1. Soft Enamel Pins

Features:

✅ Raised metal borders with recessed enamel fill (textured feel).

✅ Bright, vibrant colors with a glossy or matte finish.

✅ Cost-effective and great for detailed designs.

✅ Air-dried instead of polished, maintaining texture.

Best For:

✔ Promotional pins, brand logos, collectibles, and artist merchandise.

Pros & Cons:

✅ Affordable and customizable.

✅ Allows for intricate details.

❌ More prone to scratches than hard enamel.

2. Hard Enamel Pins

Features:

✅ Smooth, polished surface (no texture).

✅ Enamel is added in layers and polished flat for a high-end finish.

✅ More durable and scratch-resistant than soft enamel.

✅ Often has a glossy, jewelry-like appearance.

Best For:

✔ Luxury branding, corporate gifts, and high-quality collectibles.

Pros & Cons:

✅ Extremely durable and long-lasting.

✅ Elegant, professional look.

❌ More expensive than soft enamel pins.

3. Die-Struck Pins (Metal-Only Pins)

Features:

✅ No enamel filling—just raw metal.

✅ Stamped metal design with raised and recessed areas for contrast.

✅ Available in gold, silver, antique, or black nickel finishes.

✅ More subtle and elegant compared to colorful enamel pins.

Best For:

✔ Military badges, corporate awards, and classic lapel pins.

Pros & Cons:

✅ Elegant and timeless appearance.

✅ Extremely durable.

❌ Lacks color, which may limit design options.

4. 3D Cast Pins (3D Molded Pins)

Features:

✅ Uses a 3D mold to create a fully sculpted, high-relief design.

✅ No enamel—entirely made of metal with smooth transitions.

✅ Available in different platings (gold, silver, antique finishes).

✅ Best for designs requiring depth, shading, and realism.

Best For:

✔ Commemorative pins, detailed sculptures, or premium awards.

Pros & Cons:

✅ Incredible depth and realistic detail.

✅ Unique, premium look.

❌ More expensive and less suitable for simple designs.

Final Thoughts

• Want a budget-friendly, colorful option? → Choose Soft Enamel.
• Need something premium and smooth? → Go for Hard Enamel.
• Prefer an all-metal, classic look? → Pick Die-Struck.
• Looking for realistic 3D detail? → Get a 3D Cast Pin.