Wearable pins have a long history. They showcase political beliefs, social change, personal identity, and things we like. Enamel pins can even display our names!
If you enjoy standing out in a crowd, enamel pins are the way to do it. But, there are so many types of enamel pins, who do you know what kind to choose?
Soft enamel pins, hard enamel pins, 3D mold pins, printed pins, and die-struck pins all have their benefits. Keep reading, and by the end of this article, it'll be easy to find the perfect pin type for you.
3D Mold Pins
If your design has a lot of shape, form, and depth, then 3D mold pins are the perfect way to go. These pins are like miniature sculptures you can wear.
To make this pin, a design becomes a mold. The mold gets filled with metal, then solidifies. 3D mold pins are only the color of the metal, and you cannot add other colors.
Common 3D mold pin styles include insignias, pop culture images, and geometric shapes. This pin is expensive because of the metal cost. This pin is great for clear, iconic images that work well as a 3D shape.
Die Struck Pins
Many people believe that die-struck pins look like embellished coins or tokens. The raised metal gets engraved to create the overall design. Like 3D pins, manufacturers stamp a design mold onto the metal plate.
If you want a pin with texture, this is the pin for you. Texture and detail in the design elevate the pin. The monochrome metal is a sophisticated look perfect for logos, awards, and recognitions.
For a metallic pin, die struck pins are relatively affordable.
Printed Pins
Printed pins are ideal for a photorealistic printed design. The design has an epoxy coating and can bring any image to life. Many free printed pins get handed out at festivals, organizations, events, or gatherings.
If you have a design that you don't want to alter but you want on a pin, printed pins are the best option. The cost of pins in this style ranges depending on how thick you want the epoxy coating. The thicker the coating, the more expensive the pin.
Enamel Pins
Of all the accessory pins on the market, enamel pins are the most popular. These pins have a durable, metal base with an enamel coating. The enamel provides many color options, and the metal creates durability.
Enamel pins are perfect pin decorations, but they can also serve official purposes. These wearable pins are great for name tags, identifiers, personal expression, brand support, and more.
Enamel pins usually have a pushpin backing, which adds to their durability. Unlike printed pins, you won't have to worry about the backing wearing down.
Enamel pins come in two options: Soft and hard accessory pins.
Soft Enamel Pins
Soft enamel pins are an inexpensive way to create beautiful enamel pins.
Metal lines create the design. Soft, colored enamel fills the gaps in the metal. Epoxy tops the pins to increase durability.
These have a traditional pin look, and there are more design options than metal pins. Enamel pins can handle complicated designs, and provide the textured look of die struck pins.
The shine and texture of the pins will help them stand out against whatever you're wearing. This makes them perfect accessory pins for work uniforms, your favorite outfit, or a cool tote bag.
Hard Enamel Pins
To make hard enamel pins, each enamel color is individually layered. All the colors bake together on a metal base. After baking, manufacturers will polish the name and add any metal detailing, creating a smooth surface.
Hard enamel pins also come in a wide range of colors, just like soft enamel. But, the design and manufacturing process is more complicated. So, they are slightly more expensive than soft enamel pins.
Hard enamel pins are more resistant to scuffs and scratches. If you want to wear your pin at a retail job or somewhere labor-intensive, hard enamel pins are the way to go.
Why Enamel Pins Are a Favorite
For anyone working in restaurants, bars, or just looking to show off their personality in a creative way, enamel pins are the way to go. Enamel pins have the durability of metal pins, but the creativity options of printed pins.
Any design works with enamel pins. If you're a business and want to make pins for your employees, this is the perfect pin style. Name tags, logos, general imagery, and more will look amazing as an enamel pin.
Designs with vibrant coloration will work on an enamel pin. If your design isn't defined by linework, a hard enamel pin is the best option. Soft enamel is great for complicated designs and works great with any imagery.
Between low cost, customization, and durability, it's no surprise that enamel pins are the best pin on the market.
Tips for Wearing Pins
The best part of buying pins is wearing pins!
Many people will wear enamel pins on bags and backpacks. People will place pins around the zipper, or on the straps. It's important to remember that the more you use your backpack, the more likely it is that the pins might fall off of your bag.
Bags with clear windows are perfect for displaying your collection without losing them. It's like a collection case you can wear! You place the pins on the fabric bag, but there is a layer of clear plastic over the pins for extra protection
Denim jackets are a classic way to showcase your pin collection. You can cover the front, the sleeve, and even add patches. Denim jackets can last a long time, so you can add more pins to them for years.
Hats, beanies, and masks are also popular pin options. They can go on the hat brim, or anywhere on beanies and masks.
A new trend is adding pins to shirts. Placing a pair of pins on a shirt collar can show off your personality in a simple way.
Buy Stylish Enamel Pins Today!
Enamel pins are the ideal way to add personality to your outfits and uniforms. Soft enamel pins and hard enamel pins give you many durable design options.
3D mold pins and die struck pins are great for simple designs. Printed pins are wonderful for detailed designs or specialized events.
Mover and Shaker Co. is here to help you show off your personality while working at a bar or restaurant. Our enamel pin designs come in a wide range of designs, which means you can find the perfect design for you.
If you want to stand out in a crowd, check out our pin collection today!