first shaped into the shape you require, then the pigment is filled into the tiny crevices with care. When it's baked and polished, the pin stands out with good color and nice detail. 

Because of their charming look, heavyweight, and the ability to be worn revealing any type of artistic pattern, enamel pins are also widely used to provide a dash of brightness to an outfit, as a friendly little collectible memento, and even a decent choice for advertising purposes, or even as a heartfelt gift.

 A pin typically features a backing and a clutch on the back; it's usually worn on the left chest or lapel. It's not suitable for clothing that is too soft or too stiff. Stiff clothing can be damaged, and the pin won't be able to penetrate and secure it, causing it to fall off.

The placement of pins on hats and backpacks is relatively simple and casual, allowing them to fill in relatively empty spaces with decorative elements and express a personal touch.

The history of pins can even be traced back thousands of years, and the earliest materials were wood and bone; it was a functional item used to fix clothes. 

With the development of the Industrial Revolution, the large-scale production of metal promoted the widespread use of enamel pins, which gradually transitioned to the military and political fields. Now, it has become a decorative item.

Soft enamel pins, first, a metal mold is made, and the pattern is pressed onto the metal. Liquid enamel paint of varying colors is then applied to the grooves using a syringe or machine. The enamel pigment is not at the same level as the lines, and the surface is uneven.

Hard enamel pins start out the same way as soft enamel pins, but go through the process of adding additional layers of enamel that are then baked until they perfectly match the metal lines. When polished, the surface becomes a perfectly smooth and glossy finish with no raised or sunken spots.

Various production processes produce different effects on pins, which can be summarized from several aspects.

Consider your budget, as each type of pin has a different price.

Hard enamel and special craftsmanship pins are more expensive due to the more complex production processes and production costs. 

If you're planning a large order on a low budget, soft enamel pins offer the best of both worlds.

Think about where and how the pin will be utilized, and choose accordingly for the particular use.

For fashion and everyday decoration, you can often see soft enamel pins; they are relatively low-cost and suitable for mass production and are used for corporate promotions, event giveaways, and brand promotion. 

Hard enamel pins are used on formal occasions; their craftsmanship and durability make them suitable for long-term wear and collection.

For pins with special craftsmanship, you can be more creative with them, such as Father's Day badges, using additional chain designs or designing them into flip pins, which are not only creative but also reflect your attention to the gift.

You know, the complexity of your pin design is actually going to play a big role in which type you end up choosing.

If you’re going for something bold and colorful that really pops, soft enamel works great. But on the other hand, if you want a sleek, smooth finish that feels a bit more refined and polished, then hard enamel pins are definitely the way to go.