What’s the Difference Between Hard Enamel, Soft Enamel, and UV Printed Lapel Pins? | Bella Forge
Choosing the Right Type of Custom Pin
If you’re planning custom lapel pins, one of the first questions is which type to choose. The three most common options are hard enamel, soft enamel, and UV printed. Each has its own strengths in appearance, durability, and cost. Here’s a breakdown in simple terms.
Quick Comparison
| Type | Key Features | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Enamel | Smooth polished finish, vivid colors, highly durable | VIP gifts, awards, fundraisers |
| Soft Enamel | Bright colors, textured surface, cost-effective | Events, schools, nonprofits, giveaways |
| UV Printed | Full-color detail, fast production, handles photos | Logos, complex artwork, short deadlines |
Hard Enamel Pins
Hard enamel pins have a smooth, polished look that feels premium and lasts for years. They’re ideal when you want to impress donors, recognize employees, or create keepsakes. The trade off is a higher price and longer production time compared to other styles.
Soft Enamel Pins
Soft enamel pins are colorful, affordable, and popular for bulk orders. The textured surface makes designs stand out, and they’re easy to customize with different shapes. While they’re not as scratch resistant as hard enamel, they’re still very durable and cost-effective.
UV Printed Pins
UV printed pins allow nearly any design, from photos and gradients to logos with fine detail. They also have the fastest turnaround, which makes them perfect for last-minute events. The surface is less tough than enamel, but they’re an excellent choice when your design needs full detail at a lower cost.
Which Type Should You Choose?
- Hard enamel: Choose when you want premium, long-lasting pins.
- Soft enamel: Choose when you need colorful, affordable pins for large groups.
- UV printed: Choose when your design includes photos, shading, or you need a quick turnaround.
Can I Take My Enamel Pins on an Airplane?
Example in Action
A nonprofit hosting a charity walk could:
- Give soft enamel pins to all participants
- Offer hard enamel pins to major donors
- Create UV printed pins for staff or special keepsakes
This approach keeps costs under control while making sure every group receives something meaningful.
Conclusion
The difference between hard enamel, soft enamel, and UV printed pins comes down to value, durability, and design needs. Bella Forge helps you choose the right style so your pins look great and serve their purpose.
For definitions of terms related to lapel pins, visit our Enamel Pin Glossary