Enamel Pins 101: Anatomy of a Pin | The Pink Samurai's Pin Series #1

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their expertise on making enamel pins, focusing on different types such as soft enamel, hard enamel, and cloisonné. They cover the production process, from the casting of molds to the finishing steps, and offer tips on adding features like glitter, epoxy, and screen printing. The video also emphasizes the importance of branding, recommending the addition of back imprints and discussing various pin backings. Whether you’re a beginner or refining your process, this guide provides valuable insights into creating quality enamel pins and launching a successful pin business.

Takeaways

• 😀 Soft enamel pins are the least expensive option, with raised metal lines and enamel filling the spaces. They're great for detailed designs, but can chip over time.
• 😀 Hard enamel pins are sanded smooth after the enamel is added, resulting in a glossy, flat finish. They’re more expensive but offer a cleaner, sturdier look.
• 😀 Cloisonné pins are a jewelry-grade option, more expensive than hard enamel, and feature a smooth and shiny surface, often used for higher-end designs.
• 😀 Glitter can be added to soft enamel pins, but it may cause some fallout during production. To prevent this, an epoxy coating can be applied on top for a smooth finish.
• 😀 When adding glitter to hard enamel pins, the glitter is mixed into the enamel itself, eliminating the risk of fallout and maintaining a smooth surface.
• 😀 Screen printing allows for designs with no metal lines between colors, offering crisp, detailed artwork, and can be an excellent choice if you want a seamless design.
• 😀 Always include a back imprint (your logo) on your pins. This helps customers remember where they bought the pin, even if they forget the packaging or pass it on to someone else.
• 😀 There are different types of backing clutches available. Rubber clutches are recommended for their better hold and stability compared to cheap butterfly clutches.
• 😀 If you're working with factories or manufacturers, it's important to discuss options like two posts for larger pins or custom clutches to ensure quality.
• 😀 The cost of adding features like epoxy, glitter, and screen printing varies, so it’s essential to factor these into your pricing strategy when designing your pins.

Q & A

What are soft enamel pins, and what makes them unique?

Soft enamel pins have raised metal edges with enamel filling the spaces. They allow for detailed designs and are the most affordable type of enamel pin, but the enamel can chip over time, especially during packaging.

What are some of the drawbacks of soft enamel pins?

Soft enamel pins can sometimes suffer from enamel chipping, particularly during packaging. Glitter used in these pins can also cause fallout, so epoxy is often added to help secure it.

What are hard enamel pins, and how are they different from soft enamel pins?

Hard enamel pins are made by filling the mold with enamel, then sanding it down to create a smooth, flat surface. They are more durable and clean in appearance compared to soft enamel pins, but they may not capture as much intricate detail.

What is the process of creating cloisonné pins?

Cloisonné pins are similar to hard enamel but have a shinier, higher-quality finish. The enamel is applied and smoothed, resulting in a luxurious, jewelry-grade pin that tends to be more expensive due to the added production work.

Why is epoxy resin used in soft enamel pins?

Epoxy resin is applied over soft enamel to smooth the surface, especially when glitter is included. It helps to keep the glitter in place and makes the surface even, but it can sometimes trap dust, leading to imperfections.

How is glitter incorporated into hard enamel pins?

In hard enamel pins, glitter is mixed directly into the enamel during production. This avoids the problem of glitter fallout, creating a smooth, glittery surface without the need for an epoxy coating.

What is screen printing on enamel pins, and when is it used?

Screen printing is used to add intricate designs directly onto the pin without metal outlines. It allows for detailed features, such as stars or smaller shapes, that would be difficult to achieve with the standard metal borders used in other pin types.

Why is it important to add a back imprint (logo) to enamel pins?

A back imprint ensures that customers can trace the pin back to the creator if they forget where they purchased it. It serves as a branding tool and helps with customer retention.

What are the different types of pin backings, and which are recommended?

The most common types of pin backings are butterfly clutches, rubber clutches, and locking backs. Rubber clutches are the recommended choice due to their superior hold and security, while butterfly clutches are cheaper but less reliable. Locking backs are secure but harder to remove.

How can you prevent issues with glitter when making enamel pins?

To avoid glitter fallout in soft enamel pins, you can add epoxy resin over the top. This will secure the glitter and create a smooth surface. It's important to be cautious with glitter in the production process to prevent imperfections in the final product.