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Sandblast Enamel Pins
Add a premium sandblast texture to your enamel pins with finely grained metal finishes, creating rich contrast and a subtle matte depth for unique custom designs.
The Craft of Sandblast on Enamel Pins
What Is Sandblast Finish
You may have noticed that the back of many enamel pins has a textured surface with fine patterns. This finish is called sandblast. However, sandblast is not only used on the back of pins. It is also commonly applied to backgrounds and decorative metal areas to create more depth and contrast.
As shown in the example, the sandblast surface may look textured, but it usually feels smooth because a layer of transparent enamel is often applied on top. If no transparent enamel is added, you can directly feel the fine metal texture.
Sandblast with Transparent Enamel
The transparent color allows the metal texture underneath to remain visible while adding different colors to the design.
- Transparent Colors: Use different transparent enamel colors to highlight sandblast textures.
- Background Details: Sandblast is often used in backgrounds, patterns, or decorative areas.
- Premium Finish: The combination of matte texture and transparent colors creates a more dimensional appearance.
Custom Sandblast Pins We Made
Designing Custom Sandblast Pins
Choose the Right Colors
Sandblast creates a matte version of the metal plating color, such as gold, silver, or antique copper. To add colors, transparent enamel or UV printing can be used. Transparent enamel works especially well on brighter metal finishes, creating a deeper color effect.
Highlight Key Design Areas
A common approach is keeping logos or text polished with a shiny finish while applying sandblast to the recessed background. The contrast between matte and polished metal makes important details stand out.
Perfect for Vintage Designs
Sandblast is often used for vintage-style enamel pins. The matte surface also hides fingerprints and minor scratches better than large polished metal areas, making the pin easier to maintain.
Ready to Whosale Custom Sandblast Pins?
Get your custom pins crafted in 3 effortless steps—from your vision to final delivery.
Submit Artwork & Preferences
Upload your design or logo, and share your specific ideas and requirements for your custom enamel pins.
Expert Review & AI Proofing
Our experienced reps evaluate your design, guide sandblast effect placement, and issue a detailed AI art proof for approval.
Production & Tracked Shipping
Once proofed, we manage precision manufacturing, strict QC checks, and provide real-time production & tracking updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are here to help you 7 days a week and respond within 24 hours.
Need more information? Check out our full FAQ page here.
Does sandblast increase the price of custom pins?
Yes. However, the cost increase works differently from effects like glitter or pearl enamel.
Sandblast is not calculated by the number of colors used. Instead, it is added as an additional mold processing cost because the effect is created by treating the metal surface of the pin during production. For example, adding a sandblast effect may increase the mold cost by around $50. If you order a larger quantity, this additional cost is spread across more pieces, reducing the extra cost per pin.
Can sandblast be combined with enamel colors and other effects?
Of course. For example, transparent enamel can be applied over sandblast areas to create a colorful translucent effect while keeping the metal texture visible. But solid enamel colors will completely cover the sandblast texture. If you want to showcase the sandblast effect, the metal area needs to remain exposed or use transparent enamel instead. Other effects such as pearl, glitter, or glow can also be added to different areas of the pin design for a unique combination.
What Is the difference between sandblast and polished metal finish?
The main difference is the surface texture. Polished metal has a smooth, flat, and reflective surface, while sandblast creates a textured matte finish with a frosted appearance. Most custom pins use polished metal on the front unless a sandblast effect is specifically requested. The back side of many pins often uses a sandblast finish because the textured surface increases friction and helps improve the grip of the backing, making the pin more secure when worn.
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