Fashion

10 Materials to Make Custom Lapel Pins From

Custom lapel pins are a fun and original way to make a statement in an overstimulated world. A well-made pin is far more impactful than a post on social media, a mass text message, or even an advertisement on a local TV station.

That’s because custom lapel pins are constructed from real-world materials and take time and attention to bring to life. They’re designed to look great, make a strong impression, and stand the test of time. 

Not all custom pins are equal, however, and you need to choose the right materials to make the best investment for your money. Here are the top 10 materials to consider when creating a custom pin that lasts. 

However, if you’re not in the market for a custom pin, but simply looking for the best lapel pins, then its better to outreach to a well-reviewed company like MyEnamelPins.com. Such companies will have a wide variety of pins to choose from, and you’re almost guaranteed to find what you’re looking for, so it’s always  worth checking out their selection and giving them a chance. Getting back to our discussion on the best materials for custom pins, here are your top 10 options:

1. Zinc Alloys

The abundant natural material zinc is present in many of our favorite industrial and household items, but it’s typically mixed with other materials as an alloy. Zinc is flexible, adaptable, and most of all, affordable. This lets us enjoy awesome pins at low prices.

 

Depending on the alloy, zinc may last longer or suffer a shorter lifespan, so be aware of these tradeoffs when shopping around. When creating a pin with the help of a custom creator online, ask what zinc alloys they have available and their relative pros and cons.

2. Iron

It might seem like a heavy-duty option for a small enamel pin, but one thing is for sure: iron isn’t going anywhere. This material is tough as nails and will ensure that your pin is built for the long haul. 

Iron makes a great foundation for enamel pins, offering a durable and slightly shining base on which to fill your favorite colors and designs. See what types of iron are on offer from your favorite pin producer and you may find your match.

3. Copper

We’ve come a long way from the bronze age, but copper and various alloys are still used to make eye-catching pins of all kinds. Copper itself is quite malleable, so a bit of tin goes a long way. That’s why bronze is 88% copper and 13% tin.

This material might not be your first choice for a custom lapel pin, but it’s available at a low cost and great for testing out various at-home projects.

4. Aluminum 

If you’re looking for a highly detailed offset digital printed pin, aluminum is likely going to be the foundation. It’s a lightweight material that offers tons of flexibility and gives you the intricate details you need for printing.

The downsides of aluminum are hard to ignore, however, if you’re looking to maximize the durability and longevity of your pins. This material is better suited for high-volume, low-cost pins that aren’t meant to last as long.

5. Stainless Steel

Level up from aluminum, and you have stainless steel pins that are built for the long haul. With a stainless steel foundation, you can make a skyscraper – or one of the toughest lapel pins you’ve ever seen!

More often than not, people opt for more affordable and functional materials to make pins, but stainless steel is always an option for high-quality commemorative pins and coins. 

6. Hard Enamel

Enamel is a broad category in art and industrial processes, and when making custom lapel pins, you need a bit of both. To create hard enamel products, powdered glass is layered with extreme precision and fired at over 1500 degrees.

The result is a pin with a silky smooth surface and professional appearance. The look is much more modern and flawless, which can be an upside or negative depending on what you envision.

7. Soft Enamel

For that vintage look and feel, soft enamel gives you exactly what you’re looking for. The colors are vibrant and gel-like, and the surface features small recessions that give it a distinctive texture.

With a soft enamel pin, you get a range of distinct colors that look great no matter the lighting. The one downside of this material is the durability factor; they are more prone to scratching and may not last as long as their hard enamel counterparts. 

8. Epoxy

Epoxy is a manmade polymer that is designed to harden through chemical reactions. When making printed pins, a layer of epoxy is typically added as a finisher to secure the pin and protect the print from damage.

9. Glass

If you buy a pin made with glass, make sure you handle it with care. These are tiny pieces of art that have a premium look and feel but are prone to irreparable damage if you are not cautious.

10. Plastic

There’s always a time and place for plastic pins. Even if it’s not your first choice, plastic can work in a pinch and give you an affordable solution at scale. These pins are great for kids who may not yet be old enough to handle the responsibilities of more expensive items. 

Also read this Everpest Electronic Ultrasonic Pest Repellers

The Best Materials for Your Pins

Now that you know which materials are used to make pins, you can pick your favorites and make your vision a reality. 

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