Soft Enamel vs. Hard Enamel Pins
Soft enamel and hard enamel are the two most common color-filling methods for metal pins and badges. They look similar in photos but feel and behave differently in hand.
Soft enamel pins have recessed color areas that sit below the metal lines. The surface is slightly textured — you can feel the raised metal lines and the recessed color with your finger. Soft enamel is usually less expensive, colors can have slight variation, and the enamel surface can be more easily scratched than hard enamel.
Hard enamel pins are filled and then ground and polished so the surface is completely flat — color and metal lines are level. This creates a smooth, glass-like finish that is very durable. Hard enamel costs more because of the extra grinding and polishing steps, and it is more suitable for designs with large color areas and fine detail.
Which to choose? For most badges, pins and coins, soft enamel is the practical default: it is cost-effective and captures raised-metal designs well. Choose hard enamel when the pin will be handled a lot, when you want a premium smooth surface, or when the design has large flat color areas. Both options are confirmed with the artwork during quotation.