We always get a question from our customers when they want to make a metal lapel pin, It is what‘s the difference between hard and soft enamel?

The most big difference is soft enamel has recessed enamel, hard enamel is polished flat. Both are made from the same mold and the detail achieved is the same - they simply have different looks. Please see below pictures for soft enamel and hard enamel pin, the difference easily tells.

Soft Enamel

When our workers creating soft enamel pin, the colored enamel is laid below the metal lines of the lapel pin. This creates a dimensional look, meaning the paint is at a lower level than the metal borders surrounding each color. Raised metal and recessed enamel part looks very obviously. If you rub your thumb over your custom soft enamel pin you will feel the metal borders.

Hard Enamel

For hard enamel pins, it is heated at a very high temperature to harden and add the enamel. It is polished smooth after adding enamels. Metal lines and hard enamel are on the same level. If you rub your thumb over a hard enamel lapel pin, it will feel smooth and you will not feel the metal borders. Most customer think hard enamel option looks premium.

AI-mich also offers the option to add an epoxy resin to the surface of the soft enamel, so the enamel is protected and the pin will feel smooth to when touching. Picture likes this one. You can see the reflective part, it’s the epoxy resin.

If you are interested in creating a custom lapel pin/challenge coin/medal with soft enamel or hard enamel, please email us , Our sales representative Cherry can give you best price base on your design. We also work on Alibaba website with authorized BV Audited.