# The Differences Between Soft Enamel Pins and Hard Enamel Pins
Enamel pins are a popular way to express your personality, style, and creativity. They can be worn on clothing, bags, hats, and other accessories, or collected and displayed as art pieces. But did you know that there are two different types of enamel pins? They are called soft enamel pins and hard enamel pins, and they have some distinct features that make them suitable for different purposes and preferences. In this article, we will explain the differences between soft enamel pins and hard enamel pins, and help you decide which one is best for your design.
## What are Soft Enamel Pins?
Soft enamel pins are made by filling the recessed areas of a metal pin with colored enamel paint. The paint is then baked in an oven to harden and dry. The result is a pin with a textured surface, where the metal lines are raised and the enamel is lower. Soft enamel pins have a more dimensional look and feel than hard enamel pins.
Some of the advantages of soft enamel pins are:
- They are cheaper than hard enamel pins, making them more affordable for large orders or tight budgets.
- They can accommodate more complex and detailed designs, as the metal lines can be thinner and sharper.
- They offer more options for metal finishes, such as rainbow plating, painted black, or custom colors.
Some of the disadvantages of soft enamel pins are:
- They are less durable and scratch-resistant than hard enamel pins, as the enamel is exposed and can chip or fade over time.
- They may not look as smooth and polished as hard enamel pins, as the surface is uneven and bumpy.
## What are Hard Enamel Pins?
Hard enamel pins are made by filling the recessed areas of a metal pin with colored enamel paint as well, but then the pin is ground down and polished until the enamel and the metal are on the same level. The result is a pin with a smooth and flat surface, where the metal lines and the enamel are flush.
Some of the advantages of hard enamel pins are:
- They are more durable and scratch-resistant than soft enamel pins, as the enamel is protected by a layer of metal.
- They have a more elegant and refined look than soft enamel pins, as the surface is glossy and smooth.
Some of the disadvantages of hard enamel pins are:
- They are more expensive than soft enamel pins, as they require more time and labor to produce.
- They may not be able to capture very intricate and detailed designs, as the metal lines have to be thicker and rounder to prevent bleeding or cracking of the enamel.
- They have fewer options for metal finishes, as some plating methods are incompatible with the grinding and polishing process.
## How to Choose Between Soft Enamel Pins and Hard Enamel Pins?
The choice between soft enamel pins and hard enamel pins depends largely on your personal preference, budget, design, and purpose. Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding which type of pin to make:
- What is your budget? If you want to save money or order a large quantity of pins, soft enamel pins may be a better option for you.
- What is your design? If you have a very complex and detailed design that requires thin metal lines or multiple colors, soft enamel pins may be able to capture it better. If you have a simple and bold design that can work with thicker metal lines or fewer colors, hard enamel pins may be more suitable.
- What is your purpose? If you want to create a pin that is durable and elegant, hard enamel pins may be a good choice. If you want to create a pin that is fun and expressive, soft enamel pins may be more appealing.
No matter what type of pin you choose, you can always rely on Ever Rich Gift to provide you with high-quality products and services. Ever Rich Gift is a professional Enamel Pins customization company that can help you turn your ideas into reality. Whether you need soft enamel pins or hard enamel pins, we can offer you competitive prices, fast turnaround times, free design proofs, free shipping, and 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact us today to get started on your custom Enamel Pins project!