What makes die struck pins a popular lapel pin of choice? The metal gets compressed into a desired design which makes this one a classic for service personnel.

Your employees have shown exceptional work throughout the past year. The students are your university took their last final and are ready to celebrate their accomplishments. The police officers in your department have overcome several hurdles in the past couple of months.

No matter what your situation is, die struck pins are a great way to show your appreciation to your students, employees, club members, and so much more. Rewarding those who have done an excellent job at their specific task is the best way to boost their confidence and give them something to show for it. Here's how die struck lapel pins are made and .

How Die Struck Pins Are Made

The first step is to choose which design you want to be displayed on the pin. Then, a die or a mold is created depending on your chosen design. Although other metals are available, iron, copper, or brass metals are usually what these pins are made from.

These soft metals allow for the best of details. The die or mold is used to cast the lapel pin and a trimming tool cuts the outside of the pin to form your desired shape. For a unique finish, the pin is texturized.

A finish is applied as one of the last steps in the creation process. The final product is a jewelry-resembling pin.

Custom Die Struck Lapel Pins

Die struck lapel pins are fully customizable. They are comparable to soft enamel pins without the use of color enamel. The lack of color enamel gives die struck pins a classic look.

They're great for a classy look with still providing the option of customization. Depending on your die struck pins need, you can add glitter, crystals, blinkers, and any design of your choice. Your choices for the back of the pins includes a magnet, a safety pin, a long pin, screw back, button clutch, an earring post, and more.

Why Choose Die Struck Lapel Pins

Die struck pins are made with durability in mind. They'll last for years to come without worry of fading or breaking. This type of pin is of high-quality because the design is impressed into the pin's metal.

The process of making die struck pins is traditional and is usually the first step in making several other types of custom pins. These types of pins stand out amongst the others because of their raised surface and textured background with a polished finish. This is the best type of pin to buy if looking for a design that does not require a printed image or color enamel.

The die struck pin rather has a more antique look to it and are best-suited for designs with clean lines. Die struck pins are the ideal choice when looking for service pins, anniversary pins, recognition pins, or even corporate logo pins.

The Versatility of Die Struck Pins

Because die struck pins are durable and classic looking, they can be used in several different ways and for many different events. This is one of the reasons why this type of pin is so popular. It's even possible to create the pins with an antique finish, which gives the illusion that the pins are very old.

If your reason for purchasing a lapel pin wasn't one of the reasons listed above, don't panic. These pins are extremely versatile and will work great for any occasion. You have the ability to fully customize your die struck pins so they can be made to fit any circumstance.

How to Design Your Die Struck Pin

Do you already have an idea in mind for your pin? If so, then you've already started the process! Take your idea and let us know what you're thinking.

These pins are made in the size and shape of your choice so your customization options are endless.

We offer free design services that will work with you and your idea to bring it to life. Not sure where to begin? If you don't already have an exact design in mind, then our team of design artist will work with you to come up with something you love.

If you're ever not satisfied with a product, don't hesitate to let our team of artist know. They'll continue to put out ideas and make tweaks as needed until you are completely satisfied. Once you've approved a design, the die struck pin is made and inspected before being shipped to you.

How to Order Your Custom Die Struck Pins

By filling out our price quote form, you'll receive a free quote for the kind of die struck pins that you're looking for. This'll get your process started. Contact us, and we'll walk you through our easy ordering guide.

Before contacting us for your quote, it's best to have a general idea in mind of what you'd like. If you're not sure about an exact design that you'd like, think about the size and shape of the pin. Have an idea in mind of how many pins you'll need for your event and what you expect out of the pin.

Have a budget already set and check out our pricing for lapel pins. Once you have all of this information gathered, it's time to place your order!

Let MetalPromo be Your Choice for Die Struck Pins

Here at MetalPromo, we pride ourselves in always keeping a promise. Our team of artist and designers won't stop until you're completely satisfied with a product. We only create the highest of quality pins, and we'll keep you informed along the creation process.

Contact us today to see how we can help you. And be sure to check out what other custom pin styles we have to offer!

