In the competitive world of custom enamel pins, standing out isn’t just about a great design—it’s about the craftsmanship that brings that design to life. At Artigifts, our black nickel plating (swim black) + enamel printing process is redefining what’s possible, turning playful concepts like our “Cool Cow” pin into premium brand assets that capture attention and drive engagement. Let’s break down how this powerful combination elevates your custom pins.
What is "Electrophoretic Black"? It's More Than "Just Black"
Before we dive deeper, a clarification is essential: "Electrophoretic Black" is not simply "black spray paint" or "black oil coating.
Black Nickel (Swim Black) Plating: The foundation of the design is a zinc alloy base, which undergoes an electroplating process to deposit a deep, non-reflective matte black nickel layer. This isn’t just a color—it’s a strategic choice. The dark backdrop creates a dramatic contrast that makes any enamel colors printed on top pop with unparalleled vibrancy. It also adds a layer of corrosion resistance, ensuring the pin’s structure remains pristine even with daily wear.
Enamel + Digital Printing: After plating, we fill the recessed areas of the design with vibrant soft enamel, creating depth and texture. To add the final layer of detail, we use precision digital printing. This allows us to reproduce fine lines, gradients, and complex graphics—like the reflective sunglasses and lightning bolts on our “Cool Cow” pin—that traditional enamel methods struggle to capture. The result is a pin that balances the richness of enamel with the precision of modern printing.
Case Study: The “Cool Cow” Pin – A Brand’s Bold Statement
Let’s take a closer look at how this process transformed a client’s vision into a viral success:
Client Need: A forward-thinking dairy brand wanted a pin to launch a youth-focused marketing campaign. They needed something that was playful, shareable on social media, and positioned their brand as innovative and cool.
Design Insight: The retro comic-book style cow, complete with reflective sunglasses and lightning accents, demanded a bold, edgy backdrop. Matte black nickel plating provided the perfect comic-book edge, while the enamel printing captured the cow’s spots and the sunglasses’ iridescent details.
Craftsmanship: We die-cast the base, electroplated it with matte black nickel, filled the enamel colors, and printed the fine details. The final pin featured a matte black frame, vivid enamel, and crisp accents—exactly the bold look the client wanted.
Impact: The pin was an instant hit. It generated over 10,000 social media shares in its first month, driving a significant increase in brand engagement and positioning the client as a fun, forward-thinking player in their industry.
Questions & Answers on Electrophoretic Black × Baking Enamel × Printing Lapel Pins
The Core Process of Baked Enamel Badges Recessed color filling + Raised surface electroplating —After die-stamping, recessed areas are filled with Pantone-matched baked enamel and cured at 200°C; raised metal lines are electroplated (gold, nickel, black nickel, etc.).
When Swimming Black replaces traditional gold/nickel plating on the raised surfaces of baked enamel badges, a new visual language emerges —Metal lines are no longer about shimmer, but silhouette; No longer about show, but definition.
Baked enamel excels at large color blocks and high contrast, but when a design involves gradients, portraits, ultra-fine text, or complex patterns, traditional baked enamel hits its ceiling.
That’s where printing techniques become a key breakthrough.
After the enamel colors are filled and fully cured, we can apply screen printing, pad printing, or 4-color offset printing—or even layer UV digital printing—onto the smooth enamel or metal surface. This achieves photo-realistic details and seamless color transitions.
Step 1: Stamping
Zinc alloy or copper is stamped using a mold to form the badge’s basic shape and three-dimensional structure.
Step 2: Black Electroplating (Swimming Black)
A black electrophoretic coating is applied to the entire surface, resulting in a uniform, matte black base.
Step 3: Baked Enamel Filling
Baked enamel is filled into the recessed areas that require color, then cured at high temperatures. The raised black-plated lines remain in their original color, serving as the “defining frames” of the design.
Step 4: Precision Printing
Fine patterns, text, or gradient effects are added onto the enamel surface or specific flat areas using screen printing, pad printing, or UV digital printing.
Step 5: Epoxy Coating (Optional)
To enhance durability and gloss, a transparent layer of resin may be applied, creating a smooth, mirror-like finish.
Why This Combo is a Strategic Investment for Your Brand
Investing in matte black nickel plating + enamel printing isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a strategic decision that delivers tangible benefits:
Unmatched Visual Impact: The matte black plating creates a dramatic contrast that makes your design impossible to ignore. In a sea of shiny metal pins, your brand will stand out.
Superior Durability: The plating resists scratches and corrosion, while the enamel and printing layers protect against fading. This means your brand message stays pristine for years, not months.
Unlimited Design Freedom: This process breaks the constraints of traditional enamel pins. You can use the full Pantone color palette, reproduce photographic details, and create complex gradients—all while maintaining a premium feel.
Cost-Effective Premium: Compared to solid black enamel or 3D embossing, this process offers a high-end look at a more accessible price point, making it ideal for bulk orders and promotional campaigns.
Ready to Elevate Your Brand?
At Artigifts, we don’t just make pins—we craft stories in metal and color. Whether you’re launching a new product, celebrating a milestone, or building a community of fans, matte black nickel plating + enamel printing can help you create a pin that’s not just an accessory, but a statement.
Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact us today to start your custom project.
Best regards | Zhongshan Artigifts Premium Metal & Plastic Co., Ltd.
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Post time: Feb-12-2026
