How to choose the best lapel pin for you - Part 1
If you have never ordered lapel pins, you might feel a little
bit overwhelmed by the different options you have to choose
from.
Basically, when ordering lapel pins you have to decide on:
* Style
* Plating
* Backing
* Size
* Finish
The right combination of the above features will decide on the
success of your project, and it will depend on how you are going
to use your lapel pins.
You first need to know the exact meaning of these features
Lapel Pin Manufacturing Process
The first thing you need to know when you start a lapel pin
project is that in order to get your logo on the pin the
manufacturing process has certain requirements that cannot be
avoided, and the only exception to this are silk-screened or
offset printed pins:
* The design will be transferred to the base material (brass),
creating raised (think of it as walls) and a recessed areas (or
containers).
* Colors used will be in either solid (crystals) or liquid form
, therefore, colors used in the design are limited to solid (or
spot) colors, resulting in the impossibility of using gradients
on the design. If you need to have gradients on your design, we
recommend you use the printed process.
* Colors are manually injected into the container areas and are
separated from each other by the walls , as a result of this,
colors won't be touching each other , but separated by a thin
metal line.
*** If your company's art specifications requires it, we can in
some cases, accommodate this by using an extra printing process,
which will be applied on top of the previously applied color.
That been said, let's start learning more about the different
options on pins.
Deciding on the plating
The most common platings used in lapel pins manufacturing are
gold and silver. But there are a few others available to you to
choose from:
24kt Gold Is by far the most popular one for pins that
want to convey a jewelry look, as gold is often considered a
synonymous of elegance and prestige.
Sterling Silver Is the second favorite one and is often
used when the design demands it and/or you want to minimize the
Bronze With its gold-like shine, it is a recommended
option at more affordable prices.
Copper Reddish in color, nice shine. It is commonly used
for medals and medallions.
Black Nickel Subtle black shine, recommended for defined
drawing-like designs, works good with light colors.
White Nickel Similar shine to sterling silver.
Chrome Grayish looking shine.
Brass Original looks of brushed brass
Imitation Rhodium platinum like looks.
Choosing the plating is an art, and it will depend on the look
you want and the colors presented on the artwork or design.
Lapel Pins Styles
While it is often overlooked, the chosen style will influence
greatly the perceived value of your custom lapel pins.
Different styles work better with certain designs and colors,
while others will give them a specific character:
Cloisonn