Acrylic Pins vs. Enamel Pins
There’s no better accessory than a custom pin! They make great promotional and advertising tools, too! These small, brightly colored trinkets come in all colors, shapes, patterns, and finishes.
Custom pins are popular collectibles, particularly among younger generations. Many fire stations, police departments, and military organizations also give them as commemorative gifts!
There are two main types of pins: acrylic and enamel. Acrylics are lightweight and are compatible with almost any design, while enamel pins are more vibrant and durable. In this article, we’ll break down all the differences between acrylic and enamel pins, so you can find the one that is best for you.
Acrylic Pins
Acrylic is a type of plastic that is very lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to work with. This has made it popular for many artistic applications, including custom pins.
Acrylic pins may not be as durable as metal and enamel, but they’re great for designs with small details and color gradients. They often look like a small printed image inside of a thin plastic coating – which is how many of them are made! If you can print it, you can make it a pin!
Acrylics are also not as heavy as enamel, which is a big plus for pin collectors. Many people like to cover canvas backpacks or tote bags with their collectible pins – if you do this with enamels, it can get heavy quickly.
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Benefits of Acrylic Pins
Acrylics are a fantastic option for complex or detailed designs. They can accommodate a range of colors and saturations, as well as several different finishes. Here are some of the most popular aspects of acrylic pins:
Better for Gradients
Acrylics are great for showcasing color gradients and letting your ideas flow. Gradients can help designs look more organic and less blocky, giving you endless options. Because the designs are printed, you can even use photos!
Capture Small Details
Acrylic is a great medium for capturing fine, small details. This lets you get clean and clear designs without sacrificing special and specific details.
Explore Different Finished
The right finish brings out the best in any pin. Acrylic can be paired with several finishes, meaning endless options for the final design.
Enamel Pins
For a long-lasting, high-quality product, enamel pins are an excellent option. Baking layers make each enamel pin of colored enamel into a metal packing. The colors, finishes, and even the shape of the metal backing are all fully customizable, so you have complete freedom in bringing your vision to life.
This pin type is durable and long-lasting because they’re made of metal and baked enamel. It won’t scratch or break. It feels more luxurious than a typical acrylic pin and is preferred for commemorative gifts and collectibles.
Benefits of Enamel Pins
Enamel is a relatively flexible medium that offers almost unlimited design options. You can mix and match color and texture layers to achieve the exact design you have in mind.
Unmatched Durability
Enamels are known for their durability. They can last for years without losing their shine or color, so you can feel confident you’re getting a good value for your dollar.
Premium Feel
Enamels have two signature textures, depending on whether you opt for a hard or soft bake. Hard enamels have the smooth, polished texture many people are familiar with. Soft acrylics have grooves or lines for a more tactile and visually interesting appeal.
Superior Finish Options
When it comes to premium finishes, enamel is the way to go. Enamels come with over a dozen possible finishes and optional add-ons such as rhinestones and glitter.
Which Pin Material Should You Choose?
Both acrylic and enamel pins have their pros and cons. Acrylics are lightweight and less expensive than enamel pins but are more prone to scratches and color fading. An enamel pin is the better bet for a long-lasting, high-quality product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Acrylic or Enamel Pins Better?
While both options have their strengths and weaknesses, enamel pins are a higher-quality product. They’re more durable, and the finished surfaces are less prone to wear and tear, such as scratches and discoloration. Because they’re made of metal, the posts on enamel pins are much less likely to break – so you can use them for years.
Final Thoughts
Both types of pins have their unique advantages and uses. Acrylics are lightweight, cheaper, and better suited to realistic designs or those with small details. They have several finish options, including glitter and tints.
Enamel pins, on the other hand, are known for their durability, quality, and premium feel. While these pins may be pricier, they are a high-quality product that can withstand years of wear and tear. This makes them the preferred choice for collecting, trading, and gifts.
THE/STUDIO offers custom enamel pins with various design options, finishes, and backing choices. They offer both hard and soft enamel products, so you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for.
