How Are Pins Made? (The Fun, Nerdy Stuff)

Understanding how pins are made can help you design smarter. Pins aren’t just magic (though they’re close)—they’re handmade, with some serious craftsmanship behind them.

1. Creating the Mold
   Your artwork gets turned into a vector file that’s carved into a metal mold. Think of this as the cookie cutter for your pin design. If your pin has fancy edges or holes, the mold will be custom-made to handle it

   • Stamped Metal Pins: Raised (walls) and recessed (pools) areas create a structure for your design

   • Zinc Cast Pins: Used for super-detailed or complex designs

2. Adding Enamel
   The recessed areas of your pin are like tiny pools, filled with liquid enamel by hand (yes, really) or by machine. The raised walls hold the enamel in place until it’s baked solid

   Hot Tip: Every color needs to be surrounded by metal—otherwise, the enamel will spill over. Gaps are a no-go!

3. Plating & Finishing
   After the enamel hardens, your pins take a luxurious bath (a.k.a. plating) in gold, silver, black nickel, or whatever metal finish you choose. They’re polished, cleaned, and ready to be loved

What Makes a Good Pin Design?

Not every design works as a pin—but with a few tricks, any idea can shine!

Keep It Simple

Pins are small, so bold shapes and clear details are your BFFs. Ditch the tiny details and go for something that’ll pop from across the room.

• Colors: Stick to 3–5 colors max. Manufacturers usually include a few colors for free, but extras cost more. Bonus: fewer colors = more cohesive design!

• Size: Most pins are about 1 inch at their widest point. If you go smaller, keep the design super minimal. If you go bigger, make sure it’s something people can actually wear comfortably.

Test It Out

Before you commit, print your design at full size. Is the text readable? Do the details hold up? If it still looks cool tiny, you’re golden.

Fun Fact: Text on pins should be at least 6 pt (tiny but legible). Any smaller, and it’ll be a squiggly mess!

Materials & Finishes: The Personality of Your Pin

Metal Options

• Gold or Silver: Timeless and classy

• Black Nickel: Sleek and modern

• Dyed Metal: Match your metal to your pin colors for a seamless look

Enamel Types

• Soft Enamel: Textured, with raised metal edges. Feels classic and works great with glitter or painted metal

• Hard Enamel: Smooth, shiny, and super durable. Perfect for a polished look

Fun Tip: Want your pin to glow in the dark? Ask your manufacturer about glow enamel. You’ll thank me later.

How to Send Your Design

Not a graphic designer? No problem! Most manufacturers will help prep your design for free.

• What to Send:

  • Vector file formats like .AI or .SVG are ideal, but even a high-res .jpg works

  • Include Pantone (PMS) colors for enamel matching

If all you have is a napkin sketch, don’t stress. Send it to your manufacturer, and they’ll work their magic!

The Final Steps

1. Get a Proof
   Before production, your manufacturer will send you a proof. This is your chance to catch any issues (like disconnected metal or tiny gaps). Don’t skip this step!

2. Production Time
   Once approved, your pins will take about 2–4 weeks to produce. If your pin is extra fancy (rainbow plating, glitter, etc.), add a little more time.

How to Save Money on Your Pins

• Order More: The price per pin drops dramatically when you order in bulk (100 pins will cost way less per piece than 25)

• Simplify Your Design: Fewer colors and smaller sizes = lower costs

Ready to Start?

Your first pin doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be you. Whether it’s a quirky doodle or a bold symbol, the most important step is taking that first leap. Now go create something amazing (and wear it proudly)!