Soft Enamel Pins
Vibrant Colors & Textured Detail
Soft Enamel Pins – Vibrant Colors & Textured Detail
Soft enamel pins are the most popular and versatile option in the enamel pin world. Known for their affordable cost, bold colors, and textured finish, they’re a favorite for artists, brands, and collectors looking for both style and value.
Whether you want simple logo pins or creative collectibles, this guide covers all the essential specs, design rules, and production details for soft enamel pins.
⭐ What Are Soft Enamel Pins?
Soft enamel pins are made by stamping your design into a metal base, then filling recessed areas with enamel paint. Unlike hard enamel pins, the enamel sits slightly lower than the raised metal lines, creating a textured, 3D look.
Finish: Textured surface with raised metal outlines
Durability: 5–7 years under normal use
Thickness: Standard 1.2 mm – 1.6 mm (2.0 mm available)
Color Options: Solid Pantone-matched colors (up to 12 colors)
Plating Choices: Gold, Silver, Black Nickel, Antique finishes
Popular Uses: Artist merch, events, giveaways, collectibles
🔑 Key Features of Soft Enamel Pins
Textured surface – recessed enamel vs. raised metal lines
Bright, vibrant colors – enamel appears more vivid than hard enamel
Budget-friendly – typically 15–20% cheaper than hard enamel
Flexible style – allows finer lines and more design freedom
📊 Soft Enamel vs. Hard Enamel – Data Comparison
Feature | Soft Enamel Pins | Hard Enamel Pins |
|---|---|---|
Surface Texture | Recessed enamel (0.2–0.3 mm depth) | Smooth, polished, flush surface |
Durability | 5–7 years | 8–10 years |
Color Options | Up to 12 Pantone colors | Up to 10 Pantone colors |
Line Thickness | Min. 0.15 mm (can be slightly finer) | Min. 0.2 mm (requires thicker lines) |
Cost per 100 pcs (1") | $180–$240 (depending on plating) | $220–$280 |
Best Use | Artist runs, everyday merch, events | Luxury branding, premium collectibles |
📐 Soft Enamel Design Guidelines (with Data)
1. Line Thickness
Minimum: 0.15 mm (slightly finer than hard enamel possible)
Recommended: 0.2–0.25 mm for safety
2. Color Areas
Enamel sits 0.2–0.3 mm below the raised metal
Max: 12 colors per pin
Flat colors only (no gradients/shadows)
3. Pin Sizes
Small pins: 0.75” (19 mm) – logos, icons
Standard pins: 1.25”–1.5” (32–38 mm) – most popular
Large pins: 2” (50 mm) – great for detail and collectibles
4. Thickness Options
Standard: 1.2 mm – 1.6 mm
Deluxe pins: 2.0 mm for heavier feel
5. Plating Options
Shiny Gold, Silver, Black Nickel
Antique finishes (Bronze, Copper, Silver)
Rose Gold, Dyed Black
6. Back Attachments
Butterfly clutch (standard)
Rubber clutch (comfort and security)
Deluxe clutch (locking, premium)
Magnetic back or safety pin (special uses)
🛠️ Production Process – with Timeline
Step | Description | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
Mold Making | Custom mold engraved from design | 2–3 days |
Die-Striking | Pin shape & design pressed in metal | 1 day |
Plating | Base metal plated (gold, silver, etc.) | 1 day |
Enamel Filling | Liquid enamel filled into recessed areas | 1–2 days |
Baking | Enamel hardened & set | 1 day |
QC & Assembly | Backings attached, polished, inspected | 1–2 days |
Packing & Shipping | Packed for delivery | 3–7 days |
⏱ Total production time: 12–15 working days (2–3 weeks).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the main difference between soft and hard enamel?
A: Soft enamel has a textured surface (raised lines), while hard enamel is smooth and polished.
Q: Can I add special effects?
A: Yes! Options include glitter, glow, epoxy coating, and screen printing.
Q: Do you offer Pantone matching?
A: Yes, all enamel colors are matched to Pantone Solid Coated guide.
Q: What’s the maximum size for soft enamel pins?
A: Up to 2.5” (64 mm), but cost rises significantly above 2”.
Use raised outlines to emphasize details – textured look enhances logos and icons.
Smallest text height: 1.2–1.5 mm for readability.
Keep color areas ≥ 0.6–0.8 mm to avoid enamel spilling.
Black nickel plating makes designs pop with bold outlines.
Consider adding glitter, glow-in-the-dark, or epoxy dome for extra effects.
Minimum Order Quantity: 50 pcs per design
Average Costs (1.25” pin, 6 colors, nickel plating):
100 pcs → $180–$240
300 pcs → $480–$600
500 pcs → $750–$950
