Hard Enamel Pins
Premium Custom Pins with Precision
Hard Enamel Pins – Premium Custom Pins with Precision
Hard enamel pins are the highest quality option in the enamel pin world. With their smooth finish, long-lasting durability, and elegant look, they’re the first choice for brands, artists, and collectors who want luxury pins.
Below is a complete technical and design guide with real specs, sizes, and options.
⭐ What Makes Hard Enamel Pins Special?
Material: Brass, zinc alloy, or iron (brass is preferred for fine details).
Finish: Smooth, polished surface – enamel flush with metal.
Durability: Lifespan of 5–10+ years with proper care.
Thickness: Standard 1.2 mm – 1.6 mm, can go up to 2 mm for larger pins.
Color Matching: Pantone Solid Coated guide (up to 10 colors per pin without extra cost).
Plating Options: Gold, Silver, Nickel, Black Nickel, Antique finishes.
📊 Hard Enamel vs. Soft Enamel – Data Comparison
Feature | Hard Enamel Pins | Soft Enamel Pins |
|---|---|---|
Surface Texture | Flat & polished (0 mm depth) | Recessed areas (0.2–0.3 mm depth) |
Durability | 8–10 years | 5–7 years |
Color Options | Solid Pantone, up to 10 colors | Solid Pantone, up to 12 colors |
Line Thickness | Min. 0.2 mm (recommended 0.3 mm) | Min. 0.15 mm (slightly finer possible) |
Cost per 100 pcs (1") | $220–$280 (depending on plating) | $180–$240 |
Best Use | Premium, collectible, luxury branding | Everyday merch, budget-friendly |
📐 Hard Enamel Design Guidelines
Line Thickness
Minimum: 0.2 mm (any thinner may break during production).
Recommended: 0.3 mm or above for best clarity.
Color Areas
Each separated by a raised metal line.
Max: 10 solid colors per pin (extra charge for more).
No gradients or shadows allowed.
Pin Size
Small pins: 0.75” (19 mm) – simple logos or icons.
Medium pins: 1.25”–1.5” (32–38 mm) – most popular size range.
Large pins: 2” (50 mm) and above – for complex designs.
Pin Thickness
Standard: 1.2 mm – 1.6 mm.
Large or deluxe pins: 2.0 mm for durability.
Back Options
Butterfly clutch (most common)
Rubber clutch (comfortable, won’t snag clothes)
Deluxe clutch (metal locking, premium)
Magnet or safety pin (special requests)
Packaging
Standard: Polybag included.
Optional: Custom backer cards, velvet boxes, or tins.
🛠️ Production Process – with Timeframe
Step
Description
Time Required
Mold Making
Custom mold created from your design
2–3 days
Die-Striking
Design stamped onto metal base
1 day
Plating
Gold/Silver/Nickel finish added
1 day
Enamel Filling
Liquid enamel carefully filled
1–2 days
Polishing
Smoothed until enamel is flush
1 day
Attachment & QC
Clutches added + quality check
1–2 days
Packing & Shipping
Standard packing + courier
3–7 days
⏱ Total production time: 12–15 working days (2–3 weeks average).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use gradients in my hard enamel pin design?
A: No, only solid colors can be used. We recommend bold, flat colors.
Q: What’s the minimum order?
A: Typically 50–100 pins per design.
Q: Can I make custom shapes?
A: Yes! Hard enamel pins can be cut into nearly any shape.
Q: Do you offer Pantone color matching?
A: Yes, we can match to Pantone Solid Coated colors.
Q: How long does production take?
A: Around 2–3 weeks, plus shipping.
Keep letter height ≥ 1.5 mm for readability.
Smallest color area: ≥ 0.8 mm diameter (smaller areas may not fill properly).
Max pin size for bulk orders: 2.5” (64 mm) (larger pins = higher cost).
Consider using black nickel plating if your design has many dark outlines.
Add a custom back stamp (up to 0.5” area) for branding.
Minimum Order Quantity: 50 pcs per design.
Popular Quantities & Average Cost (1.25" pin, 6 colors, gold plating):
100 pcs – $250–$280 total
300 pcs – $600–$720 total
500 pcs – $900–$1,100 total
(Prices vary by size, plating, and quantity).
