A practical overview from idea to finished pins.
Introduction
Custom enamel pins are widely used by brands, teams, and organizations.
They are small, durable, and easy to customize.
This guide gives a clear overview of custom enamel pins. It explains what they are, how they are made, common options, and when they make sense.
If you are mainly looking for artwork and design rules, we also have a separate design focused guide.
What Are Custom Enamel Pins
Custom enamel pins are metal pins made from a custom mold.
Enamel colors are filled into the metal and finished with different surface options.
Each pin is made for a specific brand, event, or program.
They are commonly used for:
- Brand promotion
- Events and milestones
- Team and club identity
- Fundraising and awareness
Main Types of Enamel Pins
Most custom enamel pins fall into two main types.
Soft Enamel Pins
Soft enamel pins have raised metal lines and recessed color areas.
This style works well for bold designs and larger quantities.
It is often chosen for events, teams, and promotional programs.
Hard Enamel Pins
Hard enamel pins have a smooth and flat surface.
The finish looks clean and polished.
This option is often used for premium branding and retail products.
How Custom Enamel Pins Are Made
The production process follows a few key steps.
- Artwork review and confirmation
- Mold creation
- Metal stamping
- Enamel color filling
- Plating and finishing
- Quality check and packing
The exact process can vary slightly based on design and quantity.
Common Sizes and Finishes
Most enamel pins are between 1 inch and 2 inches in size.
Smaller pins suit simple logos. Larger pins allow more detail.
Common finishes include:
- Shiny metal
- Matte metal
- Antique metal
The finish changes the overall look and feel of the pin.
Production Time and Planning
Production time depends on design complexity and order quantity.
Artwork approval always comes first.
After approval, production begins.
Shipping time depends on destination and delivery method.
For events and campaigns, early planning helps avoid delays.
Cost Overview
The cost of custom enamel pins depends on several factors.
- Pin size
- Number of colors
- Quantity
- Finish and plating
- Packaging and shipping
We will explain pricing in more detail in a dedicated cost guide.
When Custom Enamel Pins Make Sense
Custom enamel pins are a good choice when you want:
- A durable item with long term value
- Custom branding in a small format
- Flexible order quantities
They are often used for fundraising, events, and team programs.
Conclusion
Custom enamel pins are simple to customize and easy to use.
With clear planning and the right options, they work well for many projects.
This guide covers the basics. In the following articles, we will look closer at pricing, production time, and specific use cases.
FAQ
Are custom enamel pins suitable for first time buyers
Yes. Enamel pins are one of the easiest custom products to start with.
What is a common size for enamel pins
Many projects choose sizes between 1 inch and 1.5 inches.
Can enamel pins be used for fundraising
Yes. Many organizations use enamel pins for awareness and fundraising.