A common question when designing a custom lapel pin is what's the difference between soft enamel pins and hard enamel? The answer is in the details of the pin.

Have you been noticing all of these cool lapel pins and might want to get some for yourself? Wondering how you get started and what you need to know? You've come to the right place.

With lapel pins making a comeback, you have a lot of options that you can choose from to customize and make the pin everything you imagined it to be.

One of the decisions you have to make is between soft enamel pins and hard enamel pins. What does that mean? For someone that hasn't gotten lapel pins before, those terms probably don't mean much.

If you'd like to find out more about lapel pins and what you need to consider when you are creating them, keep reading to learn the difference between soft enamel and hard enamel pins.

How to Create a Soft Enamel Pin

Soft enamel is a very popular type of pin. It gives the pin a raised texture look which also feels a little different than hard enamel pins when they are finished.

The image you want gets stamped into the metal and then cut down to the right size. This can be anywhere from a small pin, such as 0.5", to a large 4" pin.

The soft enamel metal plating process, such as with gold or nickel, has to happen before the enamel gets filled. Because of this, only some of the metal finishes that you may like can actually be done with soft enamel.

For a pin to become plated with a colorful metal, such as black or another custom color, you can only use soft enamel. The enamel gets added in after the plating process to the recessed areas.

When finished and the enamel is dry, you may notice that the enamel has a soft and bumpy feel to it. If you would like, epoxy resin can coat the soft enamel if desired. This helps to flatten the enamel a little more and also give it more protection.

How to Make Hard Enamel Pins

These types of pins are more durable and sturdy than soft enamel pins. A lot of people will choose this pin instead because it has a very clean look.

Hard enamel pins become filled with the color enamel after the image is stamped in and cut out. Each color is cured in the oven one at a time, which can add to the expense of this pin because it takes a lot more time.

The pin is then polished down to be smooth and flat with the metal die lines. Because the grinding process is crucial, not all metal finishes work with the hard enamel pins. Gold or silver metal plating are some common options that you may use with a hard enamel pin.

After the colors are added and the pin has been polished, it is electroplated and polished one more time. This completes the pin.

The polishing process is done multiple times and it makes it a little harder to get specific detail in hard enamel, such as thin lines or small engravings.

Hard vs. Soft Enamel Pins: Which is Better?

The truth is that most designs that you may want, whether it is an image or a drawing, can likely be done with either option. A big part of the decision will come from your own preference on which you like better.

The way that both of these types of pins look are way different from each other. Hard enamel is much more refined and smooth while soft enamel is a little more quirky and unique. Another difference is that soft enamel can really get all of those minute details onto the pin while hard enamel is going to look a little bit more specific each time.

A big part of the decision may be the price. Soft enamel is notoriously cheaper than hard enamel because it does not involve such an intense process to make. Hard enamel pins have to be polished and cured several times to achieve their look.

You may decide that one type is better for certain occasions while the other type is more suitable for other occasions. For example, military lapel pins can be made from hard enamel because it may look more professional and classic.

The great news is that you can easily make custom lapel pins that work with either soft enamel or hard enamel. If you have an event coming up or just want to make some pins for fun, you may want to experiment with both options to see which you like better.

One of the great things about being able to make these types of pins is that you can be creative! The sky is the limit and you can make pins that showcase exactly what you were hoping for.

Choosing the Best Lapel Pin for You

When you are deciding between soft enamel pins and hard enamel pins, it comes down to what you like the best and what you plan to do with the pin.

Remember that hard enamel pins are more durable, but they also cost a little more to make. A soft enamel pin is a little less scratch-resistant, but it can have a unique look about it that is hard to find elsewhere.

If you want to get some information about our lapel pins and how you can order them, check out our website to learn more. We have plenty of options to choose from!

Everything Your Business Needs to Know About Company Logo Pin

Every organization needs a way to stand out from the crowd. People are bombarded by thousands of marketing and branding messages every day.

It's easy for message and logo to get lost with so much noise. One way to make your business stand out is through company logo pins.

