What is the difference between soft and hard enamel pins?

On a soft enamel pin the color sits below the raised metal lines, so the surface is textured. On a hard enamel pin the enamel is filled level with the metal and polished smooth, which costs more.

How many colors can a soft enamel pin have?

Up to four enamel colors are included on most models. Colors are matched to Pantone (PMS) references.

What is the minimum order?

Most soft enamel pins start at 250 to 500 pieces; the low minimum soft enamel pin starts at 100. New clients have a $1,000 minimum order.

Lapel pin types

Custom Soft Enamel Pins with Your Logo

11 models · minimums from 100 pcs

A soft enamel pin is struck from metal and filled with enamel color that sits slightly below the raised metal lines, so you can feel the outline of the design with a fingertip. It is the most common style for branded lapel pins because it reproduces a logo in up to four colors at a lower price than hard enamel.

BrandedPins, run by BrandedItems, offers soft enamel pins struck in iron or brass, color-matched metal, iridescent plating and a recycled metal option. Size is an option on each product page.

#KB5000 1"

Die Struck Iron Soft Enamel Lapel Pin

from US$ 0.84

#CASI-PN-DSEI-100

Nickel Plated Soft Enamel Lapel Pin

from US$ 1.08

#KB5000COLOR 1"

Color-Matched Metal Soft Enamel Pin

from US$ 1.14

#KB3000 1"

Die Struck Brass Soft Enamel Lapel Pin

from US$ 1.32

#*174

Low Minimum Soft Enamel Lapel Pin

from US$ 1.64

#46-DE

Soft Enamel Lapel Pin with Military Clutch

from US$ 2.10

#CASI-PN-DSEIIR 1-1/8 INCH

Iridescent Lapel Pin

from US$ 2.30

#46-RY

Recycled Metal Lapel Pin

from US$ 5.50

#KB4000 1"

Etched Soft Enamel Lapel Pin

from US$ 1.17

#KB5000UV 1"

UV Printed Soft Enamel Lapel Pin

from US$ 1.67

#44-DU

Deluxe Express Lapel Pin with Magnet

from US$ 4.00

Iron or brass

Iron soft enamel pins are the budget choice for large runs: trade shows, membership drives, school spirit. Brass takes a finer strike and a 24kt gold or silver plate, so it looks sharper up close and suits employee and client pins. Both come in custom shapes with a butterfly or rubber clutch.

Textured or smooth

Left as is, the enamel sits below the metal lines and the pin has a tactile, textured surface. Add an epoxy coating and the surface becomes smooth and glossy; on most of our soft enamel pins the epoxy costs nothing extra. If you want a flat, polished surface without epoxy, look at hard enamel and cloisonné pins.

When a logo has gradients

Enamel fills solid areas of color. If your logo has gradients, photos or tiny text, choose a UV printed soft enamel pin or one of the printed lapel pins, which reproduce artwork exactly.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between soft and hard enamel pins?: On a soft enamel pin the color sits below the raised metal lines, so the surface is textured. On a hard enamel pin the enamel is filled level with the metal and polished smooth, which costs more.
How many colors can a soft enamel pin have?: Up to four enamel colors are included on most models. Colors are matched to Pantone (PMS) references.
What is the minimum order?: Most soft enamel pins start at 250 to 500 pieces; the low minimum soft enamel pin starts at 100. New clients have a $1,000 minimum order.