Hard enamel pins are smooth and durable, soft enamel pins are colorful and textured at a lower cost, and UV printed pins allow full-color photo designs. The best choice depends on your goals, budget, and artwork.

Introduction

If you’re planning custom lapel pins, one of the first questions is: which type should I choose? The three most common options are hard enamel, soft enamel, and UV printed. Each has its own advantages in look, durability, and cost. Let’s break them down in simple terms.

Quick Comparison

Hard Enamel

• Smooth, polished, jewelry-like finish

• Solid, vivid spot colors

• Extremely durable and scratch-resistant

• Best for VIP gifts and high-value fundraisers

Soft Enamel

• Bright colors with a textured surface

• More affordable for large orders

• Great for giveaways, schools, or nonprofits

• Long-lasting but not as scratch-proof as hard enamel

UV Printed

• Full-color, photo-quality printing

• Perfect for logos, gradients, and detailed art

• Fast production turnaround

• Best for events or designs with complex artwork

Hard Enamel Pins

Hard enamel pins have a smooth finish and polished look. They feel high-end and last for years. They’re ideal when you want to impress donors, recognize employees, or create something people will treasure. The trade-off is a slightly higher price and longer production time.

Soft Enamel Pins

Soft enamel pins are the most popular choice for big events. They’re colorful, affordable, and work well when you need to order in bulk. The textured look makes designs pop, and you can easily create custom shapes. They’re less scratch-resistant than hard enamel, but still very durable.

UV Printed Pins

UV printed pins let you print almost anything — photos, gradients, logos, or fine details. They’re also the fastest to make, which makes them great for last-minute events. The surface isn’t as tough as enamel, but they’re a cost-effective choice when your design needs full detail.

Which Type Should You Choose?

• Choose hard enamel when you want something premium and long-lasting.

• Choose soft enamel when you need colorful pins at a good price for large groups.

• Choose UV printed when your artwork has photos, shading, or you’re on a tight deadline.

Example in Action

A nonprofit hosting a charity walk might:

• Give soft enamel pins to all participants

• Offer hard enamel pins to major donors

• Create UV printed pins for staff or special keepsakes

This way, everyone gets something meaningful while keeping costs under control.

Conclusion

The difference between hard enamel, soft enamel, and UV printed pins comes down to value, durability, and design needs. At BellaForge, we help you choose the right style so your pins look great and serve their purpose.

Call to Action

Still unsure which type is right for your project? Contact BellaForge today for free advice and a custom quote.