Enamel pins have become a popular way to express creativity, promote brands, and create collectible accessories. From fashion lovers to businesses and artists, many people want to understand how to make enamel pins and what goes into their production. These small yet impactful items are valued for their durability, color, and detailed designs.
At Qiyi Gifts we specialize in custom enamel products and understand every stage of the pin-making process. This informational guide explains how enamel pins are made, what materials are used, and how to achieve professional results.
What Are Enamel Pins
Before learning how to make enamel pins, it’s important to understand what they are. Enamel pins are small metal badges filled with colored enamel paint. They usually feature logos, artwork, slogans, or symbols and are worn on clothing, bags, hats, or displayed as collectibles.
There are two main types of enamel pins.
Soft enamel pins
Hard enamel pins
Each type uses a similar base process but differs in finishing and texture.
How to Make Enamel Pins Step by Step Process
Understanding how to make enamel pins involves several precise stages. Each step contributes to the final quality of the pin.
1. Creating the Enamel Pin Design
The first step in how to make enamel pins is creating a clear and simple design. Designs are usually made using vector software so lines stay sharp during production. Bold outlines and limited colors work best for enamel pins.
Designs should also consider pin size, as small details may not translate well into metal.
2. Making the Mold
Once the artwork is complete, a mold is crafted to shape the pin This mold shapes the metal base of the pin. The mold includes raised metal lines that separate each color area.
This step is crucial in how to make enamel pins because it determines accuracy, shape, and detail.
3. Stamping the Metal Base
The mold is then used to stamp the design into metal, commonly zinc alloy, brass, or iron. The stamped metal forms the foundation of the enamel pin.
At Qiyi Gifts, durable metals are used to ensure pins maintain their shape and quality over time.
4. Plating the Pin
Plating is an important stage in how to make enamel pins. The metal base is plated with finishes such as.
Gold
Silver
Black nickel
Antique finishes
Plating enhances appearance and protects the metal from corrosion.
5. Filling the Enamel Colors
This is the most recognizable step in how to make enamel pins. Colored enamel paint is carefully filled into the recessed areas between the metal lines.
Soft enamel pins sit below the metal lines, creating texture
Hard enamel pins are polished flat for a smooth surface
Each color is applied by hand or machine and then baked to harden.
6. Polishing and Finishing
After the enamel dries, the pins are polished to remove imperfections. Hard enamel pins are polished until smooth, while soft enamel pins keep their textured finish.
This finishing step ensures the pins look professional and wearable.
7. Attaching the Pin Back
The final step in how to make enamel pins is attaching the backing, such as.
Rubber clutch
Butterfly clutch
Magnetic back
The backing ensures the pin stays secure when worn.
Materials Used in Enamel Pin Production
High-quality materials play a major role in how enamel pins turn out. Common materials include.
Zinc alloy for durability
Brass for premium quality
Iron for budget-friendly production
Industrial enamel paints for vibrant color
At Qiyi Gifts materials are carefully selected to ensure long-lasting enamel pins.
How to Make Enamel Pins for Different Uses
Branding and Promotions
Businesses often create enamel pins featuring logos or slogans to promote their brand in a stylish way.
Collectibles and Art Pins
Artists use enamel pins to sell artwork in a wearable format, making them popular among collectors.
Events and Giveaways
Enamel pins are widely used for conventions, clubs, and special events as memorable keepsakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Learning How to Make Enamel Pins
When exploring how to make enamel pins, beginners often make these mistakes.
Using overly detailed designs
Choosing too many colors
Ignoring pin size limitations
Selecting low-quality materials
Working with an experienced manufacturer like Qiyi Gifts helps avoid these issues.
Why Choose Qiyi Gifts for Enamel Pins
At Qiyi Gifts we guide customers through every stage of how to make enamel pins. From design advice to material selection and finishing, we ensure each pin meets high quality standards.
Our expertise helps turn creative ideas into durable, visually appealing enamel pins suitable for personal or commercial use.
Conclusion
Learning how to make enamel pins reveals the craftsmanship behind these small but powerful accessories. From design and molding to enamel filling and polishing, every step matters in creating a pin that lasts and looks professional.
Whether you’re an artist, business owner, or collector, understanding the process helps you make better choices. Qiyi Gifts makes the journey of producing premium enamel pins easy, reliable, and satisfying
