Hard Pins VS Soft Pins Vs Epoxy Pins
All three kinds of enamel pins look great and work well for different reasons. Let's first understand the difference between hard, soft, and epoxy enamel pins, so that it makes your choice easier.
Hard Vs Soft Vs Epoxy Enamel Pins: The Difference
Notice the raised texture in the soft enamel pin above? And the smooth texture in hard enamel pin? You got the basic difference!
Image via Facebook
The biggest difference between hard and soft enamel is the finished texture. Hard enamel pins are flat and smooth, and soft enamel pins have raised metal edges. Epoxy pins have a dome shape, smooth finish, and look bright like glass.
Hard Enamel Pins
Hard enamel pins (also called cloisonné pins) are created by pouring enamel several times in the recessed areas of the metal and is heated at very high temperatures. It is then polished smooth to ensure that the enamel is at the same level as the metal edges.
What the Duck Hard Enamel Pin
Image via Etsy
Soft Enamel Pins
Soft enamel pins are created by adding the enamel only once in the recessed areas of the metal and then baked hard. The enamel is below the metal edges, so when you touch the pin, you get a textured feel.
Custom Soft Enamel Pin
Image via Star Lapel Pins
Other Key Differences between Hard and Soft Enamel Pins
Epoxy Enamel Pins
Epoxy is a transparent resin that is added on the surface of the pins to make them smooth and bright like glass. It gives the pin a dome-like shape. Epoxy adds a protective layer on pins and prevents them from oxidization and staining.
A complex design like this can be recreated only as an Epoxy Pin
Which type of Enamel Pin should you pick - Hard or Soft or Epoxy
If you need custom pins with a flat, highly polished look with high-durability, pick hard enamel pins. With their premium looks, these make great limited-edition souvenirs and as rewards to high performing employees.
If you want your custom pins to have a textured look, want more options for metal plating, and are looking for cost-effective pins with medium durability, go for soft enamel pins. These are a great option for giveaways during brand promotional events.
If your designs are complex and have a lot of details go for epoxy pin.
Still not sure which pins to choose? Write to us at sales@gumtoo.ca today.