Materials & Finishes Guide
Understanding your options is the first step to creating the perfect custom pin. Explore our materials, finishes, and special features to bring your vision to life.
Pin Types & Styles
Each style offers unique characteristics and aesthetic appeal.
🎨 Soft Enamel Pins
Our Most Popular Choice
Soft enamel pins feature raised metal borders with recessed enamel colors, creating a textured, dimensional look. The enamel sits below the metal lines, giving each pin a tactile quality.
Best For:
- Bold, vibrant designs
- Traditional lapel pin look
- Cost-effective production
- Years of service awards
Finish: Textured with visible metal ridges
✨ Hard Enamel Pins (Cloisonné)
Premium Smooth Finish
Hard enamel pins are polished flat to create a smooth, glass-like surface. The enamel is filled and baked multiple times, then polished to be level with the metal die lines.
Best For:
- High-end, elegant designs
- Executive awards
- Durable, long-lasting pins
- Premium brand representation
Finish: Smooth and flat, jewelry-quality
🥉 Die Struck Pins
Classic Metal Look
Die struck pins feature raised and recessed metal surfaces with no enamel coloring. The design is created entirely through dimensional metalwork, offering a timeless, professional appearance.
Best For:
- Professional, sophisticated designs
- Corporate branding
- Monochromatic logos
- 3D relief effects
Finish: All metal with dimensional detail
🖼️ Printed Pins
Photo-Quality Detail
Printed pins use offset, screen, or digital printing techniques to reproduce intricate designs, photographs, or full-color artwork. Often topped with a protective epoxy dome for durability.
Best For:
- Complex, detailed artwork
- Photo reproduction
- Gradients and shading
- Full-color designs (10+ colors)
Finish: Smooth, printed surface with epoxy coating
Metal Base Materials
The foundation of every quality pin.
Iron
Most economical choice, excellent for most designs. Strong and durable.
Brass
Premium material with excellent detail reproduction. Higher quality finish.
Copper
Beautiful warm tones, perfect for antique finishes and special designs.
Zinc Alloy
Economical for large bulk orders. Good detail and durability.
Plating & Metal Finishes
The final metallic finish that defines your pin's appearance.
🌟 Gold Plating
Classic, prestigious look. Available in bright gold or antique gold finishes. Perfect for years of service pins and executive awards.
⚪ Silver Plating
Sleek, modern appearance. Available in bright silver, satin silver, or antique silver. Versatile for any design style.
🥉 Bronze Plating
Warm, traditional finish. Excellent for commemorative pins and heritage designs. Antique bronze adds vintage character.
🌸 Rose Gold Plating
Elegant, contemporary finish with a pink-hued gold tone. Increasingly popular for modern recognition programs.
⚫ Black Nickel
Bold, contemporary dark finish. Creates dramatic contrast and modern aesthetic. Perfect for edgy designs.
🎨 Dual Plating
Combine two metal finishes on one pin for added visual interest. Premium option for sophisticated designs.
Special Effects & Upgrades
Add unique features to make your pins stand out.
💎 Epoxy Dome
Clear, protective resin coating that adds dimension, depth, and durability. Makes colors appear more vibrant and protects against scratches.
✨ Glitter Enamel
Sparkly enamel colors that catch the light beautifully. Perfect for celebratory designs and adding eye-catching appeal.
🌙 Glow-in-the-Dark
Special enamel that absorbs light and glows in darkness. Great for safety applications and unique promotional items.
🎭 Translucent Enamel
Semi-transparent enamel that creates depth and allows metal base to show through. Elegant stained-glass effect.
✂️ Custom Cut-Outs
Die-cut shapes and interior cut-outs add dimension and visual interest. Create unique silhouettes matching your logo.
📐 3D Molding
Raised relief elements that extend beyond standard pin depth. Creates dramatic dimensional effects and premium appearance.
Attachment Options
How your pin fastens to clothing or display.
Butterfly Clutch
Standard metal clasp. Most common and included in base pricing.
Deluxe Rubber Clutch
More secure grip, comfortable backing. Premium option.
Magnetic
No pin holes in fabric. Easy on/off. Great for jackets.
Safety Pin
Secure attachment for heavier pins or scarves.
Need Help Choosing?
Our team is here to guide you through the options and recommend the best materials and finishes for your specific project. Get started with a free quote and design consultation.