Want a Thriving Business? Focus on Customized Air Fresheners

Every business strives to do the best. One way you can enhance this is by effective marketing. Modern promotion techniques such as customizing air fresheners are one way to be distinctive. Everybody loves a pleasant scent, so this marketing strategy stands out. Customized air fresheners can be used on special occasions and organization in promoting their brands. Here are some businesses that would do well with customized air fresheners.

Car Dealers

Car industries are one of the fast-paced businesses that require operative marketing that will attract more customers. Using customized air fresheners is one of the best ways to be at the top. You can aim to gift every potential client with customized air fresheners as a way of marketing your company out there.

Cleaning Companies

As a cleaning company, you must think outside of the box to create a distinctive brand. Unique marketing methods such as the use of customized air fresheners will grow your brand. To do this, you can professionally print your company logo on air fresheners. Don’t lag behind current trends, be at par and see your business grow tremendously.

Car Wash

Nothing would sound better than offering the best car wash services and topping it up with a customized air freshener. This is definitely a way to get ahead of the curve. Cars need pleasant scents, and providing this will make your business stand out. You can either choose to sell the air fresheners or gift them to every car washed. With this, be sure of attracting new customers and keeping the old ones.

Conclusion

A pleasant scent is essential, and it’s a requirement for most businesses. And well, you can turn this into a marketing strategy. With every business trying to outgrow the other, an excellent marketing strategy will give you more probability of success. To do this, you can either sell or gift customized air fresheners to your customers. It’s an idea that will keep you on the top by retaining and attracting more clients and, thus, a plus for your business.

5-Minute Breakdown - What are Woven Labels?

Woven labels have a unique spin on giving a visual identity to your products. They're attractive, functional, and bold. It's like a sort of advertisement in the form of a fabric piece. A few examples of this could be a t-shirt with the artist's drawings or a hand-lettered sign. Here is all you need to know about woven labels.

What is a woven label?

A woven label is simply a piece of graphic design, material, usually cotton or wool, sewn onto a product for quick and easy identification of the consumer. For example, most thick graphic letters and numbers used today for clothing are made from woven labels. The label is typically sewn on the inside of the front side of the shirt or other piece of clothing intended for consumer purchase.

Types of Woven Labels

Choosing a woven label is always based on the specifications of your brand. Here are the different types of woven brands that you can choose depending on your end goal.

Damask

Damask is a commonly used garment label. It is the best option when you need finer images or texts. Its durable, key to detail for designs and texts, giving better clarity. In addition, damask labels have fine yarns, are woven slower, and greater weave density, giving a uniform weave.

Satin

The satin label is more affordable than damask. This label comes with a shiny, smooth, lustrous, and soft appearance. However, satin labels fail to produce the design detail of damask or taffeta labels. They are mainly used for high-end fabric or infant attire because of their softness. Unfortunately, you can only use three colors for each design.

Taffeta

It is the least expensive compared to satin and damask. They have a tight weave structure hence their durability. Although it somehow resembles damask labels, they lack a rich appearance and fine detail. They work best for bolder images and texts.

Conclusion

Woven labels are the best label for that soft feel. They are a bold way for people to identify your brand. Also, you can always choose or customize your type of woven brand depending on what you want to achieve for your business.

Branding Your Apparel Doesn't Have to Be Hard. Read These 6 Ways!

Deciding on how to brand your image or logo on fabric can sometimes be overwhelming. However, you only need to know what you want to achieve, and you are ready. Below are the most common and effective ways to brand your attire, image, or logo.

Laser Etching

Laser etching uses laser technology to design a mark, an image, or plain text on a material surface. For best results, use this technique on smooth, medium shade attires. It's also the best choice when you're looking forward to incorporating detail and want unique placements.

Heat Transfer

This process involves using a treated paper to transfer a design on fabric using high temperatures. The outcome is efficient when the heat transfer outline color matches the fabric color. Also, it works best for small runs, multi-color logos, and lightweight materials.

