What each one is
Enamel pins are metal pins with colored enamel, cut to the shape of the design, with a post and clutch on the back.
Button pins (pinback buttons, badges in the UK) are round or shaped metal discs covered with a printed paper or film image under a clear plastic layer, with a pin on the back.
Comparison
| Item | Enamel pin | Button |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Metal and enamel | Printed paper under plastic, metal shell |
| Shape | Any outline | Usually round, square or simple shapes |
| Colors | Solid enamel colors | Full color print, photos |
| Durability | Lasts decades | Can scratch, dent or fade |
| Feel | Weighty, crafted | Light, casual |
| Cost per piece | Higher | Lower |
| Minimum order | Usually 50+ | Can be very low |
When to choose buttons
Large quantities for one-day events, campaigns with photos, and very low budgets. Buttons are made by printers and button makers rather than enamel pin factories.
When to choose enamel pins
Anything people should keep: awards, membership pins, trading pins, merch and gifts. For photos in a metal pin, consider printed pins.
We make enamel and printed metal pins, not paper buttons. See custom enamel pins or the pricing page.
Lifespan and perceived value
Buttons are often treated as disposable: they get pinned to a bag for an event and forgotten. Enamel pins are treated as keepsakes. If the goal is for people to keep wearing your design, the higher cost per piece of an enamel pin often buys far more visibility per dollar.
Cost comparison
Buttons can cost well under a dollar each in large quantities, while a 1-inch enamel pin costs $1.75 at 500 pieces with us. For a one-day rally of thousands, buttons win on cost. For a membership pin, award or merch item, enamel pins win on value.
Terms around the world
In the UK and Australia, "badge" often means a button, while metal enamel pins are "pin badges" or "enamel badges". In the US, "pin" usually means an enamel or metal pin, and "button" means a pinback button.
Written by the Enamelore team, who proof every order. Questions about this guide? Email hello@enamelore.com.
