Enamel Pin FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Custom Pins (No Judgment)

We get it. Enamel pins seem simple—until you actually try to make one. Then suddenly, you’re drowning in weird terms, random costs, and design rules that sound made up.

So let’s clear the air. Here’s every awkward, confusing, or just plain annoying question you’ve wanted to ask (but maybe didn’t).

Q: What’s the difference between soft and hard enamel?

A: Soft enamel has raised metal lines and a textured feel. Hard enamel is polished smooth and looks more premium. It’s not about which is better—it’s what works best for your design, budget, and vibe.

Q: How many pins do I have to order?

A: Most manufacturers (us included) have a minimum—usually 50 pieces. But honestly, the price-per-pin doesn’t get friendly until you’re ordering 100+.

Q: How long does it take to make enamel pins?

A: Usually 3–4 weeks from final proof approval. Rush orders are possible, but expect to pay extra (and maybe sacrifice a little sanity).

Q: How do I know if my design will work?

A: Send it in—we’ll tell you straight up. Tiny text, overly complex shapes, and 12-color explosions don’t usually translate well. Don’t worry, we’ll help you clean it up before it hits production.

Q: What if I don’t have artwork—just an idea?

A: That’s totally fine! You don’t need to be a designer to make a pin. If you’ve got a concept, a sketch, or even a scribbled napkin idea, our team of artists can turn it into polished pin-ready artwork (for a fair design fee). We’ll guide you every step of the way so your idea doesn’t get lost in translation—or in Illustrator.

Q: What’s metal plating?

A: Plating is the metal finish of your pin—think gold, silver, rose gold, black nickel, or even rainbow. It’s the shiny (or matte) part that outlines your design. Some platings are more durable, while others make your colors pop. We’ll help you pick what makes the most sense for your pin’s look and feel.

Q: Can I use gradients in my design?

A: Gradients are cool in theory, but pins don’t work like that. Think of enamel art like a coloring book: each section is outlined in metal and filled with one solid color. No blending, no soft fades. But don’t worry—our artists can help you translate your vibe into a pin-friendly design that still looks awesome.

Q: Where are your pins made?

A: China—and proudly so. That’s where nearly all enamel pins are manufactured, thanks to experienced factories and skilled workers. We’ve personally vetted our factory partners to ensure ethical conditions, and ours are even women-managed. High quality and fair labor practices are non-negotiables for us.

Q: Can you help me design my pin?

A: Yes! Whether you’ve got a polished digital file or a sketch on the back of a receipt, we’ll help bring your idea to life—and make sure it’s production-ready.

Q: How much does it cost to make a pin?

A: It depends (ugh, we know). Basic pins run about $2.50–$3.50 each in medium quantities. Mold fees, special plating, extra colors, glitter, glow effects, and custom packaging can increase the cost. We’ll walk you through all of it so you’re not surprised later.

Q: Do I need vector art?

A: It’s preferred, but we won’t shame your PNG. We’ll convert it and let you know if anything needs adjusting before it goes into production.

Q: Can you make glitter, glow-in-the-dark, or other fancy effects?

A: Absolutely! We love a good sparkle moment. Just know not all effects play nice with every design, and they may add cost. Check with us before you get too wild.

Q: What kind of backings can I get?

A: Standard rubber backs come included. If you want locking backs, magnets, double posts, or other options, we got you—just note that upgrades will change your cost.

Q: What’s a backstamp?

A: A backstamp is a small mark—usually your logo or name—stamped on the back of your pin. All of our pins come standard with the Dream Maker Pins backstamp. Want your own branding? We’ve got you! There’s a small one-time fee to create your custom backstamp, and once it’s made, you can reuse it on future orders at no additional cost—as long as it’s been used within the past two years. It’s a great way to make your pins feel official and build brand recognition.

Q: Can I get custom packaging?

A: Yes! We do backing cards (and help you design them too). Packaging elevates your pins—especially if you’re selling, gifting, or wholesaling.

Q: Can I mix designs in one order?

A: Not really. Each design needs its own mold, which is a separate setup and cost. If you're ordering multiple designs, that’s multiple orders. BUT—we may be able to batch similar designs to help save a bit. Ask us!

Q: What size should I make my pin?

A: Most pins fall between 0.75″ and 1.5″. The sweet spot depends on your design’s detail and what you want it to feel like in-hand. If you’re unsure, we’ll help size it right.

Q: Can I reorder without paying again?

A: Yes! Once your mold is made, you’re good for reorders. No new setup fees, just the per-pin cost. We keep your mold on file for at least 2 years—longer if you reorder often.

Q: What if something goes wrong?

A: We’re not the type to ghost you. If something’s off, we fix it. Period.

Still have questions? Don’t be shy—we’ve heard (and answered) them all, probably with a mix of sarcasm and solid advice.

Ready to Make Your Own Pin?

Whether you’ve got a fully finished design or just an idea scribbled on a napkin, we’re here to help you bring it to life—minus the confusion and production regret.

Learn more about the process here
Or skip the line and submit your project now

Let’s make something shiny together.

Let’s make something shiny together.
Contact us here or email us at info@dreammakerpins.com.