Creating a custom hard enamel pin by yourself can be a challenging process, especially when you’re not ordering from a service that sells these custom pins. The hard enamel pins can be used as collectibles, as accessories for clothes and bags, for branding, and as a gift item. A business looking to enter the manufacturing of such items can still start by initially investing in some of the necessary materials, such as a CNC machine, industrial steel, shapers to mold metals, special enamel paints, and an oven to bake these pins. In this blog, we will discuss the steps and process for creating custom hard enamel pins.
Steps to Create Hard Enamel Pins
1. Prepare Your Design
The first step in creating custom hard enamel pins is to draw out the design on blank white paper, which can later be converted into a PDF by scanning. Creating rough artwork on paper can help you visualize the details you want in the design. The step to finalise something like a design can be a rigorous process; you may come up with a variety of ideas before finalising the one you want. For this reason, creating some rough drafts is recommended. When working on design ideas, opt for simpler and easier-to-create designs rather than those with more details. The reason for this is the type of material used to create these pins, as well as their size, which is typically just 1-2 inches. The trick to achieving a more appropriate design is to opt for bolder and darker colours instead of pastel and muted ones, and avoid shading by simply pouring and using the colours as they are, rather than creating any hues. f
2. Begin With Stamping And Cutting The Design
Get the scan of the chosen designs and get them printed on the vinyl sheets. Now it’s time to prepare your steel sheet. You need to first cut it with the required materials and machines. Apply the vinyl sheet onto the cut steel piece. Remove the vinyl sheet through the etching process. Now, cut the steel starting with finishing its edges and then eventually trimming and cutting the design with the required tools. The above steps can be followed if you are using a vinyl sheet as the medium to trace your design. The other process, however, requires the creation of the mould, and then transferring the design from the mould to the steel sheet, which is also called stamping of the design. The sheet is then cut and trimmed.
3. Paint Your Created Design
The painting process of the hard enamel pins can be a bit lengthy and time-consuming. The painting is done step by step in various coat layers and then dried after each coat. During the process, one also needs to be careful about the creation of bubbles, as it can ruin the entire hard work. During the process, be cautious of leaving any unfilled gaps. Furthermore, the enamel solution should rightly concentrated and should not be too thin or too thick to appropriately be contained in the mould of the pin.
4. Bake Your Custom Pin
Painting your pin is then followed by baking it. The pin, after being painted or having enamel applied, is then entered into the oven at a temperature of at least 350° to 400° for at least fifty minutes. The process involves hardening the applied enamel, which is initially watery; baking causes it to solidify into a glass-like structure. The process is then followed by polishing it with a glossy finish to finalise the painting and baking process. The process of polishing helps create a smooth surface that makes the colour resistant to fading and prevents erosion of the enamel or scratches on its surface.
5. Go With Attaching The Backing Of The Pin
There are a variety of backings of the custom pin badges that you can choose from, as per your budget and preference. You can choose from types including adhesive backing, locking clutch, butterfly clutch, or magnetic one. The most commonly used among these is the butterfly clutch, which is easily available, inexpensive, and easy to attach to the surface.
FAQs
1. Which backing for the hard enamel pin is more durable?
For hard enamel pins, the most recommended backing is the locking clutch or back. The mechanism involved makes it secure and almost impossible to detach from the surface. This kind of backing is also ideal for the badges that are larger in size and heavier in weight.
2. Are custom hard enamel pins expensive to make?
Yes, these pins are a bit expensive to produce due to the type of material and machinery used in their manufacture. However, businesses looking to sell such items can only make a one-time investment in the materials. You can also go for online purchasing for such custom badges.
3. Are hard enamel pins resistant to scratches and fading?
Yes, the badges made with hard enamel are mostly resistant to scratches and fading of the colour because of the polishing process involved, which makes them less prone to damage, including fading and scratching.
Final Thoughts
Hard enamel pins can be used for a variety of purposes, but are mostly used as an accessory. The process of its creation is a bit costly, as it involves the use of materials and equipment that require a bit of proper space and setup to install. The businesses or individuals choosing to select it as a business can go for a one-time investment in these materials and machinery. The article outlines some essential steps that can be followed as a guide to easily create the hard enamel pins of your choice. Be creative with your design, and you will surely capture all the attention. They are a great way to showcase your true style and make a lasting impression. Expert craftsmen approve the tips we have provided for custom pins. Follow this comprehensive guide and craft some amazing hard enamel pins without any hassle.
Read More: