Design and Production Specifications
The Sev & Kit enamel pin is a masterclass in storytelling through enamel, capturing the essence of companionship, whimsy, and character in one carefully crafted piece. Commissioned by a long-time client with a deep appreciation for vibrant, illustrative design, this 3-inch hard enamel pin showcases HIPINS’ full capabilities in high-detail production, color accuracy, and polished execution.
The design features two beloved characters—Sev, a girl in a classic raincoat with a thoughtful expression, and Kit, her loyal cat companion. Behind them stands a large silver-toned button, anchoring the scene with dimensional presence and thematic contrast.
Key Production Details:
- Type: Hard enamel + screen printing
- Size: 3 inches in height
- Plating: Silver (raised metal with sandblast back)
- Base Thickness: 3.0mm (die-cast zinc alloy)
- Color Fills: PMS color-matched enamel fills, including vivid blues (2126, 288), yellows (209, 2161), skin tones, and black outlines
- Special Techniques:
- Raised silver metal outline for clarity and structure
- Screen printing on facial details, clothing textures, and shadows
- Deep recessed areas to simulate the button’s threading and depth
- Backstamp: Customized design with polished finish
- Attachment: Two-post rubber clutch backing
- Packaging: PVC bag + bubble wrap (bulk safe)
The combination of raised silver metal and finely balanced color blocking gives this pin a vivid visual profile. The polished silver plating adds a modern edge, contrasting nicely against the softer enamel tones of the character’s raincoat, striped stockings, and Kit’s sleek silhouette.
Communication Process
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Sev & Kit project was the complete trust demonstrated by the client. Having partnered with HIPINS for multiple orders in the past, the client was fully confident in our technical capabilities and didn’t request any design revisions—a rare but greatly appreciated endorsement of our team’s reliability.
The process followed this streamlined path:
Day 1 – Client submitted vector artwork, preferred dimensions, and plating instructions.
Day 2 – HIPINS returned a full specification mockup including metal layer, color keys, cutout placements, and a backside engraving layout.
Day 3 – The client approved the production proof without any edits or sample requests.
This trust-based workflow allowed us to fast-track the project, dedicating more time to mold precision, color fill accuracy, and post-processing inspection.
Post-Production and Client Feedback
After design approval, production commenced at HIPINS’ ISO-certified facility. The 3.0mm thickness required a reinforced mold, ensuring structural durability while accommodating multiple enamel and screen print layers. Key steps included:
- Die-Cutting and Sandblasting – Achieved depth and subtle textural contrast, especially in the large button background.
- Enamel Filling – Applied over 20 distinct Pantone-matched shades, all individually hand-filled and oven-cured.
- Screen Printing – Added nuanced elements such as eye reflections, shadows, hair detail, and precise striping on Sev’s stockings.
- Polishing and Plating – Raised silver lines were polished to a clean shine without overcutting or spilling into colored regions.
- Quality Control – Each pin was reviewed for color accuracy, surface smoothness, post placement, and backstamp clarity.
Upon receiving the final batch, the client sent a short but impactful message:
“Absolutely perfect. Thank you for another smooth and beautiful run!”
The Sev & Kit pin quickly gained traction on the client’s storefront and was highlighted in their product showcase on social media.
FAQs
1. Can I produce large-size enamel pins like 3 inches with HIPINS?
Yes. HIPINS routinely manufactures pins up to 4 inches in height with excellent mold fidelity. For larger designs, we ensure proper thickness and support structure to avoid warping.
2. Do I need to request a sample before mass production?
Not always. If you’re confident in your artwork and have worked with HIPINS before, we can produce based on digital proof approval. For new customers or complex layers, sample runs are always available.
3. How many colors can be used in one enamel pin?
We can accommodate up to 20+ color fills using Pantone codes. Additional effects such as screen printing, pearl, glitter, or translucent fill can be layered on as needed.