Embroidery

Embroidery involves running digitalized logos using an embroidery machine through stitching. The results are an attention-grabbing logo popping in 3D.

Screen Printing

This form of printing involves squeezing ink via screens, making the color pass through the open areas and form a design. Screen printing is easy to print, suitable for high-volume, and produces durable designs.

Dye Sublimation

Also known as digital sublimation, dye sublimation uses dyes to transfer a design using pressure and heat on garments, cards, or paper. The best thing about it is making many color combos, particularly for intricate images and logos.

Laser Applique

A laser beam cuts one or many garment layers, achieving a detailed, layered, and multi-colored design. This enables the creation of various textures, and it's a good way to prevent adding bulk to thick garments.

Final Thoughts

A branded apparel is an excellent way to create an awareness of a specific product, company, or brand. Different branding apparel have their upsides and downsides. You can always choose an apparel branding way that matches your needs.

5 Types Of Enamel Pins

Enamel pins have gained popularity in recent years.. These are 5 of the most common types of pins and their uses.

1. Soft Enamel

Also known as the embossed pins, soft enamel is cost-friendly, has a variety to choose from, and has lots of detail. They have almost the same color as hard enamel pins. However, they have an elevated metal line, changing the texture.

2. Hard Enamel

Also referred to as a pole pin, a hard enamel has a smooth finish, and it's expensive. It's best for event gifts, sporting events, political events, and corporate giveaways. They give that high-end feel and look.

3. 3D Mold Pin

A 3D mold pin is also called a die-cast pin. The hard enamel makes the pin giving it an elegant look. The design of the 3D mold pins is without color, giving them different finishes such as polished, antiqued, and matte. You can find them either in nickel, copper, gold, and bronze.  

4. Printed Pin

You use these types of pins to create a pin based on a particular logo or design. During the printing process, you make the design, image, or symbol the same as the pin. The printed pins work best for corporate gifts, promotional materials, and sports items. In addition, you can customize to have an exact look as your design.

5. Die streak

This die streak pin has a close resemblance to the hard enamel and the soft enamel. The only distinguishing factor is that die streak pins have no color, thus have a metal surface. However, this has not limited the pin to have lots of incredible designs and shapes.

Final Thoughts

Every type of pin is unique in its way and serving its different purpose. In addition, they all have original designs, colors, and textures. Therefore, it's vital to note every pin and its use before making your decision to purchase one.

3D Epoxy Stickers & their Advantages

3D Epoxy stickers (otherwise called 3D stickers or domed stickers) are full-shading printed stickers covered with water-resistant, clear epoxy resin. The use of computerized printing or screen printing methods create the highest quality stickers on the market

The demand for 3D epoxy stickers is skyrocketing in popularity due the way they stand out from regular flat stickers 

The Advantages of epoxy stickers

  • High Durability

Covering the sticker with epoxy resin (epoxy resin coating) makes the stickers highly resistant to Ultraviolet Rays (UV light), water, and cold/hot weather conditions. This means that your stickers are going to last longer and stand the test of time. 

  • High-quality prints

If you’re looking for the highest quality stickers in the industry, look no further. Since 3D stickers come in two types or in two methods; screen and digital printing. These methods of printing give the ability to apply many colors and even gradients. Ways & Means is the leading source in customized 3D stickers. Our associates are dedicated to making your ideas come to life.

  • Availability in a variety of shapes

These 3D Stickers are printed in a wide spectrum of shapes and forms to perfectly fit your product. If you have any design or you want some experts to select, design, and create 3D epoxy stickers for your brand or product, then you’ll find Ways & Means at the top here.  

Order Epoxy Stickers!


You can reach Ways & Means to discuss and get the quotes at Ways & Means Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/wmglobal/.



Ways and Means - Embroidered Patches

Looking for affordable, reliable, top-notch quality embroidered patches?

Ways and Means stand as the leading source for the highest quality embroidered patches on the market. Our expertise in converting the ideas into amazing designs has made us a premier choice for both established brands and new brands.

