If you are searching to make your enamel pins, you must be aware of two terms: “soft enamel” and “hard enamel”. But, many people are still confused about them.
The primary difference between soft and hard enamel is the finished texture. Soft pins have lifted metal edges whereas hard ones are smooth and flat. Both techniques utilize the same metal molds and they both have vibrant and bright hues. However, some specific options are exclusive to only soft enamel.
Most people are unaware of these two main types of custom enamel pins. A few differences between them may shortly impact your preference for an enamel pin order. This blog will discuss everything you need to know about these two exquisite pins. Let’s jump into the details to learn more about these impressive accessories.
Difference Between Soft And Hard Enamel Pins
As we know both of these custom pin badges are distinctive from each other. Let’s see what some primary differences that make them unique are. Below, you will read about some basic differences between these two.
Soft Enamel Pins |
Hard Enamel Pins |
Soft enamel pins are easily identified by their 3D appearance and texture. |
They have a polished, refined, and sleek appearance. |
Composed of enamel that easily blends below the metal ridges. |
In the composition of hard enamel, flush is applied with the metal lines resulting in a glossy and smooth surface. |
The characteristics of these pins are colored areas and recessed. |
The crafting procedure incorporates precision |
The die-striking procedure incorporates a stamping design into the medal. |
Hard pins incorporate stamping the design into rigorous metal polishing to attain an impeccable smooth touch. |
After filling and plating with enamel hues, the texture is solidified by the high-temperature baking. |
Hard enamel pins have astonishingly aligned enamel and metal lines on the same plane.
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They invite interaction and touch. |
The glass-like finish adds collectible and modest quality. |
They are known for their tactile experience and noticeable color palette. |
They are known for their long-lasting, durable, and premium quality finish. |
Every hue in the design is raised and is framed by a metal border that is raised too. |
They make a complete polished surface that can be easily touched without finding recesses. |
When To Pick Them?
Soft Enamel |
Hard Enamel |
This is one of the most famous types of pin that has a textured and raised look that many people enjoy. |
Hard enamel pin badges are more resistant to scratches and long-lasting as compared to soft enamel. |
They are baked in an oven to harden and cure the enamel. |
Hard enamels are filled with colors and then the pin’s face is put down to a smooth and flat surface. |
The soft metal plating procedure is completed before filling the enamel. |
The polishing and grinding make them unable to do some metal finishes. |
Some metal finishes can only be done on soft enamel. |
People choose hard enamel because of their finished and clean look. |
If you desire to have painted black, rainbow plated, or any other customized color then opt for soft enamel pins. |
If you desire to have gold or silver plating then hard enamel is an ideal choice for your design. |
Primary Differences Between Hard And Soft Enamel Pins
Out of many differences we have mentioned a few of them below for your assistance.
Let’s have a look at them.
1. Finish And Material
The clearest difference between hard and soft enamel pins is their material, finish, and composition. Soft pins have a dimensional appearance and are textured while hard pins are glossy, smooth, and polished.
2. Design And Texture
Soft enamel pins show a tactile-like texture that is made by the recessed areas filled with enamel. On the other hand, hard enamel pins provide a smooth and polished surface that is blended in with metal lines as result giving an extraordinary appearance.
3. Customization And Color
Both of them provide a broad range of color options but the application procedure is different. Soft have colors that are raised and distant by the metal lines. While hard enamel has hues that are blended with the metal making a sleek look.
4. Price Comparison
The material differences and craftsmanship between hard and soft enamel pins also have cost differences. Soft pins are usually more pocket friendly and this is why it is a famous choice for different applications. On the other hand, hard pins are considered an expensive option which makes them a preferred choice of collectors.
Moreover, if you are looking for hard and soft enamel badges UK then there are different agencies. Offering extra-ordinary accessories to their customers you can contact them and place your order for your favorite pins. Make sure to check the reviews and ask people for their feedback about their experience with the specific agency you have chosen to order from.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are better hard or soft enamel pins?
Soft pins have more design flexibility and also offer good texture with lifted metal edges that are cost-effective too. Hard pins are shiny, long-lasting, and smoother. However, they take more time to make. Those characteristics mean that every option is best for specific pin purposes and designs.
Why are enamel pins costly?
They are expensive to produce since they are made utilizing some special technology to engrave the design. Also, they are made from costly materials like zinc, aluminum iron, alloy, stainless steel, and copper.
What materials are used in making hard pins?
Iron and zinc alloys are the most used metals in enamel pin making. Stainless steel and aluminum are widely used in making offset print pins. Copper and brass are commonly used in the manufacturing of enamel pins.
Let Us Conclude
Now that you have a good knowledge about both of these impressive accessories characteristics, features of both of them you can make an ideal choice according to your budget, preferences, and purpose.
The world of enamel keeps evolving with new materials, emerging techniques, and designs. They have a distinctive ability to capture stories, moments, and memories making them a dynamic and cherished element of fashion culture.