Hard Enamel Pins vs Soft Enamel Pins: Key Difference

February 25, 2025By Craig Davidiuk

The main difference between these two lapel pin types 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's a thin coat of the base metal only and uses lot less paint. Soft enamel costs less and is perfect for most applications.

Soft Enamel Pin Advantages And Limitations

The main advantage to this pin 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 this process.

Substantially Cheaper Than Hard Enamel
Base Metal Can Be Dyed Any Colour instead of bronze, nickel or gold
Slightly Thinner Base Metal Than Hard
Paint Is Not Level With Surface
Paint Dries Hard And Bonds To Metal
Fine Detail Rendered Slightly Better With Hard Enamel
Glitter Enamels work better with Soft Enamel

Use Soft Enamel When.....

If you are enamel pin designer who is seeking higher margins in your online store, pick this process. Company logo pins and sport trading pins are also common users of the soft enamel process.

Hard Enamel Pin Advantages And Limitations

These pins have the look and feel of "quality". This process is often used for uniforms, logo pins and employee service awards. This process was developed in the 70's to replace Cloisonné ,which is a glass based enamel that was used prior to the invention of epoxy enamel.

Paint Level With Surface Which Some People Equate With "Quality"
Has A Jewelry Quality To The Pin
Works Better With Transparent Enamels
Costs About 40% More
Paint Dries Very Hard
Renders Fine Detail Better Than Soft

Use Hard Enamel When....

If your application is for years service programs or corporate promotion, go for the hard enamel if you can afford it. There is defiantly a "wow" factor with the hard enamel process and it avoids any perception of being "cheap". Pins are comparatively cheap to other award products like plaques and trophies.

Both Made With Die Struck Process

Both hard and soft enamel pins are made using the "Die Struck" process. That means we stamp them out of metal. Your design is engraved into a steel mold. Then a strip of zinc alloy is placed over top of the mold and a hydraulic press applies thousands of pounds of pressure so that its rendered with crisp and clean lines. Soft and hard enamel pins are stamped the same way: The Die Struck Process.

Both Coloured Using Liquid Epoxy

Once that is done, we decorate your pins. There are two ways in which we add colour to your customized pins. A liquid epoxy paint is injected into your pins.Either hard enamel or soft enamel. They both dry quite hard but on the soft enamel version the paint is much thinner. Hard enamel pins are made with the paint level with the surface.

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 you are forced to use one process over the other because of the art. For example, black dyed nickel (the most popular electroplate with artists) is only available in soft enamel. In some cases you may have too much detail or it will make sense to remove the paint in favour of electroplating,sandblasting or antique finishes.

If you want to silkscreen details over epoxy or require engraved numbers or text, you might have to use the hard enamel process.

Our advice: don't get your heart set on one process over they other until you talk to us first.

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.