Soft Enamel Pin Case Study

Creating a Textured Logo Pin with Strong Contrast

See how PixelToPin transformed a bold expedition logo into a durable custom soft enamel pin with raised metal details, recessed color areas and a strong retail-ready finish.

North Expedition custom soft enamel logo pin with raised metal details
The Project

Project Overview

This project began with a bold outdoor expedition logo featuring angular mountain shapes, layered lettering and a limited black, silver and red color palette.

The goal was to preserve the strength of the original logo while creating visible depth and tactile contrast. Soft enamel was selected because its recessed color areas allow raised metal borders and lettering to remain clearly defined.

Close-up of textured soft enamel logo pin with recessed red enamel
Design Transformation

From Logo Artwork to Finished Pin

The logo was adjusted for clean metal separation, readable lettering and consistent enamel filling.

Original Logo Artwork
Finished Soft Enamel Pin
Finished North Expedition custom soft enamel pin
Production Goals

Client Requirements

Strong Logo Readability

Keep the wordmark clear and recognizable at pin size.

Visible Metal Texture

Use raised metal to create contrast against recessed enamel.

Accurate Brand Colors

Maintain the approved red, black and metallic color balance.

Secure Attachment

Use two clutch posts to prevent the wider pin from rotating.

Our Approach

Recommended Materials & Process

The selected process emphasized bold outlines, surface depth and reliable repeat production.

01

Artwork Preparation

Lettering, borders and mountain details were reviewed to maintain minimum metal line thickness and clean enamel areas.

Soft enamel logo pin artwork preparation
02

Metal Forming & Enamel Fill

The metal base was formed, plated in black nickel and filled with enamel below the raised metal surface.

Custom soft enamel pin color filling process
03

Finishing & Inspection

Each pin was checked for sharp lettering, clean recessed color areas, stable plating and secure back posts.

Quality inspection of finished soft enamel logo pins
Technical Execution

Production Challenge & Solution

The Challenge

The logo contained narrow letter gaps, sharp mountain points and several close parallel outlines that could lose definition when reduced to pin size.

  • Small spaces inside lettering could close up
  • Sharp angles needed sufficient metal strength
  • Red enamel required clean separation from black areas

Our Solution

We slightly strengthened critical metal lines, opened the smallest negative spaces and adjusted enamel zones before tooling.

  • Refined lettering for better readability
  • Reinforced mountain peaks and outside edges
  • Used recessed soft enamel to preserve tactile depth
Final Outcome

Finished Result

Completed North Expedition soft enamel pin production

A Bold, Textured Logo Pin

The finished pin retains the visual weight of the expedition logo while adding a tactile raised-metal finish. Black nickel strengthens the dark outdoor aesthetic, silver-toned lettering remains readable and recessed red enamel creates a controlled accent.

The final product is suitable for outdoor clubs, event merchandise, uniform accessories and branded retail collections.

At a Glance

Product Specifications

Product TypeCustom Soft Enamel Logo Pin
Size2.0 in / 50.8 mm
Base MaterialIron
EnamelSoft Enamel
PlatingBlack Nickel
Color StyleBlack, Silver and Red
Back AttachmentTwo Black Rubber Clutches
PackagingCustom Backing Card + Clear Poly Bag
Back of a custom soft enamel logo pin with two rubber clutches
Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was soft enamel selected for this logo pin?

Soft enamel leaves the colored areas slightly recessed below the raised metal lines. This creates visible texture and strong contrast, which works especially well for bold logos, lettering and outdoor brand designs.

Can small lettering be reproduced with soft enamel?

Yes, when the letters and internal spaces meet minimum production sizes. PixelToPin reviews the artwork before tooling and may slightly adjust narrow gaps to improve readability.

Can this logo pin use other plating finishes?

Yes. Depending on the desired appearance, options may include gold, silver, antique silver, antique bronze or black nickel. We can recommend the most suitable finish for the artwork.

Can epoxy coating be added to soft enamel pins?

Yes. A clear epoxy coating can be added for extra surface protection and a smoother feel, although it reduces some of the natural recessed texture of soft enamel.

Ready to Create Your Own?

Turn Your Logo Into a Custom Soft Enamel Pin

Send us your artwork and receive process recommendations, production guidance and a free custom quote.

Custom Product Pricing FAQ

Clear answers about custom product pricing, mold fees, minimum quantities, shipping costs, volume discounts, artwork, and reorders.

How is custom product pricing calculated?

Pricing is based on the product type, size, thickness, quantity, number of colors, metal plating, artwork complexity, attachments, special effects, packaging, and shipping destination. Send us your artwork and requirements to receive an itemized factory-direct quotation.

Does the quoted price include mold and setup fees?

Your quotation will clearly show any mold or setup fees required for the project. Most new custom metal designs require a mold because the shape and artwork are made specifically for your order. There are no additional charges beyond the items confirmed in your quotation.

Does the price include shipping, duties, and taxes?

Shipping costs are calculated based on order weight, packaging, destination, and delivery method. Your quotation will state whether shipping is included or listed separately. Import duties, taxes, and customs fees may apply depending on the destination and agreed shipping terms.

Do larger quantities receive lower unit pricing?

Yes. The unit price generally decreases as the order quantity increases because mold, setup, and production costs are distributed across more pieces. Contact us for quantity-based pricing at 50, 100, 300, 500, or 1,000 pieces.

Can I combine different designs to reach the minimum order quantity?

Each completely different design normally requires its own mold and minimum quantity. Color variations using the same shape and mold may sometimes be combined, depending on the production process. Send us all designs for confirmation before ordering.

Are artwork revisions and reorders charged separately?

Initial artwork review and standard production-proof revisions are provided free of charge before approval. Reorders using the same approved design may have lower setup costs if the original mold remains available and suitable for production. Design, size, or mold changes will be quoted separately.