CUSTOM ENAMEL PINS
A small surface with room for a full illustration. Build a custom enamel pin around the surface, the finishes, and the backing that fit how it will be worn and collected.
Color sits below the metal line
Soft enamel is filled slightly below the raised metal lines. The color sits in shallow wells, so the metal outline stays visible and the surface has a tactile, slightly uneven feel. Usually the lower-cost method, and a good fit for bold line art and flat color fields.
I · SPECIFICATIONS
The shape carries the idea, and the surface method carries the color. Size, metal line placement, plating, and back attachment set the foundation for everything that follows.
Dimensions and available processes depend on the design and selected material. Enamel fill uses solid colors per recessed area — gradients, photographs, and fine line work may require a different process. Final specifications should be confirmed against the approved artwork and sample.
II · ENAMEL & SURFACE
The surface method controls cost, durability, and how fine your artwork can be. Compare the three cross-sections side by side — the difference is a few tenths of a millimetre, and it is visible from across a room.
Recessed surfaceSoft enamel is filled slightly below the raised metal lines. The color sits in shallow wells, so the metal outline stays visible and the surface has a tactile, slightly uneven feel. Usually the lower-cost method, and a good fit for bold line art and flat color fields.
Flush, polished surfaceHard enamel is filled, then sanded and polished until the color is flush with the metal lines. The result is a flat, glass-like surface that is typically more durable and more refined — and reads as premium on collector pieces.
UV / screen printWhen the artwork needs gradients, photographs, or very fine lines, UV or screen printing sits on top of the metal body — with or without enamel fill. Printing and enamel can also be combined on the same pin: a printed gradient inside an enameled field.
III · SPECIAL FINISHES
A flat enamel pin is a starting point. These are the finishes that turn a giveaway into something people trade, display, and reorder — each one adds process steps and unit cost, so the right one is the one your collection actually needs.
Enamel effectGlitter EnamelEnamel effect
Glitter mixed into the enamel fill catches light and reads as a limited edition from across a room. Best on larger color fields — fine detail turns muddy.
IV · BACK ATTACHMENTS
The backing determines how a pin is worn, removed, and stored. Compare the options by fabric and handling — not by appearance.
A metal butterfly clutch pressed onto the post — the default for bulk merchandise and the lowest-cost option.
Merch drops, events, high-volume runs
A flexible rubber cap that grips the post by friction — more secure than a butterfly clutch on thick fabric.
Backpacks, uniforms, outdoor events
A magnet set into the pin reverse, paired with a plate on the other side of the fabric — nothing is pierced.
Blazers, knitwear, corporate apparel
A wire pin and catch built into the reverse — secure, familiar, and removable without a separate clutch.
Heritage styles, uniform and hat pins
A split ring or swivel clasp riveted to the reverse — the same pin works as a bag charm or keychain.
Gift sets, event bundles, retail multipacks
V · USE CASES
A pin works when the format matches the moment. Each brief below starts with a proven specification — adjust it, do not build from zero.
Turn a logo, mascot, or campaign graphic into a wearable item. Soft enamel suits bold line art; hard enamel suits a smoother, premium look.
Design a pin around a launch, milestone, or attendee identity. A compact format works well for lanyard distribution, badges, and welcome kits.
Use a clear, readable design to support awareness campaigns and fundraising programs, with quantities that suit a defined audience.
Build limited editions, series, and character designs with consistent plating and packaging so a set reads as one collection.
Pair the pin with a custom backing card or retail display so it fits an existing shop, museum, or destination merchandise fixture.
VI · PRODUCTION & QUALITY
The surface method and back attachment are confirmed before production. Each stage below is a checkpoint, not just a step — the sample is where a wrong reading is still free to fix.
We review your artwork, dimensions, details, colors, and finishing requirements.
A custom mold is created from the approved design.
Die-casting or stamping creates the metal body and relief details.
The product receives the selected gold, silver, bronze, antique, or other metal finish.
Enamel, printing, polishing, final detailing, and quality checks are completed.
Finished products are packed according to project requirements and prepared for shipment.
Inspection scope and testing methods should be agreed before production. Do not assume a specific test or certification is included unless it is confirmed in the order specification.
Explore Craft GuidesVII · FAQ
Still have a question? Send us your artwork and project details and we'll help you work it out.
The current standard planning MOQ is 500 pieces per design. The final MOQ can depend on the pin size, material, plating, enamel method, back attachment, and packaging. Please confirm the applicable quantity with your quotation.
Soft enamel is filled slightly below the raised metal lines, leaving a visible texture and a slightly recessed surface — it is usually the lower-cost option. Hard enamel is sanded and polished until the enamel sits flush with the metal lines, creating a smooth, flat finish that is typically more durable and more refined in appearance.
Glitter enamel, glow-in-the-dark fill, epoxy doming, rhinestones, laser cut-outs, and spinners or other movable parts are all available. Each adds process steps and unit cost, and some are suited to particular sizes or designs — availability is confirmed at sample stage.
A typical sample lead time is around 5–8 working days after artwork and specifications are confirmed. Bulk production timing depends on quantity, plating, enamel method, attachments, packaging, and the production schedule. The confirmed timeline should be agreed before the order proceeds.
Yes. Double-sided enamel, double-sided printing, or an enamel front with an engraved reverse are all common. The available method depends on the design on each side and whether the artwork needs to align across both faces.
Enamel fill uses solid colors, one per recessed area. For gradients, photographs, or very fine line work, UV printing or screen printing is usually a better fit than enamel fill. Printing and enamel can also be combined on the same pin.
Butterfly clutches are the standard for most merchandise and the lowest-cost option. Magnetic backs avoid pinholes and suit uniforms, blazers, and knitwear. Rubber clutches hold more firmly and are harder to remove. Safety pins suit traditional and uniform styles. Keychain conversion adds a second use case.
Custom backing cards can be planned with brand artwork, product information, a barcode or QR code, and a suitable mounting hole. Card material, printing, die-cutting, and mounting should be confirmed for each project.
Repeat production is usually possible when the design, tooling, material, and specifications remain suitable. Confirm tooling retention, storage arrangements, and repeat-order charges with your supplier rather than assuming these are included.
INQUIRY
Send your artwork, quantity, size and deadline. We usually reply within 1 hour.
Have a project in mind? We usually reply within 1 hour on working days.