It seems simple because it has nothing to do with trendy buzzwords like influencer marketing, but it can work wonders for brand recognition and your business.

Read on to find out how a company logo pin can help you get your company known and increase your business.

Why Company Logo Pins

In business, you have one primary goal, which is to be profitable.

While doing that, you need to maintain strong relationships with your employees, your vendor partners, and your customers.

You also have to build a plan to get your company’s name known in your community, which is where marketing comes into play. Marketing is supposed to drive brand awareness, leads and sales.

That’s a lot to do for your business. A company logo pin can help you achieve all of these goals. Yes, one simple pin can pack a lot of power.

For example, your employees need to have a way to identify with the mission and vision of your organization. They need to have a purpose, which will make them more engaged and loyal to your company.

A company pin with your logo can serve as a simple reminder of what your company is about, driving home the sense of pride that everyone shares about the work that they do each day. They’re also used as a reward for recognizing great work, which can further drive employee engagement.

How does a company logo pin drive business? It helps your company stand out. When you go to networking events, you’re likely to give out and collect a bunch of business cards. Most of those cards will sit in a pile.

However, if you hand out a business card while wearing a lapel pin or attach a pin to the card, your brand is more likely to be remembered. The human brain can process an image in as little as 13 milliseconds.

They’re going to remember your logo before they read the content of the business card and make that connection. When you’re remembered, you’ve successfully cut through the noise of all other marketing messages.

That can turn into sales for your business when you follow up with them.

How to Create an Amazing Company Logo Pin

Now that you know how a company logo pin can be a tool to grow your business, how do you go about getting them made? Let’s take a look.

Start with Your Brand

Everything starts with your brand. No, not your logo. Your brand. Your brand is different from your logo. Your brand is what you want people to feel when they see your logo.

Think about some of the most well-known brands in the world. Nike’s brand is that everyone is an athlete. Pepsi’s brand is about being cool, while Coke’s is about happiness.

Your brand needs to have that emotional connection with your audience. That’s the true power of company logo pins. When you have that emotional connection down, your pin will evoke those emotions when people see it.

Once you have your brand nailed down, you want to make sure that it’s consistent with all of your marketing efforts.

Make Any Logo Adjustments

When you have an understanding as to what your brand is, you may need to make minor adjustments to your logo. You may find that the font isn’t aligned with what you want your brand to communicate.

How Will the Pin Be Used?

Your next step in the process is to decide how the pin will be used. Will it be used by employees to promote your business at events? Will you hand it out to customers and vendors? Will they be used as a trade show giveaway?

Each type of use may require a slightly different variation. For the pins that your employees wear to promote the business, you’ll want to convey professionalism and high-quality. Die-stuck pins can show the finer details of your logo.

When you think through the applications of the pins, it will be much easier to choose the material and the size of them.

Choose Your Pin Size

Most company logo pins are between .75” – 1”. That’s what people order, but it doesn’t mean that you have to follow the crowd.

You may decide that you want to really stand out and have your pins be given away at a trade show. In that case, you may use the pins to replace business cards and go for a larger size.

If you plan on wearing the pins or having your employees wear the pins, then you want something that will stand out, but not weigh down clothing.

Place Your Order

The last step is pretty easy. You get to place your order for custom company logo pins. You can start with a quote and finalize the process from there.

Once your order is completed, the pins will be shipped to you.

A Company Logo Pin is a Marketing Workhorse

When you think of marketing your brand, you’re likely to start with things that everyone is doing like social media or content marketing.

Using a promotional marketing tool such as a company logo pin can work amazing wonders for your business. It can leave a lasting impression of your brand, rally employees behind a purpose, and show customers and vendors that you appreciate them for their support.

Are you ready to start using company logo pins in your business? Contact us today for a free quote.

Reasons to Use Education Pins at Your Next School Event

Whether for a graduation ceremony, a school dance, or an academic event, education pins are a great way to remember your great times. Here's why.

One of our biggest achievements in life is graduating from school, therefore many people take pride in the school or university they go to. People love to support their university and what they did there, by buying apparel. They buy shirts, hats, sweatpants and even backpacks to show their school spirit.

