An enamel pin is a metal pin or badge worn on clothes. It can be attached to a tote, a piece of clothing or the lapel of a jacket. There are many different kinds of enamel pins and these can be styled in a number of ways.
Things you should Know about Enamel Pins
Isn’t it interesting to know how enamel is painted on pins? Enlisted below are some fun facts that you should know about enamel pins. Hope you will enjoy them as much as we did.
- Soft enamel pins
There are many different varieties of enamel pins to choose from. Soft enamel pins have a ridged finish and are less expensive. Therefore, they are considered an economical option for those individuals who have a tight budget. These enamel pins can display more detailed and clearer images.
- Hard enamel pins
This category of enamel pins is more durable and scratch resistant; however, they are a bit pricey. Their surface is flat and glossy. These pins have a hard wearing, smooth and a crisp finish.
- Which one to use?
Choosing between the above two categories of enamel pins depends entirely upon the requirements and needs of the individual. For example, if you need enamel pins for corporate promotion, trade shows or service programs, it is recommended that you go for hard enamel pins. This is because hard enamel process has a wow factor and these pins don’t look cheap. Whereas, if a person wants to buy enamel pins for less formal settings, then soft enamel pins can be used as they are not too expensive.
- Uses of enamel pins
Enamel pins can be used for decorative purposes. They can also be used to show a person’s association with a cause or an organization. Enamel pins are often used as a symbol of achievement. For example, businesses use enamel pins for their employee recognition programs, where these pins are handed over to employees as a sign of their achievements and accomplishments. Organizations award enamel pins to their employees to increase employee engagement, productivity, and morale.
- Enamel pins and their role in Employer branding
Custom lapel pins are used by companies in their employer branding efforts. Companies often use enamel pins for trade shows, job fairs, networking events, conferences, and other corporate events. Thus, enamel pins are a popular giveaway item because they help to establish a company’s identity.
- Production and design of enamel pins
The first stage of designing the enamel pin involves molding the surface of the metal, in order to create a design. In the second stage, cutting molds are created. The next stage involves attachment and plating. After the plating process is completed, the surface of the metal is polished until it is shiny and smooth. After plating and coloring, the impurities and the extra color are removed from the surface of the metal. The next stage involves baking, where the metal piece is baked for approximately fifteen minutes at around 450F. The last stage involves epoxy coating where clear epoxy is put onto the metal’s surface to protect it from cracking and fading.
- Variety of enamel pins and embellishments
Custom enamel pins no minimum coating can be produced according to the needs and the specifications of the individuals or organizations. There are many options available:
- Pin on the pin: This enamel pin has a three-dimensional look.
- Spinner pin: This enamel pin has a spinning mechanism, because of which the pin can spin at 360 degrees.
- LED pin: This enamel pin lights up when it is activated. However, such pins need frequent replacement of batteries, which has made it an unpopular choice these days.
- Lenticular pin: This enamel pin has two or more pictures that can change when the pin is titled at a certain angle.
- Other custom enamel pins include digital printed enamel pins, slider pins, flocking pins, bobble pins, and dangler pins.
- How to Style enamel pins?
Here are some creative ways in which you can display your quirky and sassy enamel pins:
- Attach it to your tote/bag
- Attach the enamel pins to a metal framed case
- Attach them to your denim jackets, caps or jeans
- Back in time: Popular usage in the Soviet Union and China
The Soviet Union was one of the biggest producers of enamel pins. These pins were used for various purposes; they depicted political figures, were used for political gatherings, cultural events, sports festivals and as souvenirs. In China and USSR, enamel pins with pictures of Mao Zedong and Lenin were worn by the youngsters to show their political affiliation. In the early 1960s and 1970s, the Mao pins were worn by the youth of Czechoslovakia. Thus, these lapel pins were widely used as a means of showing political affiliation.
- Enamel pins and political campaigns
Enamel pins have been used for political campaigns since the time of President George Washington. These pins are often called campaign buttons and are used during elections, to support for a particular party or candidate. These pins serve as a medium of political advertising.