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