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Hard Enamel Pins vs Soft Enamel Pins

By Melissa Hermiston

The main difference between these two enamel pins is that the hard enamel process fills the pin level to the surface with paint. With soft enamel pins, the paint is not level with the surface of the pin. It is a thin coat over the base metal and uses a lot less paint. Soft enamel costs less and is perfect for most applications when compared to hard enamel pins, especially for brands looking to produce custom enamel pins at scale.

 

 

Soft Enamel Pin Advantages and Limitations

Out of the two custom lapel pins options, the main advantage of the soft enamel process is the ability to dye the base metal any colour. This has been the biggest innovation in our industry in our 49-year history. For this reason, a lot of artists and designers prefer soft enamel lapel pins for creative flexibility.

    Substantially cheaper than hard enamel lapel pins

    • Base metal can be dyed any colour instead of bronze, nickel, or gold

    • Slightly thinner base metal than hard enamel

    • Paint is not level with the surface

    • Paint dries hard and bonds to metal

    • Fine detail rendered slightly better with hard enamel pins

    Use Soft Enamel When


    If you are an enamel pin designer seeking higher margins in your online store, choose custom soft enamel pins. Company logo pins, sports trading pins, and custom metal pins are also common applications for soft enamel custom pins. This option is ideal if you are wondering what is soft enamel and how it compares in value. 

    Hard Enamel Pin Advantages and Limitations

    These hard enamel pins have the look and feel of premium quality. This process is often used for uniforms, logo pins, and employee service awards. Hard enamel was developed in the 1970s to replace cloisonné, a glass-based enamel used before epoxy enamel.

      • Paint level with the surface, which many associate with higher quality

      • Jewellery-like finish on hard enamel lapel pins

      • Works better with transparent enamels

      • Costs about 40% more than soft enamel pins

      • Paint dries very hard

      • Renders fine detail better than soft enamel lapel pins



      Use Hard Enamel When....

      If your application is for long-term service programs or corporate promotion, choose hard enamel pins if your budget allows. There is a definite “wow” factor with hard enamel lapel pins, and they help avoid any perception of being cheap. Compared to plaques or trophies, custom made pins are still a cost-effective award solution.

      Both Made With the Die Struck Process

      Both soft enamel vs hard enamel pins are produced using the die struck process. This means the pins are stamped out of metal. Your design is engraved into a steel mold, and a strip of zinc alloy is placed over it. A hydraulic press applies thousands of pounds of pressure to create crisp, clean lines. Whether you choose custom pins, custom lapel pins no minimum, or bulk orders, the manufacturing method remains the same.

      Both Coloured Using Liquid Epoxy

      Once the pins are stamped, we decorate your custom enamel pins. Colour is added using liquid epoxy paint, injected into either soft enamel pins or hard enamel pins. Both dry quite hard, but with soft enamel, the paint layer is thinner, while hard enamel paint is level with the surface. This helps clarify what is hard enamel versus soft enamel.

      Ultimately, choosing soft enamel pins vs hard enamel pins comes down to personal preference. In most cases, the pin recipient will not be able to tell the difference.



      So it boils down to personal preference. Chances are the pin recipient, won't be able to tell the difference. 

      Your Art Influences Your Choice

      Sometimes the artwork determines whether soft pins or hard enamel pins are required. For example, black dyed nickel one of the most popular electroplating options—is only available with soft enamel. In other cases, heavy detail may require removing paint in favor of electroplating, sandblasting, or antique finishes.

      If you plan to silkscreen details over epoxy or require engraved numbers or text, hard enamel may be the better option. As an experienced enamel pin manufacturer, our advice is not to commit to one process until you speak with us about your custom lapel pins needs.

       

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      FAQs

      Which is better: hard enamel or soft enamel pins?

      Hard enamel pins are generally perceived as having higher value, but neither style is inherently better than the other.

      Which enamel pins last longer?

      When not in use, both pins should be stored in a plastic bag to ensure their longevity. Over time, exposure to oxygen can cause degradation.

      What type of enamel pin is best for corporate gifts or awards?

      Hard enamel pins are usually used for governments and high end companies.

      Can both hard and soft enamel pins use the same manufacturing process?

      Hard enamel pins feature a thicker base metal and the enamel is flush with the surface. In contrast, soft enamel pins have recessed enamel and a slightly thinner metal, yet they remain a popular and attractive option.

      How do I choose between hard enamel and soft enamel pins?

      This mostly depends on the budget. The hard enamel pins do come in at a higher price than the soft enamel.