What is the difference between soft enamel and cloisonné pins?

Soft enamel pins have a textured surface where the colored enamel sits recessed between raised metal borders, giving the pin a dimensional feel you can run your finger across. Cloisonné pins (also called hard enamel) are polished flat so the enamel is flush with the metal, creating a smooth, jewelry-like finish. Soft enamel pins are more affordable and offer vibrant colors with excellent detail, making them the most popular choice for events, trading pins, and promotional use. Cloisonné pins are more durable for everyday wear and have a premium look suited to corporate awards and long-term keepsakes.

How long do soft enamel pins last?

Soft enamel pins are highly durable and designed to last for years. The die-struck metal base resists bending, and the enamel colors are baked at high temperatures so they won’t fade or chip under normal use. With proper care, soft enamel pins hold up well on jackets, lanyards, hats, and bags without losing their detail or color vibrancy.

What is the minimum order for custom soft enamel pins?

Our minimum order for custom soft enamel pins is 100 units. Larger orders lower your per-unit price — check our pricing page for volume discounts. Production typically takes 7-10 business days, and we include free shipping to the US.

Can soft enamel pins have multiple colors?

Yes! We include up to 7 enamel colors at no additional charge. You can use as many colors as your design requires — there is a small fee for each color beyond 7. Soft enamel is one of the best pin styles for colorful, detailed designs because each color fills a separate recessed area, keeping the colors crisp and separated by the raised metal lines.

What sizes are available for custom soft enamel pins?

Custom soft enamel pins are available in sizes ranging from 0.75" to 2" across. The most popular sizes are 1" and 1.25", which balance visibility and wearability. Larger sizes are available for designs with fine detail that need more space. Your sales representative can help you choose the best size for your artwork.

Custom Soft Enamel Pins - Vibrant & Durable

How Soft Enamel Pins Are Made

Every custom soft enamel pin goes through a precise five-step manufacturing process to ensure sharp detail and lasting color.

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Design & Die Creation

Your artwork is converted into a custom metal die that will stamp your pin's shape and detail lines.

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Metal Stamping

The die strikes an iron or brass blank under high pressure, creating raised metal borders and recessed areas.

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Enamel Color Fill

Each recessed area is carefully filled with colored enamel paint — up to 7 colors at no extra charge.

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Baking & Curing

Pins are baked at high temperature to harden the enamel, locking in vibrant colors that won't fade or chip.

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Plating & Finishing

Your chosen plating (gold, silver, copper, etc.) is applied and each pin is inspected for quality before shipping.

Soft Enamel vs Die Struck vs Cloisonné Pins

Soft Enamel

Die Struck

Cloisonné

Feature	Soft Enamel	Die Struck	Cloisonné
Color	Up to 7 free colors	No enamel — all metal	Up to 7 free colors
Surface	Textured — raised metal lines	Raised polished / recessed sandblasted	Smooth — polished flush
Look	Vibrant, dimensional	Classic, formal metal	Jewelry-quality, premium
Cost	Low	Lowest	Higher
Production Time	7-10 business days	7-10 business days	7-10 business days
Best For	Events, trading pins, promotional	Corporate, military, government, awards	Corporate awards, long-term wear

Looking for an all-metal finish? Try our die struck pins. Want a smooth, jewelry-like surface? See our cloisonné pins.

Specifications

Available Sizes	0.75" to 2" (most popular: 1" and 1.25")
Base Material	Die-struck iron or brass
Plating Options	High polished gold, high polished silver, copper, black nickel, black metal, antique gold, antique silver, antique copper, dual plating
Colors Included	Up to 7 at no extra charge
Minimum Order	100 units
Production Time	7-10 business days
Shipping	Free priority air shipping to the US
Attachment Options	Rubber clutch, butterfly clutch, deluxe clutch, jewelry clutch, cufflinks, magnetic back, safety pin

Soft Enamel Pin FAQs

Q:

What is the difference between soft enamel and cloisonné pins?

Answer

Soft enamel pins have a textured surface where the colored enamel sits recessed between raised metal borders, giving the pin a dimensional feel you can run your finger across. Cloisonné pins (also called hard enamel) are polished flat so the enamel is flush with the metal, creating a smooth, jewelry-like finish.

Soft enamel pins are more affordable and offer vibrant colors with excellent detail, making them the most popular choice for events, trading pins, and promotional use. Cloisonné pins are more durable for everyday wear and have a premium look suited to corporate awards and long-term keepsakes.
Q:

How long do soft enamel pins last?

Answer

Soft enamel pins are highly durable and designed to last for years. The die-struck metal base resists bending, and the enamel colors are baked at high temperatures so they won’t fade or chip under normal use. With proper care, soft enamel pins hold up well on jackets, lanyards, hats, and bags without losing their detail or color vibrancy.
Q:

What is the minimum order for custom soft enamel pins?

Answer

Our minimum order for custom soft enamel pins is 100 units. Larger orders lower your per-unit price — check our pricing page for volume discounts. Production typically takes 7-10 business days, and we include free shipping to the US.
Q:

Can soft enamel pins have multiple colors?

Answer

Yes! We include up to 7 enamel colors at no additional charge. You can use as many colors as your design requires — there is a small fee for each color beyond 7. Soft enamel is one of the best pin styles for colorful, detailed designs because each color fills a separate recessed area, keeping the colors crisp and separated by the raised metal lines.
Q:

What sizes are available for custom soft enamel pins?

Answer

Custom soft enamel pins are available in sizes ranging from 0.75" to 2" across. The most popular sizes are 1" and 1.25", which balance visibility and wearability. Larger sizes are available for designs with fine detail that need more space. Your sales representative can help you choose the best size for your artwork.
Q:

How do I get started on my project?

Answer

You can fill out a quote form on any of our product pages or while looking at photos in the gallery! This allows you to choose your favorite design features, leave notes for our designers, and upload any reference images you may have. Alternatively, our team would be happy to help by phone or email using the contact methods below.

We can also assist you via phone, text, or email.

Email: info@lapelpinsplus.com
Phone: +1-800-252-0904
Text: +1-800-252-0904
Q:

What is the minimum order quantity?
Answer

Minimums vary by product:
- Lapel pins, keychains, medals, lanyards, and patches: 100 units
- Trading pins (standard and USA Rush): 200 units
- Challenge coins: 50 units
- Belt buckles: 25 units
Larger orders lower your per-unit price. Check out our pricing page to learn more.
Q:

What are the production times?
Answer

Production times will vary depending on the type of custom product you order, and the complexity of your design. For the most accurate information, ask your sales representative for an estimated turnaround time. The details listed below should be used as a general rule of thumb for production times and do not include shipping time:
- Lapel Pins: 7-10 business days
- Lanyards: 7-10 business days
- Patches: 14 business days
- Keychains: 12-14 business days
- Belt Buckles: 14-18 business days
- Challenge Coins: 14-18 business days
- Domestic Rush Pins: 3-5 business days
- Domestic Rush Challenge Coins: 3-5 business days
Q:

How do I place my order once the final proof is approved?

Answer

You can place your order over the phone or online through our secure payment portal. Have your Quote Number ready and double-check that the proof assigned to that Quote Number matches the proof you would like to purchase.

Click here to find your quote and pay online, or follow the “Order This Quote” link sent to your email with your proof.

To pay by phone, call +1-800-252-0904.
Q:

Are there any discounts?

Answer

We offer discounted pricing based on the number of custom products in your order. The more you order, the less you will pay per unit. Check out our pricing page for more detailed information on pricing for all of our custom products!