Lapel Pins Explained...

Lapel pins are an effective and popular promotional product for many organizations, so we wanted to explain those types which are readily available and how to recognize the differences. The following information has been provided by our preferred manufacturers for lapel pins and emblematic jewelry: Amcraft, Avaline and Stone Enterprises. 

• Production Method & Base Material: Color glass powder is used to fill recesses in die-struck brass which is then fired, polished and plated. 
• Shapes & Colors: Custom shapes and sizes are available; multiple colors can be used; and, stones (synthetic and semi-precious) can be added to pin.
• Finishes: Gold, Silver, Antique Gold, Antique Silver, Antique Bronze, Antique Copper and Black.
• Typical Uses: Award and recognition.
• Advantages: High perceived value; jewelry-like durability.
• Disadvantages: No PMS color matching; fine detail (such as lettering) cannot be color filled; colors must be separated by thin metal walls.
• Variations: Cloisonnextra uses a special polymer material that can be PMS color matched. Laser-fired Cloisonnextra can offer screen or pad printing on the pin to accomplish details that are too small for colors to be separated by metal walls.

• Production Method & Base Material: Soft enamel is used to fill recesses in die-struck brass similar to Cloisonne, and an epoxy dome is usually applied to protect the surface. Thin metal walls typically separate colors.
• Shapes: Custom shapes and sizes are available. Multiple colors can be used, and PMS color matches are available. Stones (synthetic and semi-precious) can be added to pin.
• Finishes: Gold, Silver, Antique Gold, Antique Silver, Antique Bronze, Antique Copper and Black.
• Typical Uses: Less expensive award and recognition purposes.
• Advantages: Economical substitute for Cloisonne.
• Disadvantages: Fine detail (such as lettering) cannot be color filled; colors must be separated by thin metal walls; and, epoxy domes can discolor with age.
• Variations: Die Struck Two-Tone can have a background that is sandblasted or textured, and raised areas highlighted by a shiny polished finish. Die Struck Economy Iron Soft Enamel is struck in iron (instead of brass) and barrel plated in imitation gold or nickel. This variation is typically used for large quantity promotional programs.

• Production Method & Base Material: Each design is made into a model and then a rubber mold. Hot zinc is poured into the mold. After cooling, the casting is tumbled for polishing and plating.
• Shapes: Custom shapes and sizes are available. Stones (synthetic and semi-precious) can be added to pin.
• Finishes: Gold and Silver.
• Typical Uses: Less expensive award and recognition purposes.
• Advantages: Dimensional with cut-out letters are possible.
• Disadvantages: 3-D castings require more costly tooling or set-up charges. Delicate detail is difficult to obtain.
• Variations: Precious metals (Sterling Silver, 10k Gold and 14k Gold) can be used at increased cost for highest award and recognition purposes.

• Production Method & Base Material: Colors are screen printed onto flat metal findings, then usually covered with epoxy domes for protection.
• Shapes: Stock shapes are typically used, but custom shapes can be accomplished.
• Finishes: Polished brass and stainless steel are the standard finishes, but pins can be gold or silver plated at additional cost.
• Typical Uses: Promotional giveaways.
• Advantages: PMS Color match; colors register without metal between colors; fine detail printing; unlimited number of colors.
• Disadvantages: Epoxy domes can discolor with age.

• Production Method & Base Material: A miniature photographic print (decal) is adhered to a brass or steel finding.
• Shapes: Stock shapes are typically used, but custom shapes can be accomplished.
• Finishes: Polished brass and stainless steel are the standard finishes, but pins can be gold or silver plated at additional cost.
• Typical Uses: Promotional giveaways and when photo-like reproduction, halftones and graduated screens are needed.
• Advantages: Results in a full color pin; perfect registration; unlimited colors; color graduation and halftones are possible; fine detail is not a problem; and can be affordably produced domestically.
• Disadvantages: Custom shapes require special tooling; no metallic or PMS color matching; colors can fade over time; epoxy domes can discolor with age.
• Variations: Photo etched soft enamel pins are thinner than Cloisonne and Soft Enamel Die-Struck with recessed produced by a chemical etching and then are photoengraved.

• Production Method & Base Material: Using a modified printing press, the image is printed directly onto a brass sheet. The sheet is then cut into individual pieces which are manufactured into findings.
• Shapes: Stock shapes are typically used, but custom shapes can be accomplished.
• Finishes: Polished brass and stainless steel are the standard finishes, but pins can be gold or silver plated at additional cost.
• Typical Uses: Promotional giveaways and when photo-like reproduction, halftones and graduated screens are needed.
• Advantages: Results in a full color pin; perfect registration; unlimited colors; color graduation and halftones are possible; fine detail is not a problem; can be affordably produced domestically; and, is extremely economical.
• Disadvantages: Custom shapes require special tooling; offset dot pattern may be visible; make ready and setup charges require larger print runs; and, epoxy domes can discolor with age.

Please contact TheMarketPro when you are considering promotional products and corporate wearables so that we can provide the information you need to make the best possible purchasing decisions.  TheMarketPro can be reached at 800-905-0073 or sales@themarketpro.net. Additional articles can be found at www.TheMarketPro.net in our “Going Green with Promotional Products” and “Coffee Break Reading” sections.