Soft Enamel is a popular surface coloring process where liquid color enamel is filled into the recessed areas of a metal base and then baked at high temperatures to cure.

It is currently the most widely used craftsmanship in the global lapel pin and custom metal gift industry, accounting for approximately 80% of the market share.

Key Structural Features:

Textured / Recessed Feel: As the liquid enamel cures in the oven, it slightly settles, leaving the raised metal die lines higher than the enamel surface. Touching it reveals a distinct, tactile 3D contour.
Rich & Vibrant Colors: Colors can be precisely matched to Pantone color guides, offering rich, vivid, and saturated visual results.

Pros, Cons & Applications of Soft Enamel

Pros

Vibrant & Precise Colors: Easily customized with exact Pantone PMS color matching.
Distinct Tactile Texture: Strong dimensional feel with raised metal lines; supports layered 3D designs.
High Cost-Efficiency: Best value for money, making it the top choice for bulk production.
Versatile Compatibility: Fits almost any custom shape, size, or structural design.

Cons

The surface is not as mirror-flat as Hard Enamel.
Minor color fading may occur after 3–5 years under harsh, long-term exposure.
Not suitable for ultra-fine screen-printed details.

Corporate gifts, event commemorative pins, employee badges, and brand merchandise (dominating ~80% of the custom pin market).

The 4-Step Manufacturing Process of Soft Enamel

Unlike Hard Enamel (which follows an "Enamel-Then-Plate" sequence), Soft Enamel strictly follows a "Plate-Then-Enamel" production flow:

Manufacturing process

Die Casting / Stamping ➔ Deburring & Polishing ➔ Electroplating ➔ Enamel Painting & Curing

Step 1: Base Metal Stamping / Die Casting

The metal base is stamped or die-cast (typically using zinc alloy, copper, or iron) according to design blueprints.
Precision Control: Dimensional tolerance is strictly kept within

Step 2: Deburring & Polishing

Metal burrs are thoroughly removed through rough grinding, fine grinding, and polishing. This ensures smooth edges, a comfortable tactile feel, and no sharp defects.

Step 3: Electroplating

The polished raw metal base is electroplated with the desired metallic finish (e.g., shiny gold, silver, black nickel, or antique finishes).

Step 4: Enamel Painting & Curing (Core Step)

Liquid color pigments are precisely injected into the recessed metal cavities manually or via automated needles.
The pins are then baked in an oven at 180°C for 15–20 minutes to fully solidify the enamel and achieve peak color saturation.

For brands and corporate buyers seeking high cost-performance, vivid colors, and a distinctive tactile feel, Soft Enamel is the ideal choice. By ensuring full 180°C curing and enforcing 3M tape adhesion tests during production, you can guarantee a premium-quality custom lapel pin every time.

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Whether you represent a global brand, growing company, or structured organization, we apply the same manufacturing discipline to every project.
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