How To Get Custom Enamel Pins Made | Bella Forge
Summary: This guide walks you through the exact steps to bring your pin idea to life. You will learn what you need before you order and what happens at each stage of the process.
What You Will Learn
- What you need before you order
- How the pin making process works
- How long each stage usually takes
- Simple tips that help you avoid delays
What You Need Before You Order
You do not need a perfect drawing. Most people start with a simple sketch or a clear idea written out. Choose your colors, size, and the style you want. Hard enamel gives a smooth surface and soft enamel has raised metal lines. Both can look great.
You should also think about how many pins you want. Higher counts lower the price per piece. Lower counts make each pin cost more because the mold is the same no matter the count.
The Start To Finish Process
Step One: Share your art or idea
You send us your art or sketch. Our team checks the design and makes sure it works as a pin. We help adjust lines, colors, and small parts that may not show well once the pin is made. If you only have an idea, let us know. Our design team can turn your idea into art. We will talk with you about any design fees before we begin.
Step Two: Get your proof
We provide you with a digital proof that shows line work, colors, and size. This is your chance to request changes. Once we move to the next step, it becomes more difficult and more costly to make changes.
Step Three: Stamping or Casting
Once you approve the proof, we create a die that stamps the metal or a mold that is used in the casting process.
Step Four: Plating
The pins are plated in the finish you chose, such as gold, silver, black nickel, or one of our other options.
Step Five: Color fill
Colors are filled by hand or by an automated filling machine depending on the design and other factors.
Step Six: Finishing
Pins are polished and cleaned. Epoxy coating is added if needed.
Step Seven: Quality check and packing
Each pin is checked by hand. Every part of the pin is inspected. Pins are packaged according to your order.
Step Eight: Shipping
Once complete, your order ships straight to you. Most standard orders take about three to four weeks from proof approval. Rush service is available for some orders.
Tips For A Smooth Order
- Keep text large enough to read once it becomes a pin
- Avoid very thin lines that may fill in during plating
- Pick bold colors for the best look
- Send Pantone color numbers if matching colors is important
See our custom pin order page for more info
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need finished art?
No. Simple art or a rough sketch is fine. Our team can prep the file for pin production.
How long does it take?
Most projects take about three weeks after proof approval. Rush service may be possible.
Can I order a small count?
You can, but the price per pin will be higher since the mold cost stays the same. If you want ideas to keep the cost down, reach out and we can help.