Trading pins & custom lapel pins!

Often used for corporate pins, event pins, convention pins and fraternity or sorority pins, hard enamel pins are long lasting and durable with a very high quality appearance. Soft enamel pins are frequently used for sports team trading pins, and are a great choice for world series or softball nationals pins.

The difference between the two styles is one of the most frequent questions we get.

* Move your mouse over the images below for a closer look.

Hard Enamel Pins

• Made from die-struck iron metal.
• Color matching using PMS (Pantone) colors. High curing temperatures can cause very minimal color change from Pantone book coloring.
• Heated to a high temperature and then polished, creating a bright, smooth, hard enamel finish.
• Polishing process will make hard enamel pins 5%-10% thinner than soft enamel pins made with identical metal stock.
• Thin metal lines separate each color. Polishing process can take away some of the sharpness of metal details.
• Colors are applied by hand with a small brush or needle.
• One of the highest quality, most durable pins available.

Soft Enamel Pins

• Made from die-struck iron metal by default and electroplated.
• Color matching using PMS (Pantone) colors. Many choices, but not unlimited. Most vivid coloring of all enamel styles.
• Epoxy coating is not included by default. This allows you to feel design's texture on the pin's surface.
• Optional epoxy coating is free if desired, but must be requested when ordering.
• Approximately 1.2mm thick by default on a 1.50" pin. 50% heavier than standard photoscreen.
• Sharpness of finished metal design details is slightly higher than with hard enamel.
• Colors are applied mostly by hand, leading to longer production times.
• Small variations and minor surface imperfections are normal and characteristic of handcrafted work.
• Not as durable as hard enamel. Enamel can be marred through contact with hard objects.