Is cloisonné the same as hard enamel?

In promotional pins the terms are used for the same look: enamel filled level with the metal and polished smooth. Classic cloisonné uses hard enamel; cloisonné-style pins use a resin that looks the same at a lower price.

Can hard enamel pins show gradients?

Not with enamel alone. Add a UV print or a screen print on top of the hard enamel to reproduce gradients and small details.

Lapel pin types

Custom Hard Enamel and Cloisonné Pins

6 models · minimums from 100 pcs

A hard enamel pin, often called a cloisonné pin, is struck into brass, filled with enamel and polished until the color is level with the metal lines. The result is a smooth, glassy, durable surface that looks like jewelry, which is why hard enamel is the standard for service awards, executive gifts and membership pins.

BrandedPins offers classic cloisonné hard enamel pins plated in 24kt gold, silver or copper, cloisonné-style pins at a lower minimum, promotional Clois-Tech pins and versions with a screen print or full-color UV print on top.

#46-PC

Promotional Clois-Tech Hard Enamel Pin

from US$ 1.50

#KB2000 1"

Cloisonné Hard Enamel Lapel Pin

from US$ 1.60

#KB2001 1"

Screen Printed Cloisonné Lapel Pin

from US$ 1.60

#*179

Low Minimum Cloisonné Style Lapel Pin

from US$ 1.78

#46-SP

Clois-Tech Lapel Pin with Screen Print

from US$ 2.55

#KB2000UV 1"

UV Printed Hard Enamel Lapel Pin

from US$ 2.28

Cloisonné, cloisonné-style and Clois-Tech

Classic cloisonné uses hard enamel, hand polished. Cloisonné-style pins use a resin fill that looks the same and can be Pantone matched at a lower price. Clois-Tech is a promotional hard enamel process for larger runs. All three give the smooth, flat surface people expect from a premium pin.

Design rules for hard enamel

Every color must be separated by a metal line, and very thin lines and tiny text can fill in. If your logo has small text, gradients or a photo, add a screen print or a UV print on top of the enamel, or choose a photo etched pin that holds finer detail.

Hard or soft enamel

Hard enamel costs more per piece than soft enamel, and it is worth it when the pin is a keepsake: years of service, retirement, board and VIP gifts. For giveaways in the thousands, soft enamel is usually the better value.

Frequently asked questions

Is cloisonné the same as hard enamel?: In promotional pins the terms are used for the same look: enamel filled level with the metal and polished smooth. Classic cloisonné uses hard enamel; cloisonné-style pins use a resin that looks the same at a lower price.
Can hard enamel pins show gradients?: Not with enamel alone. Add a UV print or a screen print on top of the hard enamel to reproduce gradients and small details.