Whether its a pin badge or keyring you're shopping for, its important to understand our enamel finishes and which option is best for achieving your design . So, what is the difference between hard enamel and soft enamel, and how do I make my choice?
Soft enamel pin badges or keyrings are perfect for designs with multiple colours and more intricate detail. A stamp is created and pressed into metal, the recesses are then injected with an enamel fill which we can match to your Pantone requirements. Unlike hard enamel, where the recessed areas are filled with enamel, the enamel is added in layers, allowing it to sit below the metal borders. Once the enamel has dried, the pins are polished, leaving the raised metal lines intact.The raised metal is then polished and can be coated with your required finish. Soft enamel badges and keyrings have more dimension and texture than hard enamel.
An additional option on soft enamel items is to add an expoxy coating. This protects the enamel underneath as well as creating a different look and providing a smooth surface.
One of the key features of soft enamel pins is their versatility. The textured surface adds depth to the design, giving it a more tactile and handcrafted appearance. Additionally, soft enamel pins tend to be more affordable than hard enamel pins, making them accessible to a wider audience.
Hard enamel keyrings or pins, also known as cloisonné pins, are crafted through a meticulous process that results in a smooth, polished finish. First, the pin or keyring design is stamped onto a metal base, then, each color of enamel is individually filled into the recessed areas of the design. Afterward, the item is fired at a high temperature, causing the enamel to harden and become flush with the metal lines. This process is repeated multiple times to achieve a durable, glass-like surface. Epoxy coating cannot be added to hard enamel, as the surface is already smooth so the epoxy would flow away.
One of the main advantages of hard enamel pins is their durability. The enamel is resilient and can withstand scratching and fading, making these pins suitable for everyday wear. Additionally, the polished surface gives hard enamel pins a high-end look and feel, making them popular among collectors and enthusiasts. However, due to the labor-intensive manufacturing process, hard enamel pins are often more expensive than their soft enamel counterparts.
Shop our pin badges here www.brandedstuff.com/pin-badges
Shop our enamel keyrings here www.brandedstuff.com/soft-enamel-key-rings