Enamel pin badges are the unsung heroes of branding, recognition and personal expression. From commemorating a milestone event to building a community around a common cause, their appeal is universal. Yet, when it comes to creating your own, one of the first and most crucial decisions you’ll face is choosing between hard enamel and soft enamel.
The difference defines the look, feel, cost and longevity of your final badge. As an authority in custom enamel badges, Bespoke Medals is here to help simplify the process. Whether you’re an event organiser planning giveaways, a charity launching a fundraising campaign, or a business building brand loyalty, this guide will equip you to make the perfect choice.
Imagine the smooth, glass-like surface of a high-end watch face or a classic infilled medal. That’s the hallmark of a hard enamel badge.
The process involves filling metal recesses with powdered enamel and then baking it at a high temperature. The next key step is polishing. The badge is ground and polished down until the enamel is perfectly flush with the raised metal lines. The result is a flat, glossy and supremely smooth surface.
Imagine the tactile, textured feel of a souvenir pin from your favourite band, a charity pin badge, or a marathon reward. This is the characteristic appeal of soft enamel.
The manufacturing process is similar, but with a vital difference: the enamel is not polished flat. The enamel layers are fired at a slightly lower temperature and remain recessed below the raised metal lines. This creates a distinctive texture, with a clear separation between colours and the metal ridges.
The truth is, neither is universally better. The right choice depends entirely on your goals, budget and design. Let’s break it down.
| Feature | Hard Enamel | Soft Enamel |
| Surface Finish | Flat, smooth and polished, flush with metal. | Textured, with recessed enamel and raised metal lines. |
| Durability | Excellent. Highly scratch-resistant. | Good. Slightly more prone to wear on the raised metal edges. |
| Cost | Typically higher due to extra polishing steps. | Typically more cost-effective. |
| Look & Feel | Premium, glossy and modern. | Classic, tactile and traditional. |
| Best For | Corporate logos, awards and luxury collectables. | Events, charities, promotional items and detailed designs. |
Choose hard enamel for a premium, durable, polished finish when budget is secondary to perceived value. Choose soft enamel for a classic, cost-effective and colourful badge, especially for one-off events or detailed artistic designs.
Both finishes are designed to last for years, making them a fantastic long-term investment. The base metal (often a zinc alloy) provides core strength, while the enamel and plating provide protection.
Hard enamel is exceptionally durable due to its solid, flat surface, making it ideal for items worn frequently.
Soft enamel is still very robust for everyday use. The raised metal lines may develop a natural patina over time, which many collectors appreciate as character.
At Bespoke Medals, we offer options to further extend your badge’s lifespan:
Creating your perfect badge is an exciting journey. Here’s a simple step-by-step overview:
For a deep dive into shapes, sizes and special features, explore our comprehensive guide on Pin Badge Styles & Features.
Ready to bring your pin badge vision to life? At Bespoke Medals, we combine expert craftsmanship with a free design service to ensure your custom badges make a lasting impression.
Want to make your medals or pin badges even more sustainable? Our standard metal medals are made from 95% recyclable zinc, but we can now provide 100% recycled zinc medals and pin badges upon request.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and design consultation. Let’s design your perfect enamel pin badge together.