Tag glow in dark

Soft Enamel Lapel Pin with Blue Dyed Plating and Glow Effect: A Character-Driven Custom Pin Project

by Tom Company information

Creating a standout lapel pin is all about thoughtful design and strategic material choices. In this featured project, we explore the making of a 1″ soft enamel lapel pin, enhanced with blue dyed metal plating and a striking glow-in-the-dark finish. It’s a perfect example of how color, texture, and functionality come together to form a collectible item with real personality.

Project Snapshot

This custom enamel pin was produced under Order #241119G01 for a client ordering 50+ pieces. The pin showcases a minimalist character face, made from metal outlines with fill colors that glow in low light. Despite its small size, the level of detail, plating technique, and color treatment make it a standout design.

Soft Enamel Lapel Pin with Blue Dyed Plating artwork
Soft Enamel Lapel Pin with Blue Dyed Plating

Key Features

  • Pin Type: Soft enamel + epoxy coating
  • Size: 1 inch diameter
  • Plating: Blue dyed metal finish
  • Fill Color: 304 + 75% white glow pigment (sky blue glow)
  • Attachment: Rubber clutch backing
  • Packaging: Individual PVC bag
  • Backside: Custom backstamp for branding

Craftsmanship Breakdown

This pin uses the soft enamel process, where recessed areas are filled with color and then hardened. The raised metal lines remain visible, adding both texture and clarity to the design. A layer of epoxy resin is applied over the surface, giving it a glossy finish and protecting the colors underneath. While the epoxy removes the tactile “valleys” of traditional soft enamel, it enhances durability and presentation.

The blue dyed plating—achieved post-electroplating—is an eye-catching feature. Unlike standard metallic finishes (like gold or nickel), dyed plating adds a subtle but modern aesthetic. It’s particularly suited for cool-toned or character-themed designs like this one.

Glow Pigment for Enhanced Visual Impact

One of the highlights of this pin is its use of glow-in-the-dark enamel. A mix of white base with 75% glow pigment creates a vibrant “sky blue” afterglow. This material charges under light and emits a gentle luminescence in dark settings—perfect for pins meant to stand out on bags, jackets, or display boards.

Functional Details That Matter

The pin includes a custom backstamp, adding an element of authenticity and brand identity. It’s also fitted with rubber clutches, a safe and comfortable alternative to traditional metal pin backs. This makes it suitable for all ages and minimizes the risk of skin irritation or damage to fabrics.

The pin is produced at 1.5mm thickness, slightly above the standard for soft enamel, giving it a more substantial feel while maintaining wearable comfort.

Prototyping and Inspection

Before mass production, a prototype was created for visual verification and material approval. This allowed the client to confirm everything from plating tone to glow intensity and backstamp clarity. Early inspections ensure the design translates perfectly from screen to metal—a crucial step when dealing with custom finishes like dyed plating and glow pigment.

What Clients Are Saying

“We were impressed by how vibrant the glow effect was—and how clean the facial details remained, even after epoxy was applied.”

That kind of feedback highlights why investing in high-quality mold engraving, controlled color fill, and post-plating dyeing processes can make a dramatic difference in the final product.

Why This Pin Works

It balances simplicity with specialty. The face design is minimal, but the materials—like dyed plating and glowing enamel—elevate it beyond basic. The combination of expressive artwork, epoxy gloss, and custom finishing details make this pin both collectible and wearable.

Perfect For:

  • Designer collectibles
  • Limited edition merchandise
  • Event swag or club giveaways
  • Artistic collaborations

If you’re planning a custom enamel pin with special finishes—like dyed plating or glow-in-the-dark elements—this project offers a blueprint for what’s possible when creative vision meets expert manufacturing.

The Application of Glow in Dark in Lapel Pin industry

What is Glow in Dark Technology?

Glow in Dark Effct which translates to “luminous in the dark,” allows materials to emit light in dark environments. By incorporating special chemicals into materials, lapel pins can absorb light during the day and glow in the dark. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the pins but also increases their functionality, especially in pin design.

What we’re supporting as below,

glow in dark color sheet
Gallery for Glow in dark effect

Advantages of Using Glow in Dark in Pin Making

  1. Unique Visual Effects: Glow in Dark pins can capture attention instantly with their glowing effects in the dark, increasing recognition and adding a playful element to the design.
  2. Improved Practicality: Glow in Dark pins are particularly useful for events or situations where visibility in low light is necessary, such as event pins, medals, or team identifiers. The glowing effect ensures that the pins are visible under different lighting conditions.
  3. Eco-friendly and Safe: Modern Glow in Dark materials often use non-toxic, eco-friendly rare earth elements. These materials are durable, safe for human contact, and environmentally sustainable.
glow in dark
glow in dark

Steps to Apply Glow in Dark Technology

  1. Material Selection: The first step involves selecting suitable glow materials, such as glow powder or glow ink. These materials can absorb natural light, daylight, or artificial light and release it in the dark.
  2. Custom Design: Designers decide where and how the glow effect should be applied, often highlighting specific parts of the pin like edges, text, or patterns to maximize the effect.
  3. Coating Application: The glow materials are applied evenly to the surface of the pin, ensuring they absorb enough light during the day and glow for long periods in darkness.

Common Applications of Glow in Dark Pins

  1. Event Pins: Glow in Dark pins are widely used for outdoor night events, allowing participants to easily identify each other.
  2. Safety Identification: In emergencies, Glow in Dark pins help quickly identify key personnel or staff.
  3. Custom Collectibles: Glow in Dark pins are popular among collectors due to their unique luminous effect, increasing their collectible value.

Conclusion

Glow in Dark technology adds a new dimension of creativity and practicality to pin making. Its luminous effects not only enhance the visual appeal of pins but also open up new possibilities for various applications, making it a key trend in the pin-making industry.