Enamel Pin & Label Badges

Enamel pin and label badges are a classic and versatile form of insignia, combining a metal base with coloured enamel infill. They offer a clean, durable finish and are widely used for corporate, organisational, commemorative and official purposes.

The badge is typically die-struck or cast in metal, with recessed areas filled with hard or soft enamel. Surfaces can be polished, plated (in gold, silver, nickel or other finishes) and, where required, protected with an epoxy dome. The result is a precise, long-lasting badge with strong colour definition and a professional appearance.

Key advantages

  • Sharp detail and clean colour areas

  • Durable metal construction

  • Wide range of plating and finish options

  • Suitable for both simple and moderately complex designs

  • Professional appearance suitable for formal and everyday wear

  • Excellent for small to medium sizes (especially lapel pins)

Typical uses

  • Corporate and organisational lapel pins

  • Government and departmental badges

  • Club, association and membership pins

  • Commemorative and event badges

  • Name and identification label badges

  • Presentation and recognition items

  • School, university and alumni pins

We produce enamel badges to clear specifications, with options for hard enamel, soft enamel, plating finishes, attachment types (butterfly clutch, deluxe clutch, safety pin, etc.) and optional packaging.

Hard Enamel vs Soft Enamel

Both hard and soft enamel are widely used for pin and label badges. The difference lies in how the enamel is applied and finished, which affects appearance, durability and cost.

Hard Enamel

  • Enamel is filled into the metal recesses and then polished flat so the enamel and metal surfaces sit level with each other.

  • Produces a smooth, flat, premium finish.

  • Metal outlines remain clearly visible and flush with the colour areas.

  • More durable and resistant to wear over time.

  • Higher quality appearance, often preferred for formal, corporate and official badges.

  • Generally more expensive and has a longer production time.

Soft Enamel

  • Enamel is filled into the recesses but left lower than the metal outlines, so the metal lines stand slightly raised.

  • Often finished with a clear epoxy dome to protect the enamel and create a smooth top surface.

  • Delivers strong colour definition and a slightly more textured look.

  • More economical and typically quicker to produce.

  • Very common for promotional, event, club and many corporate pins.

Quick Comparison

Feature Hard Enamel Soft Enamel Surface finish Flat and smooth Metal lines raised (often epoxy domed)Durability Higher Good (improved with epoxy)Appearance Premium, refined Bright, slightly more textured Cost Higher More economical Production time Longer Shorter Best for Formal, official, long-term use Promotional, events, general use

Which should you choose?

  • Choose hard enamel when you want a high-quality, long-lasting badge with a smooth professional finish — ideal for corporate, government, regimental or presentation pieces.

  • Choose soft enamel when you need a cost-effective option with strong colour impact, especially for larger quantities, events or promotional use.

We produce both hard and soft enamel badges and will recommend the most suitable finish for your design, budget and intended use.

Contact us with your artwork and requirements and we will provide clear advice and a quotation.