How to Make Enamel Pins! // designing, ordering, & tricks for good results // #gs-jj #custompins.ca

Summary

In this video, the creator shares valuable insights on designing and producing enamel pins, drawing from years of experience. They explain the difference between hard and soft enamel pins, the process of working with manufacturers, and the various customization options available. The video emphasizes choosing the right materials, designing with appropriate details, and considering factors like pin size, colors, and metal finishes. The creator also highlights the importance of quality control, including managing imperfections in the final products. With practical advice and tips, this video serves as a useful guide for beginners looking to create their own enamel pins.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hard enamel pins have a smooth finish, are more durable, and are typically more expensive compared to soft enamel pins, which have a raised metal effect and a more textured appearance.
• 😀 Choose your enamel pin manufacturer before designing your pins to ensure they can handle the specific features you want (e.g., glitter, glow-in-the-dark, different metals).
• 😀 GSJ J (CustomPins.com) is a reliable manufacturer with competitive pricing, fast delivery, and a free quote tool that lets you customize pin specifications and delivery times.
• 😀 To keep costs down, limit the number of colors in your design as more colors increase the per-pin price.
• 😀 Always ensure each color in your design is enclosed by a line to prevent the enamel from mixing during production.
• 😀 For a cleaner finish and easier design process, it’s recommended to stick with a simple design, avoiding overly fine details that may be difficult to produce.
• 😀 Pin backings include military clutches (standard), rubber clutches (flatter, more secure), and locking backs (most secure but difficult to remove). Larger pins can have two clutches for extra security.
• 😀 Pantone colors are important for color accuracy, especially since screens display colors differently. Always verify color choices with Pantone swatches if precise matching is necessary.
• 😀 Enamel pin production often leads to some imperfections, such as scratches or bubbles, especially with light colors and large flat areas. Sorting out the best quality pins is common.
• 😀 Ordering enamel pins involves uploading your artwork to a manufacturer for a mockup approval. Double-check all details before finalizing production.
• 😀 GSJ J offers flexible pricing depending on production speed, with the option to choose cheaper rates by allowing more time for production.

Q & A

What are enamel pins made of?

Enamel pins are made of metal with colored enamel fillings. The metal design outlines are created from your artwork, and each section of the mold is filled with a different color of enamel, similar to a coloring book.

What is the difference between hard enamel and soft enamel pins?

Hard enamel pins have a smooth, flush finish where the enamel is level with the metal, offering a clean and durable look, but they are usually more expensive. Soft enamel pins have raised metal outlines, creating a textured effect where the enamel sits below the metal, and they are cheaper to produce.

Can you make enamel pins at home?

No, enamel pins require a manufacturer to produce them. It's best to choose a manufacturer before designing your pins to understand your available options.

What is a good enamel pin manufacturer recommended in the video?

The recommended manufacturer in the video is GSJ J, also known as CustomPins.com. The speaker has used them for many years and appreciates their communication, quality, and competitive pricing.

What additional features can you add to enamel pins?

You can add various effects like glitter, glow-in-the-dark enamel, pearlescent enamel, rhinestones, and transparent enamel. These features increase the cost but can enhance the appearance of the pins.

What is the cost structure for enamel pins at GSJ J?

GSJ J offers flexible pricing depending on the speed of production. The slower the production time, the cheaper the price. There's a minimum order value of $99, but no minimum order quantity. You also need to pay for a mold charge and unit price per pin.

What types of pin backings are available?

Common pin backings include military clutches, rubber clutches, and pin locking backs. Rubber clutches are preferred by some for their flatter fit, while pin locking backs are the most secure but harder to remove.

What should you consider when designing enamel pins?

When designing enamel pins, ensure each color is separated by metal lines, which act as barriers to prevent colors from mixing. Keep details simple and avoid intricate designs, as small details may be challenging for the manufacturer to reproduce.

What is the importance of Pantone colors in pin design?

Pantone colors provide a standardized color system to ensure color accuracy. It's recommended to match your pin design to Pantone colors, especially when aiming for exact color matches, as colors on screens may vary from actual production.

What are some common defects in enamel pins?

Common defects include scratches, bubbles, underfilled or overfilled enamel areas, and imperfections in the enamel. It's standard to expect some defective pins, typically around 10%, and it's important to inspect pins before selling them.