Our Main Products

Our main products include:

  • Custom embroidered patches（scouts patches, military patches, motorcycle patches/punk patches, airsoft patches, fire department patches and so on）

  • Chenille patches

  • PVC patches 

  • Sequin patches/Glitter patch 

  • Woven label

  • Bullion patches 

  • Printed patches

  • Leather patches

  • Stickers and Rhinestones patches

  • We can do iron-on backing, Velcro backing, Pin backing, and even more!

Why Ways & Means?
We convert every photo, idea, and design into reality no matter how complex your idea or design might be. We guarantee you’ll be 100% satisfied with the result Furthermore, our talented designing team can create stunning patch designs for you. Our rates are very affordable, and we offer quick delivery. 

Our team is dedicated to ensuring that you have an outstanding experience with our company. Contact Ways & Means:



You can reach us via Facebook page Here:
https://www.facebook.com/wmglobal/ OR


You can also get a quote by filling the form right below your selected product. 



The Benefits of having Customized Embroidered Hats for your business

If you want to take your brand to the next level, getting your logo embroidered on hats is an excellent route to go. Our embroidered custom hats will play a pivotal role in making your brand unique, and most importantly, establish brand recognition.

Free Advertisement & Promotion

Advertising has always been expensive, and it feels like in this digital age of advertising the costs are doubling almost every year. The most successful companies in the world know how important it is to turn your customers into walking billboards for your brand. Free promotion is one of the best ways for flourishing businesses to acquire new customers cheaply and establish your brand recognition.

Legitimizing your Brand 

People are less likely to make purchases from companies they’ve never heard of. Once you get people walking about and wearing your companies logo in public, the more likely it is that people will start recognizing your brand and seek out opportunities to make a purchase with you. 

They Make Great Promotional Gifts

Giving your customers and clients free gifts is one of the best ways to build great relationships. Providing someone with a gift that has a higher perceived value means that the receiver of the gift will feel more valued. Small items like promotional pens or stickers are easily lost, however, a hat is a great promotional item because of the perceived value of a hat, people are much more likely to keep the item and wear it on a regular basis.  

Great Tool for Employee On-Boarding

Your employees want to feel like they are a part of your team, and branded hats are a great way to help onboard new employees. By providing a hat and other branded swag to new employees, you’ll have happier, and more motivated employees who will really be championing your brand and company. 

Differences Between Woven Patches and Embroidered Patches

Understanding the key differences between woven patches and embroidered patches is very important when deciding to make a custom patch. 

While both types of patches are equally as popular, each has their own set of unique features making them better suited for specific types of designs.

Let's dive into the core differences between embroidered patches and woven patches to help you decide which is right for your custom patch order.

Woven Patches

Woven patches use a thinner weave compared to the embroidered patches, making them ideal for designs with small text and/or a lot of detail. Similar to woven labels, woven patches are made using only threads and are stitched with continuous design.

  • Best for artwork with more detail and small text

  • Finer and thinner weave using thread only

  • Smooth surface with no raised texture

  • A stitched merrow border can be added to standard shaped woven patches

  • Heat seal adhesive can be added to the back of woven patches

EXAMPLES OF WOVEN PATCHES

Embroidered Patches

Embroidered patches are a great choice for those looking for a more common looking design, or vintage look. If a customer’s artwork is not overly detailed, often times an embroidered patch is preferred over woven patches because of the finished look, raised texture, and thicker feel. Embroidered patches are available in three categories: 50% embroidery, 75% embroidery, and 100% embroidery.

  • Best for artwork with less text and detail

  • Thicker weave

  • Raised texture and thicker feel

  • A stitched merrow border can be added to standard shaped embroidered patches

  • Heat seal adhesive can be added to the back of embroidered patches

EXAMPLES OF EMBROIDERED PATCHES

 For more details on placing an order, please visit our Embroidered and Woven Patch page.

