If you have never ordered lapel pins, you might feel a little
bit overwhelmed by the different options you have to choose
from.

Basically, when ordering lapel pins you have to decide on:

* Style

* Plating

* Backing

* Size

* Finish

The right combination of the above features will decide on the
success of your project, and it will depend on how you are going
to use your lapel pins.

You first need to know the exact meaning of these features

Lapel Pin Manufacturing Process

The first thing you need to know when you start a lapel pin
project is that in order to get your logo on the pin the
manufacturing process has certain requirements that cannot be
avoided, and the only exception to this are silk-screened or
offset printed pins:

* The design will be transferred to the base material (brass),
creating raised (think of it as walls) and a recessed areas (or
containers).

* Colors used will be in either solid (crystals) or liquid form
, therefore, colors used in the design are limited to solid (or
spot) colors, resulting in the impossibility of using gradients
on the design. If you need to have gradients on your design, we
recommend you use the printed process.

* Colors are manually injected into the container areas and are
separated from each other by the walls , as a result of this,
colors won’t be touching each other , but separated by a thin
metal line.

*** If your company’s art specifications requires it, we can in
some cases, accommodate this by using an extra printing process,
which will be applied on top of the previously applied color.

That been said, let’s start learning more about the different
options on pins.

Deciding on the plating

The most common platings used in lapel pins manufacturing are
gold and silver. But there are a few others available to you to
choose from:

24kt Gold Is by far the most popular one for pins that
want to convey a jewelry look, as gold is often considered a
synonymous of elegance and prestige.

Sterling Silver Is the second favorite one and is often
used when the design demands it and/or you want to minimize the

Bronze With its gold-like shine, it is a recommended
option at more affordable prices.

Copper Reddish in color, nice shine. It is commonly used
for medals and medallions.

Black Nickel Subtle black shine, recommended for defined
drawing-like designs, works good with light colors.

White Nickel Similar shine to sterling silver.

Chrome Grayish looking shine.

Brass Original looks of brushed brass

Imitation Rhodium platinum like looks.

Choosing the plating is an art, and it will depend on the look
you want and the colors presented on the artwork or design.

Lapel Pins Styles

While it is often overlooked, the chosen style will influence
greatly the perceived value of your custom lapel pins.

Different styles work better with certain designs and colors,
while others will give them a specific character:

Cloisonn? Pins

With the classic glass-like elegant look and vibrant colors
provided by the cloisonn? pigments, these pins might seem to
some as a fine piece of jewelry, which will speak greatly about
your company pins. They are hand-crafted with great precision
and care, just like fine jewelry is made. There are only 144
cloisonn? colors available. Click on the link if you wish to
find out more about Cloisonn? Pins, and their manufacturing
process.

Classic Hard Enamel – Enamel Pins

Using a resin paste, mixed with color pigments, these pins have
the look and quality of cloisonn? pins, but a greater variety of
colors, at just a fraction of the price you would pay for
authentic cloisonn? pins. Classic Hard Enamel pigments are mixed
to match the desired color. Smooth at touch.

Die-Struck Pins

Using your custom made design, the copper or bronze base metal
is struck, creating fine detailed raised / deep recessed areas,
which then can be filled with colors or treated with your chosen
finish. Die-Struck pins have a good solid feel and weight.

Die-Struck Soft Enamel Pins

Soft Enamel colors are mixed in a solution form, and then
injected into the recessed areas formed in the struck process.
The result is a high textured pin that can then be covered with
a thin epoxy coating if desired. Soft Enamel colors are mixed to
match any desired color.

Die-Struck Promotional Iron Pins

Manufactured from an iron based metal, and using soft-enamel
colors, their main advantage is the reduced cost and weight,
which makes them perfect for large orders, where the shipping
expenses are a big factor to consider. Due to the nature of the
base metal real detailed designs are not recommended.

Photo Etched Pins

The design is chemically etched into thin bronze metal laminate,
leaving a raised / low depth recessed area, where the soft
enamel colors are then applied and all the area is covered with
a thin epoxy coating; finally the shape of the pin is cut out of
the brass laminate. Etched pins have a great look and lighter in
weight.

Printed Pins

Either offset-printed or silk-screened, printed pins are mostly
used for photos or landscapes, or any other design that requires
extremely fine detail, gradients or color on color designs. They
are covered with an epoxy coating and can produce great results.
They are light in weight and can be made in any color plating.

In the next part of this article we will talk about choosing
the size, backing and finish of your lapel pins