At Hipins, every custom pin we create tells a story—not just of creativity and design, but of collaboration, problem-solving, and precision manufacturing. Today, we’re excited to share a behind-the-scenes look at one of our most vibrant and technically intricate projects to date: a colorful pin that combines UV printing and silk screen techniques to stunning effect.
This pin wasn’t just another order—it was a creative vision brought to life. From the very beginning, our long-time client came to us with a detailed idea, filled with unique colors, visual textures, and complex effects. They wanted a piece that would stand out both in finish and meaning, and we were fully committed to making it happen.
A Complex Vision with Clear Goals
What made this project special was its fusion of different print styles and materials. The client asked for two highly specific effects:
- Silk screen printing to capture crisp outlines and solid colors.
- UV gradient translucent printing to create a soft, glassy blend across the base—giving the pin depth, light play, and uniqueness.
Each element served a purpose. The silk screen layers defined character lines and details with clean precision, while the UV gradient added visual flow and motion to the pin’s center. Integrating both techniques on a small-scale pin posed challenges—but we knew exactly how to handle them.
From Concept to Metal: How We Delivered
Like all of our custom orders, we started by carefully analyzing the artwork. Our design team broke the project into stages:
- Artwork Optimization: We worked with the client to adjust line widths, define printing boundaries, and ensure the UV gradient would flow seamlessly between the raised metal outlines.
- Mold Creation: The mold was developed with specific consideration for the pin’s cutout areas and layered effects. Even minor adjustments were taken seriously—some areas that look like holes may just be recessed in the final item.
- Base Production: The raw pin (blank) was struck and plated in gold, preparing the surface for color application.
- Color Application: We handled silk screen printing first to lock in the base color palette and character expressions, followed by UV printing for the subtle gradient blend on the background element.
- Quality Control: Throughout the process, each step was approved by the client and monitored by our internal team to ensure consistency across the full batch of 65 pieces.
Despite the complexity, production went smoothly—thanks to precise planning, years of technical experience, and open communication between our teams and the client.
More Than Just Manufacturing—A Partnership
One thing we take pride in at Hipins is that we don’t just “produce pins”—we co-create them with our clients. This project is a perfect example. The customer made multiple requests along the way, including special attention to color accuracy, gradient flow, and the visibility of raised metal. We never saw these as obstacles, but as opportunities to show how flexible and responsive we can be.
We provided free design revisions, production previews, and real-time progress updates, helping our client feel confident every step of the way. It’s this warmth, this human connection, that separates Hipins from a standard factory. We treat every idea with respect—because we know how much meaning it holds for the person behind it.
The Result: A Pin That Truly Shines
The final result? A brilliantly colored, finely detailed pin that tells its own story. From the whimsical character expression to the glowing effect of the UV gradient, every detail came through beautifully. The pin not only met our client’s vision—it exceeded it.
And for us, that’s the ultimate reward.
Why This Matters to Future Clients
If you’re considering creating your own custom pin—whether it involves advanced printing techniques like UV or a classic enamel finish—Hipins is ready. This case study shows that we:
- Handle complex multi-process pins with precision.
- Are open and collaborative at every stage.
- Deliver exactly what you imagine—or better.
We’ve been doing this for over 17 years, and each year only sharpens our edge. Whether you’re a wholesaler, a collector, or an artist looking to bring your character to life, we’re here to help.
Let your next pin be more than a product. Let it be a collaboration.
Q: Can Hipins combine different printing techniques in one pin?
A: Absolutely. We can combine silk screen, UV printing, glitter, translucent enamel, and more—depending on your design needs.
Q: How does Hipins ensure color accuracy?
A: We use Pantone Matching System (PMS) references and provide digital previews before production. We also run strict quality checks before mass production.