Types of Custom Lapel Pins: How to Choose the Right Pin Style

Custom lapel pins are not only a creative expression, but also an effective way to enhance your brand’s visibility. Unlike ordinary metal accessories, pins can carry your company’s visual identity and brand values, allowing customers and employees to showcase your brand effortlessly in their daily lives. Whether worn on clothing, hats, or bags, these personalized designs continuously generate exposure and leave a lasting impression.

At VeperPins, we offer a wide range of custom pin types, including soft enamel, hard enamel, die struck, and printed pins. Each option is suited to different design needs and use cases. If you’re not sure which type is right for your project, don’t worry—we’ll walk you through the key differences and help you choose the best option in the sections below.

Types of Custom Lapel Pins

When you think of lapel pins, do you immediately picture colorful designs? Yes — that’s one type of pin: enamel pins. However, that’s not the only option. There are also printed pins, die struck pins, epoxy pins, and more. Below, we’ll go through the different types and compare them for you.

1. Enamel Pins

Custom enamel pins are the most popular and widely chosen type among artists and businesses. They are generally divided into two main styles: soft enamel and hard enamel.

Hard Enamel (Cloisonné)

Hard enamel, also known as cloisonné, is considered the premium level in pin manufacturing. It uses natural mineral enamel that is fired multiple times at high temperatures and then hand-polished until the enamel and metal edges are completely flush. The final surface feels smooth like glass, with a translucent, refined finish and a rich, elegant shine.

This process is highly durable, scratch-resistant, and will not fade or oxidize over time. It can last for decades, making it ideal for collectors. However, it comes with higher costs and longer production time. It also cannot reproduce gradients, portraits, or extremely intricate details. This makes it best suited for customers with higher budgets who are looking for premium quality, formal, or commemorative designs.

Soft Enamel

Soft enamel, often referred to as “baked enamel,” is currently the most common choice for personal customization and merchandise. The process involves stamping the design into metal to create raised outlines, then filling the recessed areas with colored enamel paint, which is baked at a lower temperature.

The result is a pin with clear, raised metal lines and vibrant colors, with a slightly textured surface. It offers excellent value for money, low minimum order quantities, and fast production times. It works well for most cartoon logos, text designs, and simple graphics.

The only drawback is that it does not have the same smooth, glossy finish as hard enamel, and it may show slight wear over time with heavy use. It is ideal for everyday wear, fan merchandise, and general decorative use.

2. Die Struck Pins

Die struck pins are created by pressing metal sheets with high-pressure molds to form raised and recessed details, without adding colored enamel. The final look highlights the natural metal finish or plating such as gold, silver, or black nickel.

This style has a clean, classic, and slightly industrial aesthetic, with sharp and defined lines. It is the most cost-effective option and is very durable. However, it cannot display colors, and the design expression is more limited. It is best suited for military-style, minimalist, or vintage-inspired designs where color is not required.

3. Die Cast Pins

Die cast pins are made by pouring molten zinc alloy into molds to create a solid, three-dimensional shape. Unlike standard stamped pins, they are thicker and more dimensional, allowing for deep relief, sculpted surfaces, and even full 3D character designs.

This process offers excellent flexibility and can produce complex shapes, large sizes, and highly detailed designs. It can also be combined with enamel, paint, or epoxy for additional color effects. The downside is that it is more expensive than die struck pins. It is ideal for large commemorative pins, 3D logos, and collectible designs that require depth and weight.

4. Printed Epoxy Pins

Printed epoxy pins are made by directly printing high-resolution artwork, photos, or gradient designs onto a metal base. A clear epoxy coating is then applied on top to seal and protect the surface.

This method allows for extremely high detail and accurate color reproduction, making it perfect for complex images, portraits, and gradient artwork. It is also cost-effective and does not limit design complexity.

However, the epoxy surface may slightly yellow over time when exposed to prolonged sunlight, and it is generally less durable than enamel pins. It is best suited for designs with intricate details and rich visual elements where print quality is the priority.

