Welcome to The Pins Store, your trusted expert in high-quality enamel pins. Whether you're looking to create custom pins for your brand or a personal project, this guide will walk you through the process of making your enamel pins.
So, you’ve come up with an amazing idea for a pin. What’s next?
Many people think that making enamel pins is a lengthy and complicated process. Fortunately, it’s quite straightforward and typically takes only 2-4 weeks. Let’s break down the process into six simple steps.
- Prepare Your Design File
To start production, the minimum requirement is a PDF file of your design. For more details, you can read our article on the best enamel pin factories and how to design enamel pins.
You can either sketch and color your idea on paper, then scan it as a PDF or if you are familiar with graphic design software, send a digital file of your artwork. Here are some design tips:
- Simplify: Enamel pins are usually 1-2 inches in size, so minimize lines and details to ensure a clear design.
- Use Bold Lines and Strong Colors: Thin lines and muted colors may not stand out. Bold lines and strong colors work best.
- Avoid Shading: Pins don't accommodate shading as colors are separated by lines. Save time by excluding shading from your design.
- Choose the Material for Your Custom Enamel Pin
Custom pins can be made from various materials, but hard enamel and soft enamel are the most common.
- Hard Enamel Pins: Characterized by thin metal lines separating colors and a smooth, hard finish. They are made from die-struck iron, heated, and polished for durability and a high-quality feel.
- Soft Enamel Pins: Known for their textured surface, they allow for more detail and are usually less expensive. Made from die-struck iron, electroplated, and optionally coated with epoxy, they have a thinner feel compared to hard enamel pins.
- Determine the Size of Your Enamel Pin
Choosing the size depends on your design and budget.
- Smaller Pins (0.75-1.25 inches): More portable, easier to place, and typically cheaper due to less material usage. However, they allow for less detail.
- Larger Pins (>1.25 inches): Allow for more detailed designs but are less versatile in terms of where they can be pinned.
- Plan the Quantity of Enamel Pins to Produce
After deciding on your artwork, material, and size, it’s time to choose the quantity.
Most factories have a minimum order of 100 units. It’s advisable to start with the minimum and reorder if needed. This cautious approach helps avoid overproduction.
- Decide on the Number of Pin-Backs Needed
Pin-backs are the mechanisms that attach pins to surfaces. Always use two pin-backs per pin to prevent them from moving around or falling off.
6. Select a Manufacturer for Your Enamel Pins
The final step is finding an enamel pin manufacturer. For more information read our blog articles or check out our website.