The Ultimate Guide to Hard Enamel Pins: How They're Made & Why They're So Popular

If you're looking for a durable, professional, and high-quality custom pin, hard enamel pins are often the gold standard. Known for their smooth, glass-like finish and vibrant colors, they have become a staple for businesses, organizations, and collectors. But what exactly goes into making a custom enamel pin?

This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire custom hard enamel pin manufacturing process, so you know exactly what to expect when you place your order.

What Are Hard Enamel Pins?

Before we dive into the "how," let's clarify the "what." Hard enamel pins are made by filling the recessed metal areas of a pin with a powdered enamel. This enamel is then heated to a high temperature, melting and hardening into a smooth, durable surface that is then polished flat with the metal lines (the "cloisons"). This creates that signature smooth-to-the-touch feel.

Key Takeaway:The finished surface of a hard enamel pin is perfectly flat and polished to a glossy shine.

The Step-by-Step Process of Making Hard Enamel Pins

Step 1: The Design & Mold Creation

It all starts with your vision. You provide a concept, logo, or artwork. A skilled artist then translates this into a vector-based pin design, which is essential for creating a clean and precise metal mold (called a "die").

Once the design is finalized, a custom steel mold is crafted. This die stamp will be used to press the shape of your pin into a metal sheet, typically brass, copper, or iron. This step defines the pin's outline and the raised metal lines that will separate the different colors.

Step 2: Stamping the Metal Base

Using the custom die and a powerful stamping machine, the pin's shape is punched out of a metal sheet. This creates the base of your pin, complete with all the raised borders. Each lapel pin is individually stamped, ensuring consistency across your entire order.

Step 3: Adding the Pin Backs

After stamping, the attachment parts are soldered onto the back. This could be:

A butterfly clutch:The most common and secure backing.

A rubber clutch: A good alternative.

A safety pin-style backing: Often used for thicker fabrics.

A magnetic backing: Ideal for delicate fabrics or those who don't want pierce holes.

Step 4: Polishing and Plating

The raw metal pins are then polished to a high shine. After polishing, they undergo electroplating. This is where the pins are coated with a layer of metal, such as:

Gold Plating

Silver Plating (Nickel)

Antique Silver or Gold(often with a darkened finish to make the colors pop)

Black Nickel or  Copper

The plating color you choose will become the visible metal lines of your final pin.

Step 5: The Enamel Application (The "Hard Enamel" Part)

This is the most critical step. An artisan carefully fills each color section of the pin with the correct colored enamel powder. The powder is mixed to a precise formula to ensure color consistency.

For hard enamel, the craftsman overfills each section with the enamel powder.

Step 6: Firing and Hardening

The filled pins are then placed in a high-temperature oven. The heat melts the enamel powder, causing it to liquefy and then harden into a solid, glass-like surface. Because the enamel was overfilled, it shrinks slightly during firing. This process of filling and firing may be repeated multiple times until the enamel is perfectly level with the metal borders.

Step 7: Polishing to Perfection

Once the final firing is complete and the enamel has fully hardened, the pins go through a final polishing stage. A grinding wheel is used to polish the entire surface, removing any excess plating and creating that signature smooth, flat finish where the enamel and metal lines are seamless. This step reveals the brilliant, glossy shine of the hard enamel.

Step 8: Quality Control & Packaging

Every single pin is individually inspected for any defects in plating, color filling, or attachment. After passing inspection, your custom pins are carefully packaged and shipped directly to you.

Hard Enamel vs. Soft Enamel: Which is Right for You?

You might also hear about soft enamel pins. Here’s a quick comparison:

Ready to Create Your Own Custom Hard Enamel Pins?

Now that you understand the detailed process of making enamel pins, you can see why they are a premium product. The combination of artistry and craftsmanship results in a timeless accessory that perfectly represents your brand or passion.

When you're ready to start, ensure you work with a lapel pin manufacturer that provides a clear design proof and communicates openly throughout the custom pin manufacturing process.

Do you have a design in mind? Get a quote today and turn your idea into a tangible piece of art!