So- you want to start selling enamel pins but don't know where to start? You've come to the right place! How to design pins? What factors to consider when doing so? Colours? Plating? What is soft vs hard enamel? How much do they cost? How do I find a manufacturer?

I've got you covered in this step by step guide!

I've been running my shop 'Shining Pins' for 2 years now and have made multiple enamel pins, found different manufacturers until I've stuck to one that suited me the most and have a lot of knowledge now I wish I started off with. 

1. Soft vs Hard Enamel

First thing to learn is what hard and soft enamel is, and the differences between the two! 

Hard enamel

• smoother finish - enamel is polished smooth and levelled out with the plating
• more durable, scratch resistent 
• more pricey
• allows less fine detail - (you can use screen printing instead for fine details)
• looks better with plating finishes such as gold and silver
• See an example here with my red velvet bad boy hard enamel pin

Soft enamel

• allows more detail (especially for smaller pins)
• less scratch resistant
• more affordable
• dyed colour plating
• cured enamel has dips (personally I always request resin overlay for a smoother end look & more durability)
• See an example here with my txt soft enamel pins

2. How to design enamel pins.

Right now, don't worry about finding a manufacturer just yet. Before that we need to learn how to exactly design an enamel pin. Designing enamel pins is a creative process that involves considering various factors to ensure the final product looks visually appealing and is manufacturable. Our tips on how to design enamel pins, covering essential considerations:

Conceptualisation:

• Theme and Purpose: Define the theme or message of your pin.
  Consider the intended audience and purpose.
  
  Size and Shape:
• Consider the Pin's Purpose: Small details may be lost on a small pin.
  Intricate designs may benefit from a larger size.
  
  Shape: Opt for standard shapes or explore custom shapes.
  Ensure the design fits well within the chosen shape.
  

Colours:Pantone Colours:

• Use Pantone colour codes for precise colour matching.
  Limit the number of colours to control production costs.
• Contrast: Ensure there's enough contrast between colours.
  High contrast enhances visibility and readability.

Metal Plating:

• Selecting the Plating: Consider the mood: gold for luxury, silver for modernity. Black nickel or copper for unique aesthetics.
  
  Plating Lines: Be mindful of plating lines, which can affect the design. Adjust the design to work with the chosen plating.
  

Screen Printing: 

• Adding Detail: Screen printing allows for intricate details.
  Consider using it for small text or fine lines.
  
  Enhancing Design: Use screen printing to add texture or effects. It can complement the main enamel colours.

Number of Colours:

• Budget and Complexity: More colours increase production costs.
  Balance the design's complexity with your budget.
  
  Harmony: Ensure the chosen colours harmonise well.
  Too many colours may clutter the design.

Text and Fonts:Legibility:

• Use clear and legible fonts, especially for small text.
  Consider the pin's size and the viewer's ability to read it.
  
  Spacing: Allow sufficient spacing between elements for clarity.
  Avoid overcrowding the design with text. 

3. Plating & Finishes

Metal Plating:

• Gold Plating:
• Exudes a luxurious and elegant appearance.
• Adds a warm, classic tone to the pin.
• Popular for creating a high-end or vintage aesthetic.
• Silver Plating:
• Offers a sleek and modern look.
• Complements a wide range of colours and designs.
• Ideal for achieving a contemporary and clean aesthetic.
• Nickel Plating:
• Provides a bright and polished silver-like finish.
• Commonly used for its durability and corrosion resistance.
• Works well for achieving a shiny, reflective surface.
• Black Nickel Plating:
• Creates a darker, edgier look.
• Enhances contrast with vibrant enamel colours.
• Often used to achieve a bold or mysterious vibe.
• Copper Plating:
• Imparts a warm and rustic appearance.
• Ideal for vintage or antique-themed designs.
• Develops a unique patina over time.

Special Features:

• Screen Print:
• Detailed designs are achieved through a printing process.
• Allows for intricate patterns and fine lines.
• Adds a layer of versatility to enamel pins.
• Glitter:
• Embedded glitter particles enhance the pin's sparkle.
• Adds a touch of glamour and dimension.
• Commonly used for designs with a festive or playful theme.
• Pearl Swirl:
• Mimics the appearance of swirling pearl patterns.
• Creates an elegant and mesmerising effect.
• Ideal for designs that require a sophisticated touch.
• Stained Glass:
• Resembles the vibrant and translucent look of stained glass.
• Often achieved by using transparent enamel colours.
• Gives a colourful and artistic appearance.
• Glow in the Dark:
• Features phosphorescent materials that emit light in the dark.
• Adds a unique and eye-catching element to the pin.
• Great for designs with a whimsical or supernatural theme.
• Resin Coating:
• Creates a smooth, glossy surface over the enamel.
• Provides extra protection and durability.
• Enhances the vibrancy of colours and adds depth.

