Enamel pins are small metal pins with a design that is covered in enamel. They can be used to embellish clothing, bags, hats, and just about anything else you can think of.
In recent years, enamel pins have become extremely popular as a way to show support for causes and businesses, and as a fashion statement.
Whether you’re looking to make a bold political statement or simply add some personality to your outfit, enamel pins are the perfect accessory. In this blog post, we’ll show you how you can make enamel pins at home, as well as some other information about these pins. So stick with us till the end
Table of Contents
The Different Types of Enamel Pins
There are three main types of enamel pins:
- Soft enamel
- Hard enamel
- Photo-etched
Soft enamel pins have a raised metal border and recessed enamel color fills.
Hard enamel pins have a smooth, flat surface with no borders or recessed areas.
Photo-etched pins are made by etching a design into metal and then filling it with enamel paint.
Each type of pin has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Soft enamel pins are the most popular type of pin because they are relatively inexpensive to produce and have a high level of detail. However, soft enamel pins can be prone to chipping and can be difficult to produce in complex designs.
- Hard enamel pins are more durable than soft enamel pins, but they are also more expensive to produce.
- Photo-etched pins offer a high level of detail and can be produced in complex designs, but they are also the most expensive type of pin to produce.
How to Make Your Own Enamel Pins at Home
Making your own enamel pins at home is a fun and easy project that anyone can do. All you need is some basic supplies and a little bit of creativity.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- A design for your pin
- Enamel paint
- A pin back
- A small paintbrush
- A toothpick
Instructions:
- Begin by creating a design for your pin. You can use a simple graphic or logo, or get creative and design something completely unique.
- Once you have your design, use a pencil to trace it onto a piece of paper.
- Cut out your design and use it as a template to cut your design out of metal. You can use copper, brass, or stainless steel.
- If you’re using thin metal, it’s a good idea to reinforce it by soldering a piece of wire to the back.
- Once your metal is cut out, use a small paintbrush to apply enamel paint to the front. Be sure to fill in all the recessed areas of your design.
- Once the paint is dry, use a toothpick to apply a small amount of glue to the back of the pin.
- Attach a pin back and let the glue dry.
And that’s it! You’ve now made your very own enamel pin. Enamel pins are a great way to show your personality and support your favorite causes.
Now that you know how to make them, there’s no limit to the designs you can create. So get creative and have fun!
Tips for Making Your Enamel Pins Look Great
You’ve designed the perfect enamel pin, and you can’t wait to get it made. But before you hit the “order” button, there are a few things you need to consider to make sure your pins look their best. Here are a few tips:
1. Choose the right size
Enamel pins come in all sorts of sizes, from tiny ones that can fit on your lapel to large ones that can be used as statement pieces.
Think about where you want to wear your pin and how much space you have available. If you’re not sure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and go with a smaller size.
2. Pay attention to the colors
Enamel pins are usually made with different colors for the different parts of the design.
When choosing colors, keep in mind that light colors will generally be more visible than dark colors. If you want your pin to really stand out, go for bright, bold colors.
3. Pick the right backing
Enamel pins are usually mounted on a metal backing, but there are also options like rubber or plastic.
Again, think about where you’ll be wearing your pin and how durable you need it to be. Metal backings are the most durable, but they can also be the most expensive.
4. Consider your design
When it comes to enamel pins, the sky’s the limit when it comes to design.
But there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, try to keep your design simple.
- The more complex your design, the more expensive it will be to produce. If the price doesn’t matter then you are free to choose whatever pleases you.
- Second, think about how your design will be translated into a metal pin. Are there any areas that might be too thin or too small to enamel? If so, you may want to adjust your design accordingly.
- Third, remember that your design will be reversed when it’s turned into a pin. This is something to keep in mind if your design includes text or other intricate details.
Keep these tips in mind and you’re sure to end up with a great-looking enamel pin!
Where to Buy Enamel Pins
When it comes to buying enamel pins, you have a few different options.
- Etsy: There’s no shortage of options when it comes to Etsy, and you’re sure to find a style that suits you. Plus, supporting independent artists is always a good thing!
- Local boutiques: More and more boutique stores are starting to carry enamel pins, so it’s definitely worth checking out your local shops.
- Online retailers: If you want a really large selection of custom lapel pins and enamel pins to choose from, online enamel pin retailers are the way to go and I can recommend myenamelpins or vivipins. But still just make sure to do your research before making a purchase so you know you’re getting a quality product.
No matter where you choose to buy your enamel pins, just have fun with them! Mix and match different styles to create a look that’s truly your own.
Enamel pins are a great way to show your personality and support your favorite causes. Now that you know how to make them, there’s no limit to the designs you can create. So get creative and have fun!
