Hard Enamel Pins VS Soft Enamel Pins

Hard enamel pins and soft enamel pins share similarities in appearance and application. However, due to differences in their production processes, they exhibit distinct characteristics. The production of hard enamel pins involves filling colored enamel powder into molded metal grooves, followed by high-temperature firing to melt the enamel powder and firmly bond it with the metal substrate. After firing is completed, the pins still need to be polished and ground to ultimately create a smooth, flat and fine-textured surface effect.

Due to the high-temperature tempering during the production process of hard enamel pins, the finished products have a harder and thicker texture, significantly enhanced durability, excellent scratch and wear resistance, and can maintain their bright color and exquisite appearance for a long time. However, precisely because of this relatively heavy characteristic, hard enamel pins are not very suitable for depicting overly complex and delicate design details. However, its advantage lies in the fact that it can offer a rich variety of color options. Whether it is classic and steady tones or bright and lively colors, they can all be accurately presented. With high quality, strong durability and elegant smooth surface, it has become the favorite of collectors who pursue exquisite texture and long-term preservation value.

Soft enamel pins are a classic type with a long history among custom enamel pins. The manufacturing process involves first shaping the metal into the desired form, followed by metal plating treatment, and then pouring liquid soft enamel into the mold to fill the pattern. After the filling is completed, the excess enamel paint and impurities should be carefully removed, and then the baking process begins. After cooling, to enhance durability, an epoxy coating will also be applied to the surface to prevent peeling and cracking during daily use.

In terms of design and craftsmanship, the soft enamel pin adopts a method where the enamel is lower than the metal frame. This unique treatment gives the surface a natural texture and a concave-convex touch. For this reason, it is particularly suitable for presenting designs with strong visual contrasts. Whether it is a brightly colored color-blocking pattern or a boldly lined artistic form, they can all present a unique style that is both retro and rich in layers through the characteristics of soft enamel.

The main differences between ‌ hard enamel and soft enamel lie in the material, firing temperature, texture and application ‌ : Hard enamel is made from mineral powder and needs to be fired at 800℃, with a texture as hard as glass. Soft enamel (imitation enamel) uses color paste pigments and can be baked at a low temperature of 80-100℃. It has a relatively soft texture and is prone to scratches.

Hard Enamel Pins

Soft Enamel Pins

Material It is made of natural mineral powder (such as silica), with a single color but strong durability Organic color pastes and pigments are used, which offer rich colors (such as Pantone color series), but they are prone to oxidation and fading. ‌ ‌
Firing process Hard enamel requires melting mineral powder at a temperature above 800℃ to form a glass glaze surface ‌‌ Soft enamel only requires low-temperature curing at 80-100℃, similar to the resin coating process
Physical properties ‌ The surface of hard enamel is as hard as porcelain and remains undamaged by a knife or fire Soft enamel is relatively soft and is easily scratched by blades. It will leave scorch marks when burned. ‌ ‌
Application scenarios and value ‌‌ It is mostly used for high-end customization (such as military medals and collectibles), due to its complex craftsmanship and high cost It is commonly seen in daily accessories or badges, with high cost performance and a wide range of color options
Lapel Pin-3
enamel pins-24080

The following methods can be used to quickly distinguish:

Observe the luster: Hard enamel has a cold glassy luster, while soft enamel has a plastic-like feel. ‌ ‌
Knife scratch test: Hard enamel leaves no marks, while soft enamel is prone to scratches

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Post time: Jul-02-2025