Pin plating colors and metal finishes
Plating is the thin layer of metal that gives a pin its color: the raised lines on an enamel pin, the whole surface on a die struck pin. It changes the mood of a design more than people expect.
- Free proof in 24 hoursAn artist draws your pin to scale, every color matched to Pantone.
- Proof before productionRevise your digital proof before we make your pins.
- Duties includedDelivered to the US, Canada, UK and Australia with shipping and import duties paid.
- Photos before shippingYou see your finished pins before they leave the factory.
Shiny gold
Shiny silver
Shiny copper
Antique gold
Antique silver
Antique copperAntique finishes darken the recessed metal, so they are made on soft enamel and die struck pins, not hard enamel. Our sample pack includes real plating samples.
Shiny finishes (every style)
| Finish | Looks like | Works well for |
|---|---|---|
| Shiny gold | warm, classic, formal | awards, service pins, nursing pins |
| Shiny silver | cool, clean | corporate logos, police and EMS pins |
| Shiny copper | warm, pinkish red | cheer, bridal, creator pins and warm palettes |
Antique finishes (soft enamel and die struck)
| Finish | Looks like | Works well for |
|---|---|---|
| Antique gold | aged gold with dark recesses | military, fire and heritage pins |
| Antique silver | dark pewter gray | bright colors, modern brands, trading pins |
| Antique copper | aged copper, dark brown recesses | rustic, brewery and vintage designs |
Antique plating darkens the recessed metal and leaves the raised areas polished, so relief and fine detail stand out. A hard enamel pin is polished flat with no recesses to darken, so antique finishes are not available on hard enamel. All six finishes are included at no extra charge.
Choosing a plating
Pick the plating after the colors. Light enamel colors (pastels, yellows) need a darker antique finish to stand out; dark enamel colors need gold or silver. If the pin is an award, gold signals value. Our plating guide shows the same design in every finish.
Plating and base metal
Plating is a thin finish over the base metal, which you do not see. Most enamel pins are iron; large or complex shapes are zinc alloy; die struck pins are brass or copper. You choose the plating, and we use the right base metal for the style and shape at no extra charge.
Is the plating real gold?
Our standard gold finish is a gold-tone electroplate over base metal, not solid or karat gold. Karat gold plating (a thin layer of real gold) is available for award runs; ask on the quote form.
Designs to make your own
Every design is a starting point: our artists change the text, colors and logo, then send a free proof.
How ordering works
Choose your pins
Select a design, size, quantity and options. Buy online with PayPal or card, or send an inquiry first.
Free proof in 24 hours
An artist sends a scale drawing with every color matched to Pantone, the metal finish and the back. Revisions are unlimited.
Approve your proof
Confirm the design before production. If you requested a quote first, pay through the link in your approved quote.
Made and delivered
Standard delivery within 30 business days, rush 10, express 5. Duties are already paid.
Customize every detail
Your proof shows every choice before you pay. Most options cost nothing extra; add-on prices are listed openly on the pricing page.
Six finishes for the raised metal lines and edges, all included.
- Shiny gold, silver or copper
- Antique gold, silver or copper
- Antique finishes on soft enamel and die struck
- Real plating samples in our sample pack
From everyday clutches to backs that never come loose.
- Rubber or butterfly clutch
- Locking back for uniforms
- Magnetic back, no holes
- Screw and nut for awards
Ready to hand out, sell or present at a ceremony.
- Individual poly bag, included
- Velvet pouch
- Clear plastic box
- Velvet gift box
Details that make people stop and look twice.
- Glitter and glow enamel
- Translucent enamel
- Cut-outs
- Rhinestones and epoxy dome
Pictures are product renderings. Your free proof shows the exact finish, back and packaging for your order.
Which plating is most popular?
Shiny gold for awards and service pins; antique silver and shiny copper for brands and creators.
Does plating tarnish?
Modern plating is sealed and resists tarnish in normal use. Antique finishes are intentionally darkened.
Can I see plating samples?
Yes, our sample pack includes plating swatches.
Tell us about your pin
An artist replies within 24 hours with a digital proof and a price that already includes shipping and import duties. Nothing is charged until you approve.
- A phone photo of a sketch is enough to start
- Not sure about size or style? We recommend one
- Unlimited revisions until the proof is right
- We reply by email; no calls unless you ask
Prefer email? Write to hello@enamelore.com
Thanks, your request is in.
Your request has been sent to our team. You will receive a free digital proof and a delivered price by email within 24 hours.