How Do You Make Enamel Pins? Common Questions Answered

Enamel pins might look small, but there’s a big process behind every single one. From sketching the first design to holding the final glossy pin in your hand, a lot of craftsmanship goes into these little works of art. At Dream Maker Pins, we’ve helped hundreds of customers create custom pins, so today we’re breaking down how enamel pins are made and answering the most common questions people ask.

Step 1: Designing the Pin

It all starts with an idea. Whether it’s a logo, ribbon, character, or a custom design, you’ll need a digital file. Designers often use vector files (like .AI or .SVG) because they’re clean and scalable.

Common Question: What file type should I send?
Most factories prefer vector artwork, but a clear high-resolution PNG can also work — they’ll redraw it if needed.

At Dream Maker Pins, we also have a team of artists who can help refine or create your design for a fair rate. This makes it easy to get started even if you don’t have a design background.

Step 2: Choosing Enamel Type (Hard vs. Soft)

The two main styles are:

• Soft Enamel: Colors sit slightly recessed below the metal lines, giving a textured feel.

• Hard Enamel (Cloisonné): Colors are polished smooth and level with the metal, creating a jewelry-like finish.

Common Question: Which type is better?
Neither is “better” — it depends on your look and budget. Soft enamel is slightly cheaper and shows fine detail. Hard enamel feels premium and durable.

📖 Want to go deeper? Check out our blog: Soft vs. Hard Enamel Pins.

Step 3: Creating the Mold

Your design is stamped into a custom mold (a metal die). This mold is used to press the design into a base metal sheet (usually iron, brass, or zinc alloy).

Common Question: Do I have to pay for the mold?
Yes, most factories charge a one-time mold fee. The good news: once the mold is made, you can reorder the design anytime without paying that fee again.

Step 4: Adding Plating and Color

The pin base is plated in your chosen finish (gold, silver, black nickel, rose gold, etc.). Then, enamel paint is filled into each section of the design.

Common Question: Can I use glitter or glow-in-the-dark enamel?
Yes! Special effects like glitter, glow, or even translucent enamel can be added to make your pin stand out.

Step 5: Baking and Polishing

Once filled, the pins are baked to harden the enamel. Hard enamel pins are polished until smooth, while soft enamel pins are left textured.

Common Question: How durable are enamel pins?
Extremely durable! Hard enamel pins especially resist scratches and can last for years without fading.

Step 6: Adding the Pin Back

A clutch or fastener is soldered to the back. The most common is a rubber clutch, but you can upgrade to locking backs or butterfly clasps depending on how you’ll use the pin.

Common Question: Which pin back should I choose?

• Rubber backs: Comfortable and safe for clothing.

• Locking backs: Best if you want security on jackets, bags, or hats.

For a deeper dive, read our blog: How to Pick the Right Pin Back for Your Enamel Pins.

Step 7: Packaging and Delivery

Finally, pins are plated, polished, and individually packaged (often on branded backing cards). Packaging not only protects your pins but also makes them gift- or retail-ready.

Common Question: Can I get custom backing cards?
Absolutely. Many pin makers (including us) offer branded cards so your pins look professional and retail-ready.

FAQ: Quick Answers to Common Enamel Pin Questions

Q: How long does it take to make enamel pins?
Most orders take 3–4 weeks from design approval to delivery. Rush options are available if you need them faster.

Q: What’s the minimum order for custom enamel pins?
Typically 50–100 pins per design, depending on the factory.

Q: How much do enamel pins cost?
It depends on size, enamel type, plating, and order quantity. The more you order, the lower the cost per pin.

Q: Can I order enamel pins in bulk?
Yes — bulk orders save money and are great for events, fundraisers, or businesses.

Q: Are enamel pins collectible?
Definitely! Pins are popular among collectors, especially when tied to causes, fandoms, or limited editions.

Making enamel pins is a fascinating process that combines art, craftsmanship, and customization. Whether you’re creating awareness pins, promotional merch, or a personal design, the steps are the same: design, mold, plate, color, finish, and package.

Ready to bring your idea to life? Contact Dream Maker Pins today — our team of artists can help design, create, and deliver custom enamel pins that you’ll be proud to share.