Not sure which type of pin is right for your project? You’re not alone. Whether you’re ordering pins for a tournament, a fundraiser, or a milestone event, understanding the differences between soft enamel, hard enamel, and die-struck pins can help you pick the perfect style for your needs.
Here’s a quick guide to each:
🟡 Soft Enamel Pin
Soft enamel pins are known for their slightly raised metal outlines and textured finish. During production, your design is stamped into metal, plated, and then the recessed areas are filled with colored enamel. This creates a layered, “bumpy” surface that adds dimension and allows for more intricate detailing.
- Distinctive look: Raised metal edges, recessed color fill
- More affordable than hard enamel
- Option to add a clear epoxy coating for a smooth, protective finish
- Great for: event giveaways, collectibles, detailed designs
🔵 Hard Enamel Pin (Cloisonné)
Hard enamel pins are sleek, polished, and ultra-durable. Like soft enamel, the design is stamped and filled with color—but in this case, the enamel is baked and polished smooth until it’s flush with the metal lines. The result is a glossy, jewelry-grade finish with vibrant colors and a smooth surface.
- Sleek and polished: Flat, smooth enamel surface
- More durable and color-rich
- Slightly less line detail than soft enamel due to final polishing
- Great for: corporate gifts, uniforms, fashion pins, milestone awards
⚫ Die-Struck Pin
Die-struck pins are all about metal texture and elegance. These pins skip the color entirely and let the finish do the talking. Designs are stamped into metal and left unpainted, often with a polished or antique finish to highlight the detail.
- No enamel colors — just metal
- Optional sandblasted or antique finishes for contrast
- Gives a refined, vintage appearance
- Great for: service awards, anniversary pins, formal recognition
🆚 Side-by-Side Feel
- Soft enamel: Textured feel with colored areas sunken into metal
- Hard enamel: Smooth to the touch with color and metal at the same level
- Die-struck: Textured, uncolored, pure metal finish
🧠 So Which One Should You Choose?
- Want something budget-friendly with vivid colors? ➡️ Soft enamel
- Need a premium, polished finish? ➡️ Hard enamel
- Prefer a classic metal look with no color? ➡️ Die-struck
Each pin type has its own charm — the right choice comes down to your design, your budget, and how you want the final piece to feel in hand.
Got a design in mind? Request a quote!