Enamel pins are decorative metal accessories filled with colored enamel paint, available in two main types: soft enamel and hard enamel. Understanding the difference between soft enamel and hard enamel pins can help you choose the right style for your project or product.
In short, soft enamel pins feature raised metal lines and recessed enamel, giving them a textured feel. While hard enamel pins are filled with polished flat enamel, resulting in a smooth, glossy finish. You can see the comparison in the image below:
Hard vs Soft Enamel Pins
What’s the difference between soft and hard enamel pins? The differences between them include their surface, manufacturing process, durability, production time and cost.
Surface Difference
Soft enamel pins have a textured surface that you can feel when you run your finger over them. Each color is only partially filled with enamel, so the metal outlines remain slightly raised.
Soft Enamel Sample image:
Shop custom soft enamel pins with your design here.
In contrast, hard enamel pins are overfilled enamel and then polished down so the enamel and metal are completely flush. The surface of the pin has no noticeable ridges or borders between colors.
Hard Enamel Sample image:
Shop Custom Hard Enamel Pins with Your Design here.
Summary:
| Soft Enamel | raised metal edges, recessed enamel colors |
|---|---|
| Hard Enamel | enamel is polished smooth so that it is flush with the metal edges |
Difference on Manufacturing Process
Soft enamel is colored after electroplating, which allows multiple colors to be filled at the same time. There’s no need to bake each color individually before applying the next, making the process faster and more efficient.
In contrast, hard enamel is colored before electroplating. Each color must be baked before the next one is applied to prevent them from mixing. This is because hard enamel is filled in layers that can overflow, so baking solidifies each layer before continuing.
Besides: Hard enamel pins are baked at a much higher temperature compared to soft enamel pins.
Summary:
| Soft Enamel | coloring after electroplating, can fill multiple colors simultaneously |
|---|---|
| Hard Enamel | Coloring before electroplating, coloring one by one |
Learn more about manufacturing process: How to Make Enamel Pins: A Step-by-Step Guide with Expert Insights
Durability
Hard enamel pins are more scratch-resistant and long-lasting. The multiple baking and polishing stages make them tougher. Soft enamel can wear or scratch more easily(unless epoxy-coated) since the enamel sits lower than the metal edges.
Cost & Production Time
Soft enamel pins skip the grinding/polishing step, so they are more affordable and can be produced faster. This makes them great for large orders, tight budgets, or quick-turn projects.
Hard enamel’s extra steps (baking each color, grinding, polishing) add labor and time, making the pins pricier and slower to manufacture.
Summary:
| Soft Enamel | production time approx. 5-12 days |
|---|---|
| Hard Enamel | production time approx. 7-14 days |
These factors (surface, manufacturing, durability, cost, production time) all play into the famous question of “soft enamel vs hard enamel: which is better?” The answer depends on your specific needs (we’ll cover that later).
Here’s a clear and concise comparison table between soft enamel and hard enamel pins:
| Feature | Soft Enamel | Hard Enamel |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Textured with raised metal edges and recessed enamel | Smooth and flat; enamel is level with metal lines |
| Coloring Process | Colored after electroplating | Colored before electroplating |
| Color Application | Multiple colors can be applied at once | Each color must be filled and baked separately |
| Baking | Baked at 120–160°C | Baked at 750–850°C. One by one |
| Polishing | Only metal is polished; enamel stays recessed | Both metal and enamel are polished smooth and glossy |
| Production Time | 5-12 business days | 7-14 business days |
| Cost | More economical | Higher cost due to extra labor and time involved |
How to Choose: Hard vs Soft Enamel Pins for Your Project
Both pin types have their place. To decide hard enamel vs soft enamel, consider your design and goals:
Texture
If you prefer a classic look with raised metal outlines and recessed enamel, soft enamel is the ideal choice.
If you prefer a smooth, polished finish, hard enamel is the better option.
Want a sleek, luxury feel and maximum longevity? Hard enamel is worth it for that premium, polished look. Soft enamel is still durable, but hard enamel feels more upscale.
Design complexity
If your artwork is very intricate or multi-colored, soft enamel is usually better because it preserves fine lines (no polishing to blur details).
Budget & Timing
Soft enamel pins cost less and are faster to produce. If you have a tight budget or deadline, soft enamel is often more practical. Hard enamel’s extra steps mean higher cost and longer lead time.
Durability
Hard enamel pins are more durable and resistant to scratches, chipping, and fading than soft enamel pins. If you plan on wearing your pin frequently or in harsh conditions, a hard enamel pin may be a better choice.
Quantity
For very large orders, the cost savings of soft enamel can add up. For small batches, investing in hard enamel detail might be feasible.
Final Thoughts
In short, choose soft enamel when you prioritize rich colors, raised texture, shorter delivery time, and budget-friendliness; Choose hard enamel when you want a high-gloss finish and extra durability to elevate your brand.
For most pins projects, working with an experienced custom enamel pin manufacturer can help match your needs: they can advise which type will best showcase your artwork while meeting cost and schedule constraints.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or contact us by email sales@enamelpincustom.com – we’re happy to help!
Hello! I’m interested in a price for custom pins (100 qty.) I’m thinking our logo would look best on a rounded triangle shape, and will probably need two pins to keep it from moving when pinned on. I’m thinking around 2 1/2″ wide but open to your thoughts. My plan is to do this all black but if gold with a black background is an option I’m interested in that as well.
Hello, the pins’ shape can be customized with your design. For 2 1/2″ wide pins, we will add two butterfly clasps on the back to hold the pin well. All black or gold with a black background is no problem, you can send your artwork for us to check, we will recommend you the best metal finish for your design.
Just wanting to check to see if you can do a hard enamel lapel pin from this graphic. Are hard enamel the cost as soft enamel?
In general, hard enamel costs more than soft enamel because the process requires more polishing, more steps, and more labor.You can send the graphic to our email of sales@enamelpincustom.com, so we can check for you.