The Secret to Making Enamel Pins That Actually Sell

Enamel pins have made a comeback…And people know it already. Who wouldn’t like an enamel pin attached to their outfit?

Especially as a quick solution for a boring dress? Enamel pins are the answer.

And when it comes to businesses, the marketing potential cannot be neglected. This small accessory can instantly contribute to brand visibility.

So, whether it is for a subtle and professional look during a formal meeting or to add a vibrant style to a boring outfit, EVERYONE IS LOOKING FOR AN ENAMEL PIN!

And if you are planning to sell them, this blog will explore what goes behind creating these versatile fashion accessories!

Types of Enamel Pins

Before you get to know about the manufacturing process of custom pins in Singapore, let’s get a clear understanding of enamel pins.

There are two main types of enamel pins: soft and hard enamel pins.

Let’s get a better understanding of both of them,

Soft Enamel Pins

Soft enamel pins are a traditional and cost-effective type of enamel pins. They have raised metal edges that are partially filled with enamel. These types of enamel pins have grooves in between and a bumpy texture.

These custom enamel pins can be used for

• Giveaways
• Marketing Purposes
• As team badges

Hard Enamel Pins

Hard enamel pins are a high-quality option that offers a smooth and shiny appearance. The recessed areas of these pins are filled with resin and baked at extremely high temperatures. By the end, these pins are buffed for a perfect glossy finish.

They can be used for,

• Corporate events
• High-end branding
• Award ceremonies

The Process of Manufacturing Enamel Pins

So what happens during the creation of these high-quality pins? Is the process as simple as these pins look? Let’s take a look,

• Create A Mould

The first step involves engraving the design onto a mould. Now this design could be anything, a logo, a name, or a graphic of your favourite character!

• The mould material is made from industrial steel, and the process takes about 2-3 days to complete.
• After engraving, the excess metal is then removed from the stamp.
• The mould is then heat-treated- a process which involves passing the mould through various temperatures.
• This treatment prepares the mould for the next process of stamping.
  
  
• Stamping The Design

Time to stamp the design! The mould will be loaded into the machine, and using approximately 5 tons of pressure, the design will be stamped into a zinc metal.

A different machine will work on the trimming process to create the shape of your pin.

• Electroplating

At this stage, the boring metal layer is about to get an extra colour! This will add all the shine to your pin, depending on your colour choice.

The colours include silver, gold and bronze.

Now the process begins!

• All the pins are wrapped around a copper wire to conduct electricity.
• These pins are dipped in a chemical solution depending on the choice of colours.
• During these bath sessions, a series of chemical reactions are conducted. Now, of course, you don’t want to hear a chemistry lecture right now, we know!
• In simpler terms, bronze, gold and silver particles are present inside each tank, and these particles bind to the pins to change their colour.

Some extra information: Soft enamel pins go through this process before getting enamelled, whereas the hard ones are electroplated after the enamelling step!

• Enamel Process

Time to add some colours to this boring metal’s life! During this stage, your pins are placed on the racks to get painted.

Some extra heat is provided to the metal base for a smooth flow of the colours.

A machine syringe full of colour is injected onto the pin.

For soft enamel pins, the colour is not fully added to the edges, leading to a sharp and raised look.

For hard enamel pins, the edges are filled with colour to generate an even look.

• Polish The Hard Enamel Pins

For hard enamel pins, this process is necessary. For a smoother and shinier look, hard pins are filled with some extra enamel. This gives a clean and finished appearance to the pin.

Hands usually do this polishing and is the main reason of the high costs associated with this procedure.

• Repeat The Electroplate Process

The electroplating procedure is repeated for the hard enamel pins. They are soaked in the electroplate solution.

You might be thinking about the risks associated with the damage to enamel paint. A question like “won’t it get damaged”? It is very common at this point.

The good news is no, it won’t! This is because the reaction will only take place between the electricity-conducting materials, so the paint is going to be safe.

• Final Steps

Once your enamel pins are ready, it’s time to fix some attachments on them. Of course, before they reach out to the consumer, they need to be fully prepared. An enamel pin with a secure backing option is more likely to be chosen by the customer.

Take a look at these final steps,

1. A post is welded to the back of your enamel pin.
2. A clutch is added to the back of this pin. Common types of clutches include,
3. Butterfly clutch
4. Rubber clutch
5. Jewelry clutch
6. Deluxe clutch
7. The pins are securely packed and sold to the customers.

Characteristics of Enamel Pins

Take a look at this table to have an overview of the features of both types of pins.

Wrapping Up

Enamel pins are an excellent solution for your styling needs! The flexibility offered by these accessories makes them the best choice for personal as well as professional purposes.

Their production is an exact process that results in top-quality artwork that allows people to express themselves. All you need to do is find an experienced professional who knows the proper techniques to create something that stands out!