Cloisonne vs Soft Enamel

Since we first started making custom lapel pins, customers have been asking us to describe the difference between hard and soft enamel pins. Each style is capable of displaying incredibly detailed artwork with colorful designs, but when it comes to cloisonne vs soft enamel, the difference is something you can see and feel when you compare them side by side.

All of our custom lapel pins start out as impressions stamped into a sheet of metal, creating a raised and recessed level on the face of each pin. A soft enamel pin goes through the metal plating phase of production before a small amount of enamel paint is added to the recessed levels of the design, allowing the raised edges to act as a natural barrier stopping the paint from bleeding into other sections of the pin.

Cloisonne pins add color using a different method. Once the custom pin design is struck, a powdered, glass-like resin is added to the recesses. Unlike with soft enamel pins, this resin is added to the very top of the recessed sections of the design. The pins are then placed in a 1700 degree oven so the resin can harden into place, and, once they’ve cooled, we finish the metal plating process and polish each pin to a glossy shine.

The recessed portion of a soft enamel pin is distinctly visible against the raised lines used to contain the colors, giving the artwork a sense of depth. Cloisonne pins lose that sense of depth in favor of a glossy texture and smooth finish. This appearance increases the pins’ perceived value and automatically makes them appear timelessly beautiful. The smooth and polished surface of a cloisonne pin also makes them feel sturdy and well made.

If you still aren't sure what pin style is right for you, give us a call, and see what our art team recommends for your design ideas. While most of our customers are concerned with the difference between hard and soft enamel pins, we also have a third option should neither of them suit your needs. Die struck pins have beautifully detailed bare metal designs, perfect for corporate logo pins, employee recognition pins or any other type of design that you feel will benefit from a bright aesthetic.

The Right Backing for the Right Project

The object on the back of cloisonne lapel pins that stops the wearer from getting repeatedly stabbed is often called a clutch. One aspect of ordering a custom lapel pin is choosing the best clutch for the job. Butterfly clutches, with their two levers to be pinched to release the pin, are the lapel pin backings you see most often, but rubber clutches are actually one of our most popular options. Both of these can be requested free of charge.

In addition to these standard options, we also offer deluxe and jewelry clutches if you’re looking to take your custom hard enamel pin up to the next level. For the customer conscious about putting pin holes in their clothes, we also offer magnetic backings.

If you aren’t actually looking for a lapel pin, we have experience handcrafting different pieces of cloisonne jewelry like cufflinks and charms. Custom made cufflinks are one of the most unique gifts a person can receive, and our cloisonne charms are easily attached to bracelets and necklaces in as little as a few moments.

Hard enamel pins custom made with keychain attachments are another popular option for customers looking for something a little more outside the box. Once you decide on exactly how your custom cloisonne pins are to be used, choosing which backing is right for you is easy.

Ordering Your Own Custom Cloisonne Lapel Pins

With over 15 years of experience, we’ve worked hard to make ordering custom pins as easy as possible. If you already know that you want a set of cloisonne pins, that option is clearly available for you to mark on the quote request form. If you’re still unsure which option is the best for your order, you’re always free to ask our sales team, and they’ll make the best suggestion for your pins.

Once we receive your request, our art team, made up of highly experienced graphic artists, will get to work creating your first free digital proof of artwork to be delivered within 48 hours. Often, this free proof will present your intended pin in a number of different options to help you see what choices are available to get the most out of your design.

The price of cloisonne pins varies based on a few different factors. Size and quantity will always be some of the biggest aspects of a pin order determining price. Other things like which closure you choose and whether your pins make use of any embellishments such as gemstones will also change the ultimate price. For a general idea of what your order will cost, we’ve created a helpful table you can use as a guide.

Unlike most products, the price per pin actually drops the more pins you buy. If you’re looking for the best ways to save money on your custom pin order, simply let our sales team know and they can work to find all of the different ways to knock the price of your order down.

Choosing Hard Enamel Lapel Pins With Superior Craftsmanship

All of our custom lapel pins are made out of copper, steel or iron. This allows them to be sturdy and withstand the test of time while also allowing them to be lightweight and receptive to the die striking process. The use of these base metals also helps us to keep the cost down for you. Since the year 2000, we’ve worked hard at streamlining our order process to make sure that the service we offer you is matched by the high quality of our final product.

If you’re looking to create a top tier product that’s sure to make a striking first impression, partner with our Signature Pins team and see what we can do for you. Hard enamel pins custom made with your design are sure to turn heads.