But there should be a different and unique way for people to show their school pride and have an item that can enclose all their memories.

A lapel pin!

Getting education pins for big events such as graduation ceremonies, school dances academic events will give everyone a little reminder of the great times they had.

Keep reading to find why you should get lapel pins for your next event.

What Events Deserve Education Pins?

You can get education pins for almost any school event you can think of. If there isn't already a design for your event or you want to make it your own there are even custom school pins that can be made with your help.

See the list of education pins that are already made and ready for you to purchase.

1. Academic Excellence Pins

Education is very important and continuously getting good grades in school deserves to be recognized. Education pins are a great way to show a student that what they do is important.

2. Attendance Pins

Besides getting good grades it is also very important for students to show up to school every single day. Perfect attendance is important for students success. Getting to class every day is difficult so it's a great way to show your support for how dedicated students are.

3. Band Pins

Joining the school band is another activity that deserves great recognition. It takes a lot of practice and hard work to be in a school band so these students deserve some appreciation.

4. Fraternity Pledge Pins

It is a huge accomplishment to be accepted into a fraternity and people who are in fraternities love to represent and show off where they belong. You can customize these to show off your specific fraternity to everyone at school.

5. Graduation Pins

Obviously, the number one accomplishment at any school is passing all of your classes and graduating. A graduation pin can show off all the student's hard work throughout the years. All graduates would be happy to receive graduation pins and be recognized for their accomplishments.

6. Honor Roll Pins

A pin for students who continue to get good grades and are put on the honor roll is a great way to appreciate their accomplishments. This could also be a huge tool for other students to get motivated to get good grades consistently. Being on the honor roll means that the student has reached their highest potential and that's a great reason for recognition.

7. Mascot Pins

Like you've read earlier, people love to show off what school or university they went to so a mascot pin would be great for any student. The mascot pin is a classic and would be great for any occasion.

8. Math Pins

Another good academic pin would be for when students excel in math. Math is a very hard subject to master so if they did good on a test or turned in all their assignments a math pin would be a great way to show how good of a job they're doing.

9. Science Pins

There are many different types of science classes which means many different types of science pins. This is another way to show students that what they're learning is very important and to keep up the good work.

10. Sorority Pin

Much like the fraternity pin, a sorority pin is a great way to show the bond between sisters in a sorority. A sorority pin would be a great element to sport around campus to show off which sorority you belong to.

11. Student Council Pins

Student leaders are an important aspect of every school or university. A student council pin would be a great way to recognize these students who go above and beyond for their organizations. These pins can also be customized specifically for your needs.

12. Varsity Pins

Student-athletes are also a very important aspect of every single school. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to be in a sport while also studying for school. These pins can be customized for each specific sport and will be a great way to show off your student-athletes accomplishments.

Recognition and Motivation

Now that you've read about all the different types of award pins for students we can discuss why students deserve these pins. The number one reason why you should get school pins is to show students recognition.

Students go to school their whole lives and have to learn new things every day. Recognizing their hard work and accomplishments will push them to work even harder. Having them work towards getting academic pins will make them better students and give them motivation by getting a reward.

All students need some type of motivation to graduate and getting them a pin will make them feel even more appreciated for their hard work.

Collectible and Memorable

Introducing award pins for students will be a fun social element to add to your school or university. These pins are collectible and students will want to try and get as many pins as they possibly can.

Like mentioned above students can get pins for pretty much anything and they should!

After students collect all of their academic lapel pins they will have a fun way to remember all of the hard work they did in school. An academic pin is very classy so students can wear them long after they've graduated and moved onto different things.

Now you've learned about all the different kinds of pins and all the reasons you should give academic pins you should buy them all for your students.

With the metal promo, you can customize or even create your own pins the exact why you want to. You can add glitter, crystals or even have your pins glow. They are all super different and easy to customize.

Pins take about 2-3.5 weeks to make and send to you so make sure to order them in advance.

What are you waiting for? Go buy education pins for all the students you know and show them the recognition they deserve.

