The Ultimate Guide to Enamel Pin Backings

Enamel pins offer a unique avenue to express creativity, showcase affiliations, and promote a brand. But what often gets overlooked in pin design is the backing - a critical component that ensures your pin stays securely attached to whatever surface they end up on. This guide will give you all the details on enamel pin backings, their benefits, and how to choose the right one for your needs. Take a look!

1. Standard Butterfly Clutch:

   The butterfly clutch is the most common pin backing, featuring a small metal mechanism that secures the pin post. It’s best for everyday wear on clothing, uniforms, or bags. It’s a free option, widely available, and easy to use, but might not be the most secure option for heavy or oversized pins. If you don’t have a preference, this is our standard option and will do the trick for most custom pin designs.

   

2. Rubber Clutch:

   Rubber clutches are soft and flexible and offer a secure attachment similar to a butterfly clutch. They are best for lightweight pins and are comfortable against the skin. They also remove any worry of a clutch snagging on fabric. As a bonus, rubber clutches come in a variety of colors so you get the added bonus of being able to color coordinate your attachment option with your design! Black rubber clutches are a free option for anyone looking to change from a traditional butterfly clutch.

   

3. Deluxe and Jewelry Clutches:

   Deluxe clutches and jewelry clutches offer the most secure attachment. These clutches will click into place when you slide them over a pin post, and the locking mechanism releases by pulling on the top. Choosing between these two is mostly an aesthetic choice, and they are best for high-value pins, heavy pins, or pins you might think could get jostled around and lost without a lock. While they are more expensive than other options, you’ll feel secure knowing your pins aren’t going anywhere!

   

4. Magnet Backing

   Magnets replace the traditional pin post and are great for attaching to clothing and metal surfaces. These are best for formal wear, delicate fabrics, and any instance where you want to avoid puncturing clothing. Also, if you want your pins to secure to a metal surface like a refrigerator or desk, it’s simplest and most versatile solution! While they are slightly less secure than a traditional pin backing, strong magnets are great for name tags and heavier pins and you don’t have to worry about poking a pin post through fabric.

   

5. Safety Pin Backing

   Similar to a standard safety pin, this backing allows your pins to be fastened through multiple layers of fabric. It’s ideal for heavier pins or pins used on bags or things made of thick material. Safety pins are easy to use, great for name tags and oversized pin designs, and they’re highly durable.

   

6. Cuff Link Attachment:

   Lapel pins and cufflinks share a lot more in common than you might think! The production process is almost identical, but things change when it comes to attaching a post or a cufflink. Our cufflinks are durable, and attached before the plating process to ensure the cufflink color matches your design. If you want to add a couple of cufflink sets to your lapel pin order, just let us know!

   

7. Key Chain

   A keychain ring is the final option we offer! We can make gold or silver rings, and they are attached using a small chain. However, to create a keychain version of your lapel pins, we’ll need to add a hoop somewhere on the design where the chain can be attached. If you want to create a few keychains with the same design as your lapel pins, just let us know and we’ll create a new version of your design for review!

Choosing the Right Backing

When selecting a backing for your custom pins, it’s a good idea to keep the following in mind:

• Purpose: Will the pin be worn on delicate clothing, displayed, or used on accessories? Are the pins for display or will they be part of a uniform? If you plan on your pins being worn often, it’s better to have a locking attachment like a deluxe or jewelry clutch, or a magnetic attachment.
• Weight: Heavier pins require more robust attachment. Safety pins and magnets are perfect for long designs, or large pins that are heavier than average.
• Frequency of Use: If the pin will be removed and reattached often, choose a user-friendly option like a rubber or magnet backing.
• Aesthetic: Opt for a backing that complements your pin’s design, such as colored rubber clutches, or finer looking jewelry clutches.

The right backing can make or break your enamel pins. Whether you’re creating pins for personal use, gifting them, or selling them, investing in the right backing ensures your pins stay secure and look great in any setting.

Ready to create your own enamel pins? Let us help you choose the perfect backing to match a unique design of your own! Get started now!