5. Glitter Enamel Pins

Glitter enamel pins are created by mixing fine glitter, pearl powder, or reflective particles into the enamel before production. Once finished, the pin surface has a sparkling effect that shines under light, giving it a lively and eye-catching appearance.

This mixed technique only adds a small additional cost compared to standard enamel pins but creates a unique and stylish look. It is especially popular for fashion items, anime merchandise, and fan-based designs.

It combines the durability of enamel with decorative sparkle, making it ideal for customers who want something more distinctive and visually striking.

How to Choose the Right Type of Lapel Pin

If you’re still unsure which option to choose, here are clear recommendations based on different needs and use cases.

For Businesses

Best for: Branding / corporate identity / employee recognition / premium gifts

Hard enamel pins are ideal for businesses that need a clean, professional appearance. The smooth surface and refined finish help present a strong brand image.

Die struck pins are also a good option for a more classic and cost-effective approach, especially for logos or recognition badges without color.

For Events

Best for: Clubs / schools / campaigns / giveaways / large orders

Soft enamel pins are the most practical choice for events. They offer vibrant colors, fast production, and great value, making them perfect for bulk orders.

Printed epoxy pins are also suitable when designs include detailed artwork, gradients, or complex visuals.

For Creators

Best for: Retail pins / original designs / fan merchandise

Soft enamel and printed pins are commonly used for creator products due to their flexibility and cost control.

Adding finishes like glitter enamel can help designs stand out and attract more attention in the market.

For Collectors

Best for: Commemorative pieces / limited editions / high-end designs

Hard enamel pins and die cast pins are preferred for collectible items. They offer a premium look, durability, and a strong sense of quality.

Die cast pins are especially suitable for 3D designs or pieces that require depth and weight.

Quick Guide

Additional Options for Custom Pins

VeperPins also offers a range of important customization options that can be paired with your chosen pin type.

Plating

Gold: Best for premium, formal, and brand-focused designs.
Silver: Best for clean, modern, and versatile designs.
Copper: Best for warm tones and vintage-style designs.
Black Nickel: Best for bold, dark, and high-contrast designs.
Matte Gold: Best for subtle, low-reflective, and refined designs.
Antique Gold: Best for vintage and commemorative designs.
Antique Silver: Best for classic, military, and heritage-style designs.
Antique Copper: Best for aged effects and textured designs.
Rainbow Plating: Best for trendy, eye-catching, and unique designs.
Custom Colors: Best for matching brand-specific or special color needs.

Backing

Metal Butterfly Clutch: Best for standard everyday use.
Rubber Clutch: Best for comfortable, long-term wear.
Magnet Back: Best for no-hole use on suits or delicate clothing.
Jewelry Clutch: Best for premium feel and secure hold.
Deluxe Clutch: Best for extra security on heavier pins.
Safety Pin: Best for large pins or badge-style designs.

Upgrades

Back Engraving: Best for adding logos, numbers, or commemorative details.
Back Printing: Best for detailed information or complex designs.

Colors

Up to 5 Colors: Best for most standard designs with good value.
Additional Colors: Best for complex or multi-color designs.

Packaging

Poly Bag: Best for bulk distribution and standard use.
Printed Backing Card: Best for retail display and branding.
Velvet Pouch: Best for gift presentation with a soft touch.
Velvet Box: Best for premium packaging and special occasions.
Acrylic Box: Best for display and long-term storage.

Besides that, our complete guide to creating custom pins also explains how size, plating, backing, packaging, pricing, and the ordering process all work together.

Start Your Custom Pin Project Today

No matter what type of pin you need, there’s always a solution that fits your project. If you’re planning a bulk order for an upcoming event or campaign, feel free to reach out to us.

Our team offers 1-on-1 support to guide you through the entire process. Even if you’re not sure which type to choose, we’ll help you find the best option and provide free artwork/design proof.

Contact us today and enjoy 20% OFF for new customers.