How to Make Custom Lapel Pins

You have the perfect design for a custom lapel pin all planned out in your head. You're ready to get started. So... what do you do next? How do you make a lapel pin? You may be thinking that it is a complex process, but it actually doesn't have to be. It is easy to make a lapel pin or even a set of lapel pins for a group of people.

If you'd like to learn more about making custom lapel pins and how you can do it in the future, keep reading! You may find something you didn't know before.

What Is a Custom Lapel Pin?

A custom lapel pin is something that you can create to pin onto your clothing (or your lapel!) to show off something specific. They have a lot of purposes and can be used in a variety of settings.

For example, some businesses like to use lapel pins when they want to reinforce their brand with clients or want to increase their exposure at a shopping center. These are just two examples of many purposes that lapel pins can serve.

Custom lapel pins may help people feel more a part of a community. When everyone is wearing something that matches, it creates a feeling of commonality and helps create feelings of acceptance.

When to Use Lapel Pins

As stated previously, lapel pins have a lot of different purposes. They can do so much! You might find a use for lapel pins within your specific field of work or when you are preparing for a special occasion.

Education Pins

Part of the appeal to have a custom lapel pin for people that work in education is to show pride in the work that is being done.

It can be hard in this field when there is so much to do and so little support in many areas, but the reason that people stick it out is for the students! It is rewarding to be able to make a change in a person's life, no matter how big or small they may be.

Education lapel pins help employees show off the love for their school, love for their job, or love for their students. The pin could be a mascot or a favorite inspirational phrase.

Military Pins

A great thing about the military is the disciplined camaraderie. There is a bond among military members that is unparalleled anywhere else.

Showing off a military lapel pin can be a professional, meaningful, and important point of pride. A lapel pin with the branch of military the person was in or the title they achieved may be a great gift.

Special Event Pins

Have you ever been to a bachelorette party? Have you attended a baby shower? How about a family reunion?

There are a lot of occasions that may be perfect for a custom lapel pin. You could design something that showcases what you want people to remember, such as names, dates, photos, or phrases.

Getting one for everyone involved is an excellent way to create a lasting memory that they can take home with them.

How to Make a Lapel Pin

The first step is to make sure that you have the design you want ready to go. It is easiest if you already have it in a PDF format to send to the factory.

If you can use less detail and fewer lines on your design, you will likely have a cleaner looking pin. Remember that most pins are not very large, so you don't want to have a design that is too complex!

The second step in this process is to choose between soft or hard enamel pins. Soft enamel has a textured surface and is a little less expensive due to the lightweight feel. Hard enamel is smooth and polished, but does cost more for the extra durability.

The third step is to choose the size of the pin. Pins can come in a wide variety of sizes, so it is important to consider your design when choosing your pin size. You don't want to go too small or too large.

The fourth step is to decide how many you are going to make. Are you making one pin or are you making 400 pins? You may be required to purchase a certain amount of pins, especially if it is your first time buying, but consider your audience.

The fifth step is determining how many pin-backs you need. A pin-back is exactly what it sounds like - it's the back part of the pin that can fasten it to the lapel.

Two pin-backs will make it more secure while one pin-back is less expensive. You need to choose based on the size of your pin and whether or not a little wiggle room on the lapel is acceptable.

Once you have done all of these things, you can contact the factory to produce the pins and talk about your plans. They may have questions or need extra information, so anticipate this and know what you are looking for exactly before getting in touch.

Ready to Make the Perfect Pin?

Now that you know more about what a custom lapel pin is and how it can be used, you might be interested in making one. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make that happen!

When you are ready to get started, contact us about getting a quote for the perfect lapel pin. We would love to help you with the entire process and make your perfect custom lapel pin! We make the process easy. And don't forget we offer free shipping and free designs! Give us a try today 877-312-9794 or clicking here.

Lapel Pin Etiquette: A Guide for Cleaning Your Lapel Pins

Although lapel pins have a history that stretches back to the Civil War, they've made a huge comeback. Cute, quirky, and unique designs became a huge trend in the fashion scene around 2014 and have since become must-have accessories.

