Glitter Enamel: Sparkling Finish for Pins

Glitter enamel pins have a special charm. They catch the light, add sparkle, and make your designs stand out in a sea of flat colors. Whether you're designing pins for your brand, for collectors, or as special merch, glitter can transform a simple idea into something eye-catching and collectible.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about using glitter in your pin designs — from how it works in production to design tips and creative ideas.

🌟 What Is Glitter Enamel?

Glitter enamel is created by mixing tiny reflective glitter particles into the enamel color before it's filled into the recessed areas of your pin. The result: a shimmery, sparkling finish that enhances your design.

Glitter can be used in hard enamel pins or soft enamel pins, though the effect varies slightly:

• Hard enamel glitter pins → smooth surface with glitter locked beneath a polished topcoat.

• Soft enamel glitter pins → textured finish where the glitter sits in recessed areas, often making it pop more under light.

🎨 Where to Use Glitter in Pin Design

Glitter works best when used as an accent, not everywhere. Here are some creative ideas:

1. Background Fills

   • Add glitter to skies, oceans, or outer space to create depth and shimmer.

   • Perfect for fantasy, nature, or cosmic designs.

2. Special Details

   • Highlight magical effects, fire, water, or gemstones.

   • Glitter can make eyes, wings, or clothing stand out dramatically.

3. Lettering

   • Use glitter enamel for text to make slogans or brand names pop.

4. Themed Designs

   • Holiday pins (like snowflakes or ornaments)

   • Party/event pins (confetti effect)

   • Magical/fantasy pins (fairy dust, stars, potions)

🛠️ Design Tips for Glitter Pins

• Contrast is key: Glitter looks best when paired with solid enamel colors. Surrounding the glitter with bold lines or darker shades will make it shine more.

• Avoid overcrowding: Too many glitter areas can make your pin look messy. Use glitter sparingly for maximum impact.

• Choose the right glitter size: Fine glitter creates a subtle shimmer, while larger flakes add bold sparkle.

• Metal plating matters: Glitter pairs beautifully with shiny platings like gold, silver, and rainbow. Antique platings may mute the sparkle.

• Think about durability: Glitter is sealed into enamel, so it won't flake off. However, lighter-colored glitters sometimes appear less vibrant in hard enamel pins because of polishing.

🌈 Popular Glitter Color Combos

Here are some tried-and-true combinations:

• Gold Glitter + Black enamel → Luxe and elegant.

• Silver Glitter + Navy Blue enamel → Starry night sky.

• Pink Glitter + White enamel → Cute and playful.

• Rainbow Glitter + Clear enamel → A versatile "confetti" look.

• Green Glitter + Metallic Gold plating → Magical forest vibes.

💡 Creative Variations with Glitter

• Gradient Glitter Fills: Mix two glitter colors in the same area for a blended effect.

• Transparent Glitter: Add glitter to translucent enamel for a stained-glass sparkle.

• Glow-in-the-Dark + Glitter: Combine for pins that shine day and night.

• Layered Glitter: Use glitter in background areas and solid enamel in foreground elements for depth.

✅ When to Use Glitter (and When Not To)

Best for:

• Fantasy/fandom designs

• Celebration or holiday releases

• Collector’s editions or limited runs

Avoid for:

• Very detailed designs (small glitter areas may not show well)

• Overly professional/corporate logos (unless sparkle is part of brand identity)

✨ Final Thoughts

Glitter is one of the simplest ways to make your enamel pin design stand out. When used thoughtfully, it transforms ordinary pins into something magical, memorable, and highly collectible.

If you're planning your next pin release, consider adding glitter as a special edition or as a highlight feature — your collectors will thank you!

Still don't know how? Consult our professional team by hello@createpins.com.