How to Make Enamel Pins: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you turn your ideas into shiny, wearable reality.
No matter where you go, odds are custom pins are close by. Whether you’re building a brand, promoting a cause, or just want to share your creative spirit with the world, enamel pins are so popular because they’re fun and make a big impact! But how do you actually make enamel pins?
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you turn your ideas into shiny, wearable reality.
Step 1: Come Up With an Idea
Pins come in all shapes and sizes and are used in industries big and small. You’d be amazed at all the different ways people use custom pins, but - for you - the only thing that matters is how you plan on using them.
Whether you want to boost your brand, sell your own designs, or celebrate your team members, the first step for any pin project is to come up with a design idea. Logos, mottos, and brand colors are all useful when coming up with a design. It also helps to consider how you plan on using the pins. For employee recognition pins, a message of encouragement or gratitude will fit nicely. For event pins, the pins should include important dates and maybe a nod to the host city or convention center. Don’t be afraid to have fun with shapes and sizes to make your pin unique!
Step 2: Choose a Pin Type
We offer a few different types of pins, and depending on what you’re trying to accomplish with your design, some might be better for you than others.
Soft enamel is a timeless choice! Often considered the standard for custom pins, soft enamel designs have a raised and recessed portion to the design, and soft enamel colors are contained in the recessed areas. They are bright and colorful, and very popular!
Hard enamel pins have an elevated sense of value thanks to the smooth, polished surface. While soft enamel pins have a raised and recessed area, hard enamel pins have a flat, glossy texture that’s perfect for branded designs and jewelry-quality pins.
Die struck pins don’t have any enamel colors, opting instead to have the metal plating be the focus of the design. Especially when paired with antique plating, die struck pins have a classic, almost antique, style that’s perfect for recognition pins and pins that have a historical context.
Offset printed pins have photo quality artwork protected by an epoxy dome. If you want to include a person’s face in the pin design, or need highly detailed artwork, an offset print design is your best bet. Oftentimes, the center of these pins will have an offset printed image while the edges are made similar to a traditional soft enamel pin.
Rush pins are the best choice for anyone who is in a hurry! Instead of stamping pins using a custom mold, rush pins come in pre-set sizes and shapes and the artwork is layered on the surface of the pins by UV print. This process allows for color gradients and high levels of detail! The best part is that they’re ready to ship in as little as five business days!
No matter what type of pin you choose, you can rest assured that you’re getting the industry’s best quality! If you’re still not sure which pin is best for you, let us know! Our pin experts are more than happy to help!
Step 3: Share Your Idea and Get a Free Design!
From here on out, we take care of the heavy lifting! Our professional design team will create a fully custom design for you once you send us the details of your project. There’s no upfront cost and no obligations! Just amazing artwork and free revisions! We’ll send your design over via email or through text message, and you can request as many changes as you need! Our priority is making sure you get the perfect design!
Our digital proofs are as true to life as possible. You’ll see a list of colors and upgrades and sizing details on top of the digital design. Review everything carefully before finalizing your order!
Step 4: Order When You’re Ready!
Only pay when you are fully satisfied with the design and pricing quote! Ordering is easy. Along with your free artwork, you’ll receive a detailed pricing quote and link to purchase your design. If you prefer, you can always call us and complete your purchase over the phone!
Pins go into production right away. Depending on the design, the full production cycle will take about 12-14 days. We’ll send a tracking link for shipping once the pins are picked up and on their way from our factory! We include free priority shipping which usually takes two days!
Before you know it, your pins will arrive and it’s time to enjoy! We’re here to help you every step of the way! If you’ve already worked out your idea and chosen the perfect type of pin, send us your ideas! We can’t wait to work with you!
