
Printed Pins
Full-Color, High-Detail
Printed Pins β Full-Color, High-Detail Custom Pins
Printed pins are the best choice when your design includes photographs, gradients, tiny details, or unlimited colors that canβt be achieved with traditional enamel pins. Instead of using enamel filling, your artwork is directly printed onto a metal baseβallowing 100% accuracy and unlimited creativity.
If you need pins that look exactly like your digital artwork, printed pins are the perfect option.
β What Are Printed Pins?
Unlike enamel pins, printed pins donβt require raised metal lines to separate colors. Your design is printed directly on a smooth metal surface, protected by a clear epoxy dome for durability.
Finish: Flat surface with clear coating (glossy epoxy)
Colors: Unlimited, including gradients and photo-quality images
Durability: 3β5 years with epoxy protection
Thickness: Standard 0.8 mm β 1.2 mm (lighter than enamel pins)
Material: Stainless steel, brass, or iron base
Best Use: Complex logos, photo pins, highly detailed illustrations
π Key Features of Printed Pins
Unlimited Colors β full CMYK or Pantone printing
Photo-Realistic Designs β great for faces, detailed art, or shading
Fastest Production β no enamel filling or polishing required
Protective Epoxy Dome β prevents scratching and fading
Lightweight & Cost-Effective β cheaper for large runs
π Printed Pins vs. Enamel Pins β Data Comparison
Feature | Printed Pins | Soft/Hard Enamel Pins |
---|---|---|
Surface Texture | Flat, glossy (epoxy dome) | Textured (soft) / Smooth (hard) |
Colors | Unlimited (gradients, photos possible) | Limited to 10β12 solid Pantone colors |
Durability | 3β5 years | 5β10 years |
Detail Level | Extremely fine (tiny text, images) | Limited by enamel & metal lines |
Cost per 100 pcs (1") | $160β$220 | $180β$280 |
Best Use | Logos, portraits, full-color designs | Collectibles, luxury branding |
π Printed Pin Design Guidelines
Colors
Unlimited CMYK printing (photos, gradients, shadows allowed).
Pantone matching available for brand consistency.
Detail Level
Tiny text β₯ 1 mm height remains legible.
No need for metal lines separating colors.
Size Options
Small: 0.75β (19 mm) β logos and badges.
Standard: 1.25ββ1.5β (32β38 mm) β most popular.
Large: 2β (50 mm) β great for detailed artwork.
Thickness
Standard: 0.8 mm β 1.2 mm.
Optional: Epoxy dome adds ~0.3 mm to thickness.
Back Options
Butterfly clutch
Rubber clutch
Magnetic back (for uniforms)
Safety pin style
π οΈ Production Process β Fast & Accurate
Step | Description | Time Required |
---|---|---|
Base Creation | Metal base cut into shape | 1β2 days |
Plating | Gold, Silver, Nickel, Black, etc. | 1 day |
Printing | CMYK or Pantone image applied | 1 day |
Epoxy Coating | Glossy dome applied for protection | 1 day |
QC & Assembly | Backings attached & checked | 1β2 days |
Packing & Shipping | Standard packaging + courier | 3β7 days |
β± Total production time: 8β12 working days (faster than enamel).
Care Tips
Clean gently with a dry cloth
Store in a pouch to avoid surface scratches
Avoid moisture exposure to maintain finish
β Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are printed pins best for?
A: Theyβre perfect for photo-based designs, gradients, logos, and full-color artwork.
Q2: Do printed pins require a mold?
A: No, which makes them quicker and cheaper to produce.
Q3: Can printed pins include unlimited colors?
A: Yes, they use CMYK printing, so thereβs no color limit.
Q4: Are printed pins durable?
A: Yes, especially when an epoxy dome is applied for protection.
Q5: What is the MOQ for printed pins?
A: 50 pcs per design.
Q6: How long does it take to produce printed pins?
A: About 7β10 business days, plus shipping.
Q7: Can printed pins have custom shapes?
A: Yes, they can be die-cut to match your design outline.
Q8: Do you recommend epoxy coating?
A: Yes, epoxy helps protect the print from scratches and wear.
Q9: Are printed pins more affordable than enamel pins?
A: Yes, since they donβt require a mold and support full-color printing.
Q10: Can printed pins be used for corporate branding?
A: Definitely β they are great for logos, photo-based designs, and promotional items.
π [Start Your Printed Pin Order Today]
Use 300 dpi artwork for the best print clarity.
If using text, keep font size β₯ 5 pt for readability.
Add an epoxy dome (recommended) for protection & gloss.
Consider custom-shaped die-cut bases for uniqueness.
Printed pins are excellent for short runs and fast turnarounds.
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
5 pcs per design (ideal for small batches).
Pricing (Approximate)
Average Costs (1.25β pin, full color, epoxy finish):
100 pcs β $160β$220
300 pcs β $420β$540
500 pcs β $700β$850
(Exact price depends on size, plating, and add-ons.)
Turnaround Time
Production: 10β14 business days
Shipping: 3β7 days (express options available)
How to Order
Get a Quote β Submit your design through our form.
Approve Proof β Weβll send a digital mockup for confirmation.
Payment β Secure checkout.
Production & Delivery β Your custom pins delivered worldwide.
π Get a Free Quote Now