What Is the Difference Between Enamel Pins and Button Pins?

Enamel pins are stamped on metal or plastic and then painted, whereas button pins typically have an image coated in a plastic layer and backed by metal.

The manufacturing procedure distinguishes these two types of pins. The fasteners are likewise distinct, with buttons typically having safety-pin-like catches and enamel pins resembling earring backs. They are both intended to be worn on garments.

What is the distinction between a button pin and an enamel pin? The appearance, materials utilized, and mechanism for retaining it in place are the key variations. Enamel is considered to be more durable and is used for things like military badges, whereas button pins are more transient and do not keep up as well over time.

There are numerous distinctions between button pins and enamel pins that go beyond the aesthetic and materials used for those who are new to collecting or trading them. The applications for each are distinct, as are the advantages and disadvantages of selecting one over the other. This post will highlight the most notable distinctions.

What are Enamel Pins?

These pins are typically constructed of two basic components: plated metal of your choice and enamel paint. They are smaller than button pins and range in size from.5 to 2 inches. Certain aspects of the manufacturing process and materials used will influence how the pin appears (e.g., smooth, matte, dimpled, and so on).

The closure mechanism on the back of the pin can have a variety of appearances and can have one or several pin-backs, depending on the designer's size and desire. Because they are more expensive to create than button pins, they are usually employed for business, military, or fashion purposes.

Types of Enamel Pins

Two types of enamel pins can be distinguished by their appearance. Hard enamel pins contain paint that is level with the surface of the die-cut, resulting in a smooth and flat pin, whereas soft enamel pins have thinner paint, resulting in a dimpling effect between design lines. One consideration is the diversity in texture and appearance, but soft enamel is also less expensive while allowing for greater color control, making it more popular with beginner artists.

Enamel Pin Materials

Images are die-cut into the metal of your choice (for example, steel, aluminum, copper, brass, or iron), and the pattern recesses are commonly filled with enamel paint. This results in a lovely, colorful item that may be used for a variety of purposes.

Primary Uses

This is the preferred type of pin for military and professional badges because they look sleek and are longer lasting than button pins. Their backing is also more secure while the materials used to make them overall more likely to weather continued use and rough treatment. Below are some popular uses for enamel pins.

Fashion accessories

Business and brand logos

Military and civilian uniform badges

Political affiliation and patriotism are often shown using these pins

What are Button Pins?

These pins are known by several names (e.g., pin button, pinback button, button badge), but they are all the same. They are typically circular buttons with a strong metal or plastic backing and a pin or latch mechanism for attaching to garments. A thin layer of plastic protects the image on the front, keeping it waterproof and scratch-resistant.

The majority of button pins are used for temporary identification or appearance, however, they are valuable collector pieces. These pins can last just as long as enamel pins, depending on how well they are cared for, however, they are far more easily damaged and do not stay fastened. Many people utilize buttons to communicate their thoughts, interests, and fashion sense.

Related Knowlegde: What are button pins called?

Button Pin Materials

Buttons are manufactured with paper images, plastic to cover the image, and metal to hold everything together. Depending on the type, the latching mechanism is integrated into the metal backing or easily installed. These are low-cost materials that are not intended to endure very long.

Creation Process for Button Pins

There are a few ways to make a button pin. You can buy snap-on button casings, which are one of the easiest methods. To use them, you simply follow these steps.

Print and prepare an image for your button.

Insert the image into the shallow bowl-shaped plastic cover, the image facing outward.

Attach the plastic cover to the metal backing with a snap.

You can use a pin press to make more professional-looking pins. This machine makes it simple to produce hundreds of buttons in a short period. There are less expensive hand presses, but for the best results, most manufacturers utilize a table press and the processes below.

Print and cut out an image that will fit into the button casing.

The button has two circular sections, one on top and one on the rear. In one nest, place the backing (pin-back facing out) and a solid disk in the other.

Place the image on the disc, facing out, and then cover it with a transparent plastic cover.

With the press, press down on the cover. A clicking sound will be produced by the machine.

Switch the press with the level till it is over the second nest and press down forcefully.

Lift the level (or, if you have one, click the release switch), and your button is complete.

Primary Uses

These pins are generally used for decorative or temporary identification due to their more delicate nature. They are significantly cheaper and faster to produce than enamel pins, making them perfect for fundraisers, conventions, and other short-term activities. The following are some common applications for button pins.

Identification badge for the short term

Rallies for political, sporting, or other reasons

Gift bags for events

Logos for businesses or brands

Expression of self-expression Fashion Novelty gift