In this article, I’ll guide you through how to make custom enamel pins, step by step, from a professional factory’s perspective. From mold creation to final packaging, I’ll explain the entire process in detail. Some steps differ between soft enamel and hard enamel pins, and I will highlight the key differences between them.

Mold Creation
After the artwork is approved, the mold is carved using a CNC engraving machine. The more complex the design, the longer it takes to engrave the mold.
Once it’s done, the mold goes through heat treatment to make it harder and more durable. If the design requires texture on the base of the pin, we can engrave that directly onto the mold as well.

This step is the same for both soft and hard enamel pins. By the way, if the pins are made using the photo-etching process, there’s no need to create a mold.
Die Struck/Stamping or Die Casting
Die struck machine
For simple 2D pins, we use die struck process. Once the mold is ready, it’s used as a die in a high-pressure stamping process. This die struck process involves pressing a metal or alloy sheet onto the mold, transferring the design onto the metal sheet and shaping it to the desired pin shape.
However, if the pin has an irregular shape with cutouts or features a 3D design, we use a die cast process instead of stamping.
Zinc Alloy die cast machines
Soldering the Back Attachment
At this stage, we solder the attachment onto the back of the lapel pin or badge. We offer a variety of attachment options to suit different needs, including butterfly clasps, safety pins, deluxe clutches, magnetic clasps, screws and nuts, rubber backs, U-shaped clasps, and more. Learn more about enamel pin backing options.
If you don’t need a back attachment, no problem — just let us know before we start processing your order.
Polishing
Polishing is a key step in achieving the smooth, glossy finish that greatly enhances the overall appearance of the finished enamel pins. It requires both skill and precision to ensure each pin comes out flawless.
Plating Process
After polishing, the pins go through electroplating, where a thin layer of metal(such as gold, silver, nickel, or black dye) is applied to the surface. The plating color can be seen on the metal lines and the back of the enamel pins.

This step not only enhances the appearance but also improves durability and resistance to wear.
Enamel Coloring
The coloring process for soft enamel pins and hard enamel pins is different, including the timing of when the color is applied.
Soft Enamel Coloring
Soft enamel pins are first polished and plated before the colors are filled. Once all the colors have been applied, the pins are baked in an oven to cure the paint.
Once the pin is cooled, an transparent epoxy coat can be added on the surface of the soft enamel pins, epoxy is just optional, and most customers don’t need epoxy coating on the pin.

Hard Enamel Coloring
In contrast, hard enamel pins are colored first, then polished and plated. Each color must be applied and baked at a high temperature one at a time before adding the next. This makes the coloring process for hard enamel pins more time-consuming and costly.
Further reading: Soft Enamel Pins vs Hard Enamel Pins.
Quality Inspection & Packaging
The final step is quality inspection, which is extremely important to us.
This involves carefully checking each enamel pin for any imperfections in the enamel and making sure the attachment is securely fastened.
Pins that pass inspection are then packaged in a PP bag, gift box, gift bag, or mounted on pin cards—depending on your preferences. We offer a variety of packaging options to suit the specific needs of our customers.

At EnamelPinCustom, every enamel pin is crafted with precision, care, and years of manufacturing expertise. From mold creation to final packaging, each step is handled by skilled technicians using advanced equipment to ensure top quality.

Whether you’re looking for soft enamel or hard enamel pins, we understand the unique requirements of each process and are well-equipped to transform your ideas into expertly crafted enamel pins. With our deep industry experience, strict quality control, and flexible customization options, we’re confident in delivering enamel pins that meet and even exceed your expectations.