Compare Pricing for Enamel Versus Die Struck Custom Lapel Pins
Summary: Enamel custom lapel pins usually cost more than die struck pins when the design needs multiple colors, special enamel fills, or extra finishing steps. Die struck pins can be more budget friendly for simple metal designs with no color, but final pricing depends on size, quantity, plating, attachment, packaging, and deadline.
Compare pricing for enamel versus die struck custom lapel pins by looking at what each style needs to produce. Enamel pins use colored enamel fill. Die struck pins use raised and recessed metal detail, often with no color.
That difference matters because color, polishing, plating, size, mold work, packaging, and quantity all affect the final quote. The less color and finishing work your pin needs, the easier it usually is to control the unit cost.
Quick answer, which pin type usually costs less?
Die struck pins can cost less than enamel pins when the design is simple, metal based, and does not need color. Enamel pins may cost more because each color area must be filled, cured, and finished. Hard enamel can cost more than soft enamel because it is polished smooth after the enamel is added.
That said, the lower cost choice is not always the better choice. If your logo depends on brand colors, enamel is usually the right fit. If your design looks strong in metal only, die struck may give you a clean look with fewer production steps.
Enamel versus die struck pricing comparison
| Pin type | Typical price impact | Why pricing changes | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft enamel pins | Often budget friendly for full color designs | Color is filled into recessed areas while raised metal lines stay visible | Event pins, school pins, team pins, trade show pins, nonprofit pins, and bold logos |
| Hard enamel pins | Usually higher than soft enamel | The surface is filled and polished smooth, which adds finishing work | Corporate pins, membership pins, service pins, formal gifts, and polished brand pieces |
| Die struck pins | Can be lower when no enamel color is needed | The design is formed in metal with raised and recessed areas, then plated or finished | Simple logos, commemorative pieces, club pins, uniform pins, and classic metal designs |
What makes enamel pins cost more?
Enamel pins cost more when the design has many color areas, small color details, specialty enamel, or a polished hard enamel surface. Each color area needs to be separated by raised metal lines so the pin can be produced cleanly.
Soft enamel is often the more budget friendly enamel option. Hard enamel usually costs more because the surface is polished until the enamel and metal feel smooth and level.
For a broader look at quantity and size based pricing, see Bella Forge’s custom enamel pin pricing guide. It is useful when you are planning a 100, 300, or 500 piece order and want to see how unit cost changes with quantity.
What makes die struck pins cost less?
Die struck pins can be more cost controlled because they often do not need enamel color. The artwork is stamped into metal, which creates raised and recessed areas. The pin can then be plated in gold, silver, nickel, brass, bronze, copper, black nickel, or an antique finish.
Die struck pins are not always the cheapest option, though. A large size, two tone plating, antique finish, cut edge, custom shape, special backing, or presentation packaging can still raise the cost.
Die struck pins work best when the design has strong shapes, clear lettering, and enough contrast without color. They are a good match for classic, formal, or heritage style pieces.
How size and quantity affect both styles
Size affects both enamel and die struck pins because larger pins use more material and may need stronger attachments. A 1 inch pin will usually cost less than a 1.5 inch pin when all other details are the same.
Quantity also matters. Larger orders usually lower the cost per pin because setup costs are spread across more pieces. This is why a 500 piece order often has a lower unit price than a 100 piece order.
Which style should you choose for your budget?
Choose soft enamel when you want color, texture, and a practical price point. This is often a smart choice for large event orders, school programs, trade shows, team pins, and brand campaigns.
Choose hard enamel when you want a smooth surface and a more polished feel. This style often makes sense for business recognition products, membership pins, staff pieces, and designs that should feel more permanent.
Choose die struck when the design can work without color. This style is often a good fit for simple logos, metal emblems, formal pins, and pieces that need a clean metal look.
If you are comparing finishes beyond price, Bella Forge’s guide to custom branded lapel pin finishes explains options such as polished metal, matte metal, sandblasted texture, antique metal, two tone plating, cut edges, glitter enamel, and epoxy coating.
What details should you send for an accurate quote?
To compare enamel and die struck pricing fairly, send the same project details for both options. That helps the supplier price the order based on the same size, quantity, attachment, packaging, and deadline.
| Detail to send | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Artwork or logo | The design shows whether enamel color is needed or whether die struck metal will work |
| Pin size | Size affects material, finish work, and attachment choice |
| Quantity | Higher quantities usually lower the unit price |
| Preferred finish | Plating, antique effects, polishing, and specialty finishes can affect cost |
| Backing style | Rubber clutches, butterfly clutches, magnets, and other options can change the quote |
| Packaging | Individual bags, backing cards, and gift boxes can add cost but improve presentation |
| Deadline | Timing can affect production planning and shipping choices |
Need help comparing enamel and die struck pin pricing?
Send your logo, quantity, size, and deadline. Bella Forge can help review the design and recommend the pin style that fits your budget and use.
Get a QuoteCommon questions about enamel and die struck pin pricing
Are die struck pins always cheaper than enamel pins?
No. Die struck pins can be less expensive when the design has no color and uses a simple metal finish. Special plating, larger sizes, custom edges, or packaging can raise the cost.
Are soft enamel pins cheaper than hard enamel pins?
Soft enamel is usually more budget friendly than hard enamel because hard enamel needs extra polishing to create a smooth surface.
Can a die struck pin have color?
Yes, but once color is added, the project may start to price more like an enamel pin. If the design needs several brand colors, soft enamel or hard enamel may be the better fit.
Which style is better for company logos?
Enamel is usually better for colorful logos. Die struck can work well for simple logos that look strong in raised metal with a polished, matte, sandblasted, or antique finish.
What is the best way to lower the cost per pin?
Order a higher quantity, keep the size practical, limit specialty finishes, use standard backings, and choose packaging that fits the purpose of the order.
Bottom line
Enamel pins are usually the better choice when your design needs color. Die struck pins can be a cost smart choice when your design works in metal only. The best way to compare pricing is to quote both styles using the same size, quantity, backing, packaging, and deadline.
Bella Forge can help you compare enamel and die struck custom lapel pins before production, including artwork review, finish guidance, digital proofs, backing options, packaging choices, and production planning.
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