Soft Enamel Pins VS Hard | The True Difference [ Infographic ]

The distinction between soft enamel and hard enamel pins can be easily identified by their visual characteristics. Soft enamel pins possess a textured, three-dimensional surface that provides a tactile experience when touched. On the other hand, hard enamel pins exhibit a sleek, two-dimensional appearance. They lack any ridges or raised surfaces, resulting in a smooth and even texture when touched.

Once the enamel is poured into the pins, they undergo a polishing process, which results in their distinctive smooth two-dimensional appearance.

At Vivipins, our hard enamel pins are approximately 10% more costly compared to our soft enamel pins.

The price of a pin is influenced by factors such as size, style, design complexity, number of colors, and additional features. While there are cheap enamel pins available, the lower price may be attributed to other characteristics of the pin. All other factors being equal, soft enamel pins are cheaper than hard enamel pins.

The increased cost of hard enamel pins is due to the more time-consuming and intricate production process involved. Firstly, the painting process for hard enamel pins requires more time and attention to detail compared to soft enamel pins. Secondly, the additional polishing stage of hard enamel pins is more labor-intensive.

The exposed and lifted ridges and grooves of soft enamel pins contribute to their superior detail visibility. This characteristic makes it easier to observe and identify the finer aspects of the design.

In contrast, hard enamel pins are filled to the top with enamel and subsequently polished. During the polishing phase, the ridges of the design may become more rounded, potentially diminishing the clarity of the details.

With their raised ridges, soft enamel pins possess a three-dimensional appearance. The texture and ridges create an impression of enhanced detail, making the pins visually appealing.

On the other hand, hard enamel pins appear more two-dimensional due to being filled and polished, resulting in a comparatively less detailed pin.

The durability of hard enamel pins can be attributed to their protective coating, which acts as a safeguard against scratching or chipping. This finish provides a layer of protection for the paint and any raised metal ridges on the pin.

In contrast, soft enamel pins feature exposed metal ridges that contribute to their three-dimensional appearance but also render them more susceptible to damage. The exposed metal increases the likelihood of scratching or chipping.

For instance, if a soft enamel pin were to be accidentally dropped on the floor, the concrete would directly impact the pin's paint and ridges.

In the case of hard enamel pins, the protective coating ensures that the paint and metal outline never come into contact with the concrete, enhancing their resilience.

Some manufacturers offer an epoxy protective coating option for soft enamel pins, which can enhance their durability. However, this protective layer compromises the distinctive rigid, three-dimensional feel associated with soft enamel pins.

Soft enamel pins feature a rigid surface that allows one to feel the intricate details and contours of the design. This textured quality is what gives soft enamel pins their distinctive and appealing appearance.

In contrast, hard enamel pins offer a smooth and polished finish. With hard enamel pins, the surface is devoid of any noticeable ridges or textural elements. The pins are filled to the top with enamel and then meticulously polished, resulting in a sleek and rounded aesthetic.

If your preference leans towards pins with a textured and three-dimensional look, soft enamel pins are the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you seek a more polished and understated appearance, hard enamel pins may better suit your taste.

The smooth and sleek finish of hard enamel pins contributes to their perceived elegance. The polished appearance and refined surface give off a sense of high quality and sophistication.

Soft enamel pins, on the other hand, are more widely popular and typically more affordable. This availability and lower price point contribute to their broader appeal. However, the relative rarity and higher cost of hard enamel pins contribute to their exclusivity, which is often associated with a sense of classiness and elegance.

Ultimately, the perception of elegance can vary depending on personal preferences and cultural contexts.

The variation in size primarily depends on individual manufacturers. Different manufacturers may produce pins of varying sizes, so it's important to consider their specific offerings.

Furthermore, the level of detail in a design can also influence the size of the pin. Intricate designs require larger dimensions to ensure that the details are clearly visible. When designs are scaled down to smaller sizes, the intricate elements may become less discernible.

In general, both soft enamel and hard enamel pins can range in size from ½ inch to 2 inches. However, it is worth noting that some manufacturers may offer pins in larger or smaller sizes.

When it comes to soft enamel pins, there is flexibility in choosing various colors and materials for the plating process. Options include gold, black paint, or an antique finish, among others.

In contrast, hard enamel pins have fewer plating options. Typically, only metal platings such as nickel, bronze, or gold are used for hard enamel pins.

If you specifically desire a black plating or black ridges in your design, the limitations become apparent.

With soft enamel pins, it is possible to have the plating painted black. However, with hard enamel pins, black paint is not an option. The only alternative is to use black nickel.

It is important to note that black nickel does not appear as a true black color. Instead, it has a dark grey hue with a shiny finish.

Both types of pins go through the same general steps, but the techniques and order of those steps vary.

For soft enamel pins, the electroplating process is carried out first. This involves adding a thin metal coating to the pin. After electroplating, the pins are painted with enamel colors. Unlike hard enamel pins, soft enamel pins do not undergo a final polishing process.

On the other hand, hard enamel pins involve a meticulous layer-by-layer application of colors. The colors are added and cured before the pins undergo electroplating. Finally, hard enamel pins are polished to achieve a smooth and even finish.

If you are working within a budget but still want a visually appealing and attention-grabbing pin, soft enamel pins are a great choice.

Soft enamel pins are particularly suitable for intricate designs that require multiple colors. The recessed areas of the design allow for the application of different enamel colors, resulting in a vibrant and detailed pin.

One of the standout features of soft enamel pins is the texture they offer. The raised metal edges and grooves give the pins a tactile feel, allowing you to appreciate the details simply by touching them.

Whether you want a cost-effective option, a design with multiple colors, or a pin that stands out with its texture and detail, soft enamel pins are an excellent choice.

If you anticipate that your pin will be subjected to frequent handling or wear, opting for hard enamel pins is a wise choice. Their scratch-resistant properties, along with the absence of ridges, make them less prone to breakage or chipping.

In addition to their durability, hard enamel pins are often favored for their elegant and sleek design. The smooth and detailed finish of hard enamel pins is commonly associated with high quality and is considered desirable by many.

If you are seeking a pin that can withstand everyday use and offers a sophisticated appearance, hard enamel pins are an excellent option to consider.

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