If you think that a pin is a pin, think again! There are many different ways to make lapel pins, die striking, photo-etching, casting and more. When selecting the type of lapel pin you want to make, you can select the manufacturing process that best fits your budget and design. Here is a small guide to know the different processes available.

Synthetic Hard Enamel - If you are looking to make the nicest pin for your logo, this could be considered the best option. Synthetic hard enamel refers to the type of paint used when color filling a die struck pin. It is an enamel paint that can be matched perfectly to any pantone color, when it is filled it is later sanded flush with the metal borders of the pin, and polished along with the whole pin as well. The look is elegant and but the pin will not be overly expensive, most collectable pins are made using this process.

We recommend this process for collectable pins, employee recognition, or award programs. 

Cloisonné - Is a less used painting process, because of its color limitations. Before synthetic paints, cloisonné paint was widely used to color pins, however the process is complicated and no longer as practical as using synthetics paints. Cloisonné painting process begins with a worker filling each crevice of a die struck pin with a powdered glass pigment, the pin is fired either in an oven or with a torch after each color, to melt the powder in each crevice. After all the colors have been added, the pin is later sanded and polished.  These pins are more expensive than others because of the intense labor of the painting process, now there are very few factories in the world that continue to make pins with this painting method.

Photo Etched - These pins are made using and acid etching process that burns a series of logos into thin sheets of metal. This differs from die striking because you can make many pins at one time, instead of stamping each individual piece. The pins are later trimmed and painted with a soft enamel paint that is not flush with the borders of the pins. Photo-etched pins are an attractive, yet less expensive option for a custom pin. However the material is thinner and the "feel" for the end user is a lighter, less elegant piece.

We recommend these pins for large promotions, or inexpensive recognition awards.