When it comes to custom pins, one detail can make all the difference: the type of enamel craft you choose. Two of the most common—and most iconic—styles are Hard Enamel (also known as imitation cloisonné) and Soft Enamel.
At first glance, they may look similar. But when you look closely, you’ll find differences in texture, finish, and visual presence that can completely transform how your final pin feels in the hand — and looks on display.
Let’s take a deep dive into what makes each style unique, and how you can decide which is best for your brand, collection, or design.
Screenshot
Hard enamel pins are known for their smooth, polished surface and sleek, premium appearance. After the enamel colors are filled into the recessed areas, the pin is polished flat until the enamel is level with the metal outlines. The result is a surface that feels glassy to the touch and looks incredibly clean.
Best suited for:
- Corporate logos
- High-end product launches
- Artistic or delicate linework
- Brand merchandise with a premium look
- Minimalist or refined aesthetics
Craft Highlights:
- Smooth and flat finish
- Durable and scratch-resistant
- Vibrant, glossy colors
- Excellent for small details and crisp edges
Screenshot
Soft enamel pins, by contrast, feature raised metal outlines with enamel filled below the surface. This creates a tactile, dimensional effect where the outlines are clearly visible, and the color sections feel “sunk in.” The result is a pin with more texture, more color contrast, and a bold visual feel.
Best suited for:
- Pop culture, anime, cartoon, or fandom themes
- Bold, colorful artwork
- Streetwear brands or influencer merchandise
- Playful, youthful designs
Craft Highlights:
- 3D-like texture with visible metal lines
- More vibrant saturation
- Strong separation between color and metal
- Often perceived as more “handmade” or casual in style
Real-Life Comparison: Displaying Both Styles on Pin Boards
To give you a better sense of how these pins look not just individually—but also when arranged together—we created two different pin boards:
Soft Enamel Board
A soft canvas board filled with brightly colored soft enamel pins. Each piece pops with contrast and energy, creating a fun, casual, and collectible look. Great for display at events, retail counters, or streetwear pop-ups.
Hard Enamel Board
A more neutral-toned board featuring elegant hard enamel pins. Clean edges, subtle reflections, and a polished feel that elevates the board to look like part of a luxury display. Ideal for brand showrooms, high-end packaging, or designer collections.
Whether for business or personal use, these boards showcase just how differently each enamel type communicates mood, identity, and value—even with the same base design.
How to Choose Between Hard and Soft Enamel?
There’s no right or wrong choice—only what fits your design and goals better.
| Hard Enamel | Soft Enamel |
|---|
| Surface | Flat and polished | Textured, recessed color |
| Finish | Glossy, smooth | Matte or semi-gloss |
| Style | Elegant, professional | Bold, expressive |
| Durability | High scratch resistance | Slightly more vulnerable |
| Cost | Slightly higher | More economical |
Still not sure? Send us your design, and we’ll guide you toward the most suitable option based on your logo, color style, and usage.
Why Work with hipins?
At hipins, we specialize in custom enamel pin manufacturing for international clients, with a focus on consistent quality, fast lead times, and reliable communication. We are based in Suzhou, China, and serve designers, brands, creators, and wholesalers around the world.
✔️ Over 10 years of production experience
✔️ Multiple craft options: hard enamel, soft enamel, glitter, epoxy, 3D casting, screen print, glow-in-the-dark, etc.
✔️ Flexible MOQ & full control over backing, plating, and packaging
✔️ Each project reviewed by our experienced production team
✔️ Fast international shipping
Get in Touch
Have a design in mind? Want to compare samples or request pricing?
Website: www.hipins.com
Email: sales@hipins.com
We’d love to help you turn your idea into a pin that tells your story — with the right craft, right details, and the right quality.
If you’d like us to help develop a visual mock-up, offer free craft consultation, or prepare sample images, feel free to reach out. At hipins, we believe every pin is a small work of art — and we make it matter.