We often see first-time creators run into the same roadblocks: their lines are too thin to cast, colors look different after plating, or the final pin costs far more than expected. The truth is, designing an enamel pin is part creativity, part technical know-how. This guide is based on years of hands-on factory experience, showing you not just the steps, but also the pitfalls to avoid so your idea turns into a pin you’re proud of.”
Start with a Concept & Design It for Production
Every good pin starts with an idea that means something to you — and ideally, something others will connect with too. It could be a funny thought, a character you love, or a niche meme that only your community understands. Those are the designs that get shared, worn, and remembered.
One common mistake we see: sending us a beautiful digital design with hairline strokes. On screen, they look fine—but in production, any line under 0.3mm disappears.If your design has shading or soft gradients, UV printing might be a better fit.
Not sure how to create the design file? Whether you’re a professional artist or someone who can’t draw a stick figure, we’ve got you covered.
👉 [Check out our detailed guide here]: How to Design Enamel Pins (Even If You Can’t Draw)
Pick a Pin Size — Then Visualize It
In our experience, pins under 1” often get lost on a jacket or bag.
Collectors tend to prefer 1.25–1.5” because they strike the right balance between visibility and wearability. Oversized pins (2”+) are popular as limited editions or event exclusives but cost more to ship due to their weight.Size matters — not just for cost, but for how your design will look in real life.
A 1” pin and a 1.5” pin can feel very different in hand. Instead of guessing, try printing your design at different sizes and cutting them out to see how they feel on clothing, bags, or boards.
Print your design at 1 inch, 1.25 inches, and 1.5 inches. See how it looks in each size. Does it still look clear at 1 inch? If not, you may need to simplify the design.
Keep Costs Under Control (Without Sacrificing Quality)
Why this step matters:
If production costs get out of hand, your project could lose money. But there are ways to keep costs low while still creating a high-quality product.
6 Smart Ways to Cut Costs Without Cutting Quality
- Color & Quantity: More colors increase costs, while larger orders reduce the unit price. Keep this balance in mind when planning your design and budget.
- Look for promotions: Factorypin often runs “no mold fee” promotions, saving you around $50-$100 in upfront costs.
- Material & Effects: The finish and special effects you choose will determine your pricing and overall product quality. If your design is intricate but you’re on a budget, consider UV printing as it allows for detailed designs with cost-effective results. For designs that require a high-gloss metal finish, consider working with a factory that uses real gold and silver plating. Many factories offer gold plating, but it’s often a gold-tone plating, which can look overly yellow and fake. On the other hand, genuine gold plating offers a more refined and authentic look.
- Plating & Metal Choices: Pay close attention to the finish, as nickel plating is commonly used in silver-plated pins, but it may not give the same luxurious feel as genuine silver plating. In some cases, the color difference between nickel and silver is almost indistinguishable to the eye, but the price difference will speak volumes in terms of quality.
- Cost Balancing: If your pins are selling well, many factories will retain molds for 1-2 years, so you can avoid mold costs on reorders, saving a significant amount on subsequent runs.
Pro Tip:
Soft enamel pins are usually cheaper than hard enamel pins. If your design has lots of raised details, soft enamel might be the smarter choice.
Why this step matters:
If production costs get out of hand, your project could lose money. But there are ways to keep costs low while still creating a high-quality product.
Here, we’ve put together a breakdown of common pricing scenarios to help you plan.
| Pin Type | 100 pcs | 250 pcs | 500 pcs | 1000 pcs | 2500 pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Enamel Pin | $2.10 | $1.85 | $1.50 | $1.30 | $1.00 |
| Hard Enamel Pin | $2.40 | $2.05 | $1.70 | $1.50 | $1.25 |
| Die-Struck Pin | $2.60 | $2.25 | $1.90 | $1.65 | $1.45 |
| 3D Cast Pin | $2.95 | $2.55 | $2.10 | $1.85 | $1.60 |
💡 Additional Cost Notes
| Add-on Option | Estimated Additional Cost |
|---|---|
| Extra enamel colors (5+) | +$0.10–$0.20 per color per pin |
| Silkscreen printing | +$13–$15 total (per color) |
| UV printing (full color) | +$10–$15 total |
| Glow-in-the-dark enamel | +$0.25–$0.50 per pin |
| Glitter enamel | +$0.30–$0.55 per pin |
📌 Note: These are reference prices only. Final quotes depend on your actual design, size, plating, and quantity. Bulk orders and seasonal discounts may reduce your total cost.
Choose the Right Backing for the Right Purpose
Pin backings aren’t just a technical detail — they affect comfort, durability, and even how your pin feels to use. Rather than picking based on cost, match the backing to how the pin will be used:
| Usage | Recommended Backing |
|---|---|
| Everyday wear | Rubber clutch / Magnetic |
| Selling in sets | Butterfly / Deluxe clutch |
| Larger or heavier pins | Safety pin / Double post |
| Fancy or collector pins | Deluxe clutch / Magnetic |
You can even match the clutch color to your pin design for a polished final look. A small touch, but it makes a difference.
What Makes a Good Factory?
Once you’ve got your design ready, choosing the right production partner is key. Let’s not focus on how to avoid bad ones — instead, here’s what good enamel pin factories usually do:
- Save your mold for 2–3 years so you don’t pay again for reorders
- Break the payment into two parts: proof fee and production fee
- Offer optional samples so you can check the quality beforehand
- Keep quality consistent from sample to full production
- Provide real plating options like gold, silver, black nickel
Bonus tip: if the price seems too low, ask questions. Some factories cut corners by using thinner metal or fake plating — looks fine at first, but wears out fast. A good factory will be upfront about what materials they use and what your options are.
And about color shift — honestly, if your design files are correct and clearly labeled, and the factory knows what they’re doing, it’s rarely a problem. A decent factory will also take responsibility and remake the product if they mess it up.
Pin manufacturing is one of those “you get what you pay for” things. Sure, there are budget options out there — but if it’s suspiciously cheap, there’s probably a reason.
Ready to Bring Your Pin Design to Life? Here’s Your Next Step!
If you’ve followed this guide, you’re already ahead of 90% of first-time pin designers. From crafting a winning concept to ensuring production perfection, you’ve got the tools you need to succeed.
But you don’t have to do it alone. Factorypin is here to help. Our team has helped artists, brands, and Kickstarter creators bring their designs to life.
👉 Get a free design review from Factorypin today and turn your dream pin into reality.
