Enamel pins are a popular way for individuals to express their personal style and interests. With a wide array of pin options available, it’s crucial to understand the differences between soft enamel pins and hard enamel pins. Each type has its unique characteristics, benefits, and shortcomings, making it essential to select the perfect pin that will make a statement. In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between soft and hard enamel pins starting with the different techniques they are made with and their appearance.
How Are Soft Enamel Pins Made?
Soft enamel pins are crafted by stamping metal sheets into a pin shape and filling the recessed areas with enamel paint. The paint is air-dried or heat-cured, leaving a textured, slightly raised surface. The use of recessed areas allows for a layered effect, creating a tactile and visually appealing pin.
Benefits of Soft Enamel Pins
Perfect for Intricate Designs
If you appreciate fine details and vibrant colours, soft enamel pins are a fantastic choice. The recessed areas enable the creation of intricate designs, capturing the nuances of artwork, logos, or images. This makes them an excellent option for collectors or individuals who value the artistry of enamel pins.
More Affordable
Soft enamel pins tend to be more budget-friendly compared to hard enamel pins. If you’re a pin enthusiast looking to expand your collection or someone who loves to showcase their personal style, soft enamel pins offer an affordable way to do so without breaking the bank.
Textured Appeal
One of the standout features of soft enamel pins is their textured feel. The recessed areas and raised metal lines add depth and interest to the pin design, making them visually captivating and unique. These pins not only look great but also provide a tactile experience when held or worn.
Cons of Soft Enamel Pins
Vulnerable to Wear
Soft enamel pins, due to their textured surface, may be more susceptible to scratches and wear over time. If you plan to wear your pins frequently or attach them to items that experience regular use, you should be aware of the possibility of some gradual fading or rubbing off of the enamel.
Not Smooth Surface
While an epoxy coating can be applied to soft enamel pins to protect the paint, it may not provide a completely smooth and level surface. This limitation can affect the overall appearance and may not be suitable if you like your pins with an impeccably sleek finish.
How Hard Enamel Pins Are Made
Hard enamel pins, also known as cloisonné pins, are created using a different technique. The metal outlines of the pin design are stamped, filled with enamel paint, and then polished until the paint is flush with the metal. The result is a smooth, flat, and glossy surface.
Benefits of Hard Enamel Pins
More Durable
If you’re looking for a pin that will withstand the test of time, hard enamel pins are the way to go. The polished surface is highly resistant to scratches, ensuring that your pin remains in pristine condition even with regular wear. This makes hard enamel pins ideal for accessories or items that will be exposed to various conditions.
Sleek and Professional Look
The smooth, flat surface of hard enamel pins lends them an elegant and polished appearance. The lack of texture gives them a sophisticated look, making them perfect for designs that require a refined finish or detailed text. These pins exude a professional charm that will make any outfit or accessory shine.
Colour Control
With hard enamel pins, achieving precise colour control is a breeze. The enamel paint is polished to a smooth finish, resulting in clean and distinct colour separation. As such, hard enamel pins are likely more accurate to the design and their shades might be more accurate.
Cons of Hard Enamel Pins
More Expensive
It’s important to note that hard enamel pins generally come at a higher price compared to soft enamel pins. The additional labor-intensive polishing process and the increased durability contribute to the elevated cost. Consider your budget and the value you place on durability and aesthetics when making your decision.
Design Constraints
While hard enamel pins excel at showcasing solid colours, they may not be as suitable for designs with intricate details or colour gradients. The lack of recessed areas can make it challenging to achieve certain design elements that are more easily accomplished with soft enamel pins.
Main Difference Between Hard vs Soft Enamel
In summary, the main difference between hard and soft enamel pins are mainly visual in their texture and look. Hard enamel pins have a smooth polished finish while soft enamel pins have textured, recessed areas. This is a result of different methods of production, which give each type a unique quality depending on the look and feel you prefer.
Soft enamel pins add depth and detail to your collection, making them perfect for showcasing intricate designs and vibrant colours. On the other hand, hard enamel pins provide durability and an elegant, polished look that is ideal for those seeking a sleek and professional appearance.
| Hard Enamel | Soft Enamel | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Flat, smooth & shiny | Textured with raised metal edge |
| Pros | Durable, looks professional, accurate colours | Good for intricate designs, affordable, gives visual interest |
| Cons | More expensive, has design contraints | Not smooth, can get scratched |
Shop Soft Enamel Pins at Prickly Pins
At Prickly Pins, we carry a wide range of soft enamel pins in different collections. We love the textured look of soft enamel pins as it gives each pin its own unique personality. Soft enamel also gives us the ability to capture intricate details of our designs such as race suit details of drivers in our F1 enamel pin collection.
We take pride in curating unique and appealing designs that showcase the versatility and charm of soft enamel pins, ensuring that our customers can find the perfect pin to express their interests. If you prefer soft enamel pins, check out our soft enamel pin collections.