Stamped pins comprise the majority of pins we produce. The design outlines are pressed into warm metal and the pins are electro-plated with gold, silver or other finishes. Visualize a children's coloring book with the black outlines as raised metal. Enamel is added to fill in color between the lines. Each color is separated by a fine raised metal line, which you can feel when running your finger over the surface of the pin.

Printed pins are used to reproduce photographs or when continuous coloring is needed. Since a raised metal line is not required between each color, unlike other processes, colors can touch each other and gradient color is possible. A full color process printed or silk-screened  print is fused to metal and then each pin is coated with an epoxy finish. This normally lighter weight pin will have a flat, high gloss surface.

Photo Etched pins are acid etched, rather than stamped or printed. They are able to hold a finer line than stamped pins. Normally lighter weight, these pins are polished to a flat surface and may or may not be coated with epoxy.

Hard and imitation hard enamel pins are often referred to as Cloisonné. The "original" lapel pin process (though not used for promotional purposes at the time), developed in Asia more than 1000 years ago. These pins are beautiful, durable and just slightly more expensive than other types of pins. This process is similar to a stamped pin, but harder enamels are used and the entire pin is polished down to a smooth surface.

VARIATIONS

Bent Die pins are used to give the pin a slightly rounded appearance, such as a badge or half-ball.

Cubic pins are used when you need an actual three-dimensional pin with more angular detail than a bent die can produce.

Cast pins are used when you don’t want a solid metal pin. This process is used for designs such as  spider webs, lace, Swiss cheese, etc.

Many different finishes are available to make your pin truly unique. While these finishes cost a little extra, they can make your pin stand out from the rest….

Gold, silver, nickel, black nickel, copper and brass plated finishes are all available as part of your basic pin cost.

Antiquing is a darkening process used on pins that have no coloring to make the details stand out. 

Satin plating provides a softer, more sophisticated look to your pin.

Sandblasting provides a slighted "rough" matte finish to contrast with the more shiny areas of gold or silver. Usually used on recessed metal parts of the pin. Many other granular and patterned background textures are also available.

Epoxy is a high gloss coating that that covers your pin. A common misconception is that epoxy prevents the color from scratching off, but with our quality process it is not necessary. While some people prefer this polished look, we feel the pins often maintain a higher quality jewelry effect without epoxy.

Gem Stones will add dimension and, of course, an extra sparkle to your pin. The stone chips can be used just decoratively or as design elements to represent eyes, fire, etc. Stones are available in many sizes and colors.

Glitter is a finish that was only recently perfected, so you won’t have seen many pins with it yet. 

Two-Tone Plating gives the richness of both gold and silver luster to your pins.

Flashing Light is a sure attention-getter. These can be used as an eye or eyes, a crystal ball, traffic light, etc.