There is a strong connection between enamel pins and self-identity. It is no secret that these small, vibrant, and prominent pins have had a profound influence on the fashion, industry, and collecting industries. The four main categories of mini enamel pins include different design styles and styles. All 4 common types of enamel pins offer durability, customization options, and aesthetic appeal.
In today’s society, enamel pins are widely used as accessories. Soft enamel pins have a three-dimensional appearance because the enamel is incorporated into the metal. Hard enamel pins are polished on the outside and fired to a level finish for durability and sheen. Printed enamel pins have high-quality detailed designs burned directly into the metal by sophisticated etching techniques, producing bright, flat designs with thin lines. Also, die-cut enamel pins stand out as somewhat unconventional, offering a unique combination of shape and design to create an outstanding product. This type has it all – texture, sleek finish, creative shape.
In this article, it is worth considering these different types of enamel pins and how they differ.
4 Common Types of Enamel Pins
4 common types of enamel pins can help you choose the best style for your collection.
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Soft Enamel Pins
What Are Soft Enamel Pins?
A soft enamel pin has raised metal lines separating the different enamel colors, giving the design a textured, 3D effect. The enamel inside these lines is filled in and hardened, creating a slightly uneven finish.
Features of Soft Enamel Pins
- Texture: In soft enamel pins, the enamel does not sit flush with the metal surface, but rather sits in recessed areas with the metal outline remaining raised.
- Finish: Soft enamel pins are available in satin, glossy, or metallic finishes, depending on their design.
- Durability: These pins are tougher than hard enamel pins, but they tend to scratch and wear more easily.
Common Application of Soft Enamel Pins
There are many uses for soft enamel pins, from street fashion, music, and art to pop culture references and band merchandise.
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Hard Enamel Pins
What Are Hard Enamel Pins?
The process of making hard enamel pins, also known as cloisonné pins, differs from that of soft enamel pins. As a result, the enamel hardens completely and evenly on the metal surface, creating a smooth, even appearance.
Features of Hard Enamel Pins
- Smooth Surface: A hard enamel pin has a smooth surface without raised metal lines, giving it a glossy, polished appearance.
- Durability: Designed for high-quality designs, hard enamel pins are highly durable and scratch-resistant.
- Finish: Hard enamel pins often feature a bright and glossy finish, making them visually striking.
Uses of Hard Enamel Pins Yep!
Hard enamel pins have shiny and smooth surfaces, which make them ideal for luxury souvenirs, logos, and brand logos. Official branding, commemorative pins, and awards use these pins.
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Printed Enamel Pins
What Are Printed Enamel Pins?
Enamel pins are a newer version of enamel pins used for decades. Since the main image is applied to the pin material using various kinds of transfer printing or digital printing or screen printing, it is not necessary to fill the designed shape with colored enamel.
Characteristics of Printed Enamel Pins
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Flat Surface:
It is a type of printing that is applied directly to the surface of this enamel pin hence creating a flat and smooth texture, just like soft or hard enamel pins.
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Detailed Artwork:
Printing enamel pins allows for very fine details in artwork and design that are impossible with enamel alone, including gradients and photographic emblems.
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Color Accuracy:
Pins made by digital printing will not distort colors when the design needs a specific shade of color or multiple ornaments.
A personalised item with intricate detailing, like a logo, portrait or artwork, should use an enamel pin. Fans and drawings, characters, or cases where the pin design itself has to represent a particular fine feature are most common for these pins.
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Die-Cut Enamel Pins
What Are Die-Cut Enamel Pins?
Enamel pins are often cut into shapes based on their design, known as die cut enamel pins. Conventional pins probably have round or square bases, but die-cut pins can be made in almost any shape, from animals to simple objects.
Features of Die-Cut Enamel Pins
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Custom Shapes:
The defining feature of die-cut pins is their custom shapes. The metal backing is cut into the shape of the design, which means the final pin can follow any outline or contour.
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Versatility:
Die-cut pins can be made from soft or hard enamel and can be in any color and detail depending on the designer’s imagination.
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Unique Look:
Die-cut pins are highly recognizable by their highly innovative form. To the striking surprise, they can be more kinetic and conspicuous than standard pins.
Top Uses of Die Cut Enamel Pins
Generally, pins are used to brand a logo, character, or product with a unique and specific shape. They can also be used as promotional products, limited editions, or anything relating to a fan base.
Conclusion
Each enamel pin has its own unique qualities, whether it is soft enamel, hard enamel, printed enamel, or die-cut enamel. Each has its own unique charm, whether you prefer soft enamel pins, hard enamels, printed enamels, or die-cut enamels. These pins are not only collectible, but vibrant forms of wearable art. You should know the 4 common types of enamel pins and their distinct features.