Enamel pins with various finishes and special features offer collectors a diverse range of options to express their individual style and preferences. Whether it's the classic appeal of gold plating, the edgy look of black nickel, or the whimsical glow in the dark feature, these finishes contribute to the overall charm and uniqueness of enamel pin designs.

4. Backing clutches 

• Rubber Clutches:
• Material: Soft rubber or silicone.
• Attachment: Simple post mechanism.
• Comfort: Flexible and comfortable, less likely to scratch.
• Durability: May wear out over time, may need frequent replacement.
• Metal Clutches:
• Material: Durable metals like brass or nickel.
• Attachment: Secure locking mechanism, firmer hold.
• Comfort: Slightly heavier, suitable for heavier fabrics.
• Durability: Sturdy, longer lifespan, less likely to wear out quickly.
• Choosing:
• Comfort: Rubber for a softer feel, metal for added weight.
• Longevity: Rubber for simplicity, metal for durability.

Ultimately, your choice depends on personal preference, usage frequency, and desired comfort and durability levels.

5. Mockups and Proofs:

• Create Mockups:
• Request Proofs:

6. Manufacturability:

• Review Manufacturer Guidelines:
• Test for Feasibility:
• Feedback and Revisions:
• Get feedback from peers or potential customers.
• Consider making revisions based on constructive input.
• Your manufacture will provide you with a vectorised version of your design before production. Carefully check these proofs closely next to your design to make sure there aren't any mistakes, once you approve their vector you will not be able to go back for changes. Take your time with this step.

Designing enamel pins is a blend of creativity, attention to detail, and practical considerations. By carefully planning the size, colours, plating, and other elements, you can create a unique and visually stunning enamel pin that effectively conveys your intended message or theme.

Read my separate blogpost on how to find a good manufacture here

7. Grading Guide:

Enamel pin grading is a practice often used by collectors, sellers, or enthusiasts to assess and categorize the condition of enamel pins. Here's a guide in bullet points on how to do enamel pin grading and what factors to consider:

• Design & Aesthetics:
• A: Intricate and flawless design.
• B: Minor flaws, barely noticeable.
• C: Visible imperfections impacting appearance.
• Quality:
• A: Smooth and consistent enamel fill.
• B: Minimal imperfections.
• C: Noticeable imperfections, possible color issues.
• Metal & Backing:
• A: Pristine metal plating, secure backing.
• B: Slight wear, functional backing.
• C: Visible wear or tarnishing, potential backing issues.
• Packaging & Documentation:
• A: Perfect packaging, clear documentation.
• B: Minor packaging wear, some documentation.
• C: Significant packaging damage, limited documentation.

Grading Scale:

• A (Excellent): Perfect or nearly perfect condition.
• B (Good): Some wear or minor imperfections.
• C (Fair): Noticeable wear, potential flaws.

Additional Tips:

• Consistency: Maintain consistent grading standards.
• Documentation: Keep concise records of each pin.
• Education: Educate buyers on the grading system.
• Communication: Clearly communicate grades during transactions.

Enamel pin grading, using an A, B, C scale, simplifies the evaluation process for both collectors and sellers, providing a quick and clear understanding of the pin's condition.

Conclusion:

Embarking on the journey of selling enamel pins is an exciting venture, and this step-by-step guide is here to light your path. From deciphering the nuances between soft and hard enamel to mastering the intricacies of design, plating, and color choices, you've gained insights that will set your pins apart.

As the curator of 'Shining Pins' for the past two years, my experiences have led me through the maze of finding the right manufacturers, perfecting designs, and understanding the art of pin grading. I've poured this knowledge into a comprehensive guide, hoping it serves as a valuable compass on your enamel pin odyssey.

Remember, whether you're a seasoned collector or a budding entrepreneur, the beauty of enamel pins lies in the stories they tell and the connections they forge. As you embark on this creative journey, may your designs shine brightly, your pins find eager homes, and your passion for this unique art form flourish.

Happy pinning! ✨📌