No matter if it's a pin with professional significance, the perfect accessory for your carefully cultivated look, or just a way to add class to your outfit, you know lapel pins have many benefits.

What happens if you love your pins a little too much and they need some TLC? Read this guide to lapel pin etiquette and learn how to clean them so they're looking like new again!

What Kinds of Pins are You Working With?

There's more than one kind of lapel pin. Knowing what kind you're dealing with will determine the best way to clean them.

Most people are familiar with the classic clutch back or safety pin badge. There are many other stylish kinds of lapel pins that have their own unique qualities.

Which ones do you have?

Clutch Back

Also known as a butterfly clutch, these are usually small and efficient. The pin back has a point that fits into the clutch.

The clutch releases when you give it a squeeze. No complicated parts to mess with.

Stick Pin

The stick pin is a truly classic design. The pin sits on top of a long needle that pierces your lapel.

Pop the metal keeper (or a piece of cork if you've lost the keeper) on the end and you're good to go. This is a fantastic way to bring a bit of vintage style to your outfit.

Screw Back

Just as the name suggests, you screw a nut onto the point on the pin back. This is one of the most secure types of pins out there.

Floral and Boutonnieres

One of the oldest styles, floral and boutonniere pins have sat on many a gentleman's suit lapel over the years. While both involve flowers, floral is typically made of fabric while boutonnieres feature the real thing pinned on the lapel.

Out of all of them, the boutonniere is the most low-maintenance. No need to polish and shine a real flower -- just pop on a fresh one and go!

Long Stem

If you're looking to make a statement, you need to add a long stem pin to your wardrobe. This modern twist on the classic stick pin is meant to be noticed.

Long stem pins come in a wide variety of designs. Oftentimes, they're made out of high-end metals like gold and silver, so you'll need to be extra careful when cleaning them.

Magnetic

Worried about piercing a favorite outfit? The magnetic clasp pin is for you.

These are perfect for keeping the integrity of a delicate cashmere sweater or fancy dress. The only problem is that eventually, the magnets wear out and your pin might fall off.

Collar Pin

This is a unique pin. Most of the other pins that we've talked about go directly on a lapel or are worn like a brooch.

The collar pin clips to a typical button up collar. This is a sophisticated style for a man and a daring fashion addition for a woman.

What You Need to Clean Your Pins

There's a basic cleaning kit that any lapel pin enthusiast needs. The two things you need are a polishing cloth and a polishing agent.

Before you run to the store, know that not all polishing cloths and agents are made equal.

When working with tarnish on silver pins, use a soft cotton cloth and silver polish. You might even be able to find special cloths that already have the silver polish in them.

Jeweler's cloths work well for polishing pins. Jewelry polish is great to start with but if you want to splurge, go for the jewelry polish cream.

No matter what you use, look for something non-abrasive and gentle.

Cleaning Your Pins

Before you start, remove the back or keeper from your pin. Be careful not to stick yourself.

It's always a good idea to test the polish you intend to use in an inconspicuous area. Swipe the back of the pin with a cotton bud before you use it on the rest of the pin.

The most basic way to clean the pin is to dab it with your polish and gently rub it with a cloth. Usually, your tarnish will easily come off.

Some metals tarnish faster than others. Copper tarnishes before silver which tarnishes before gold.

Make sure you use a good quality polishing cloth and cream on pins made out of these metals.

Extra Tips and Tricks

Now that you've got the basics down, here are a few other tips and tricks to keep in mind.

The key is to be gentle with your pins. This is the best way to extend the life of your collection.

Practice Proper Lapel Pin Etiquette

It's not hard to practice proper lapel pin etiquette. It's important to remember that you should always test the back and be careful when polishing your pins.

If it's been a while since your pins have had a good shine, take them out this weekend and polish them up. Nipping tarnish in the bud before it gets too dark prevents you from scrubbing too hard or using stronger polishes that can damage the metal.

If you love lapel pins, why not make a custom one for your special event or celebration? Reach out to us today for a free quote!