Hard Enamel and Soft Enamel Color Attributes

To assist with the planning of your next custom project or design, here is a quick technical comparison of the two primary enamel methods used for coloring pins, medals, coins, keychains and more.

The difference between the two coloring methods is one of the most frequent questions we get asked.

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

Hard Enamel Attributes

• Color matching using PMS (Pantone) colors.
• Flat, smooth, hard enamel finish.
• Die-struck iron, brass, zinc or copper metal.
• Heated to ~1400°F and then polished.
• ~1.5mm thick by default at 1.50" item size.
• All plating styles except PMS-dyed available.
• Colors are normally applied by hand.
• Polishing makes hard enamel pins ~5% thinner.
• Polishing mutes the sharpness of some details.
• High-end sophisticated look and feel.
• Exceptional durability and superior finish.
• Longer production (multiple high-heat firing).

Soft Enamel Attributes

• Color matching using PMS (Pantone) colors.
• Classic textured finish (recessed color).
• Normally made with die-struck iron or zinc.
• Heated to ~350°F then cured.
• ~1.5mm thick by default at 1.50" item size.
• All plating styles can be applied.
• Colors are applied by hand or machine.
• Enamel can be marred with hard objects.
• Sharpest finished metal design details.
• Optional epoxy coating is free if requested.
• Less durable than hard enamel.
• More quickly made. Best for urgent orders.