Getting Started Guide | Enamel Metal Pins

If you've made the decision to create custom pins for your company's branding and promotional needs, you've come to the right place! Below are all of the most common questions and answers regarding custom pins. If you have additional questions you'd like help with, or are ready for a custom quote, please send us an inquiry.

Metal Pin Types

  • Soft Enamel

  • Hard Enamel

  • Printed (no enamel)

  • Full Metal (no enamel)

What is the difference between soft and hard enamel?

The short answer is soft enamel has recessed enamel, while hard enamel is polished flat. Both are made from the same mold and the detail achieved is the same - they simply have different looks.

If you rub your thumb over soft enamel pin you will feel the metal ridges. Whereas if you rub your thumb over a hard enamel lapel pin (also known as cloisonné lapel pin) it will feel smooth and you will not feel the metal borders/ridges.

Why might I want a printed pin (instead of enamel)?

A printed pin is a great option when your design details are too small to be made with metal, or if there is a color gradient that you want visible. We add an epoxy coating to the top of printed pins.

What are my metal options?

  • Gold

  • Rose Gold

  • Antique Gold

  • Silver

  • Antique Silver

  • Black Nickel

  • Dyed Black (only soft enamel)

* If you're looking for another metal not listed, please contact your sales representative.

How thin can metal outlines be?

Using the stroke tool in Adobe Illustrator, the thinnest an outline can be is 0.20

What colors can I choose from on my pin?

We match to Solid Coated Pantones only. Please see our Pantone Color Chart if you need assistance with your color choice: https://waysandmeans.global/pantone-color-chart/

Can I have more than 1 pin backing?

Yes, this is entirely your choice, but we suggest adding a second backing to any pin that is longer than 1.25” in any one direction. Having a second pin backing will prevent the pin from rotating.

What is the production time?

14 business days (Monday-Friday), plus ship time from Portland, OR.

Getting Started Guide | Keychains

If you've made the decision to create custom keychains for your company's branding and promotional needs, you've come to the right place! Below are all of the most common questions and answers regarding custom keychains. If you have additional questions you'd like help with, or are ready for a custom quote, please send us an inquiry.

What types of keychains are available?

  • Metal with Enamel
  • Full Metal (no enamel)
  • PVC/Rubber
  • Leather

What are my metal options?

  • Gold
  • Rose Gold
  • Silver
  • Black Nickel

How thin can outlines be?

Using the stroke tool in Adobe Illustrator, the thinnest an outline can be is 0.15

What colors can I choose from for my keychain?

We match to Solid Coated Pantones only. Please see our Pantone Color Chart if you need assistance with your color choice: https://waysandmeans.global/pantone-color-chart/

What is the production time?

14 business days (Monday-Friday), plus ship time from Portland, OR.

Getting Started Guide | Lanyards

If you've made the decision to create custom lanyards for your company's branding and promotional needs, you've come to the right place! Below are all of the most common questions and answers regarding custom lanyards. If you have additional questions you'd like help with, or are ready for a custom quote, please send us an inquiry.

What are the standard options for lanyards?

All of our lanyards are priced with the following options included:

  • Double Sided Print
  • Black Plastic Clip Attachment
  • Black Nickel Keyring

What colors can I choose from for my lanyard?

Lanyards are made with a 4-color process, which means we print exactly from artwork proof. Artwork colors (Pantones) do not need to be called out and color gradients can be printed.

What is the production time?

14 business days (Monday-Friday), plus ship time from Portland, OR.

 

Getting Started Guide | Patches

If you've made the decision to create custom patches for your company's branding and promotional needs, you've come to the right place! Below are all of the most common questions and answers regarding custom patches. If you have additional questions you'd like help with, or are ready for a custom quote, please send us an inquiry.

Patch Types

  • Fully Embroidered
  • Twill Embroidered
  • Woven

Why would I choose a woven patch vs a fully (or twill) embroidered patch?

A woven patch is a great option for a very detailed design or small typography. A woven patch has a different look because it uses a thinner thread, similar to a woven label. It provides cleaner lines and a flatter look when compared to an embroidered patch that has a 3D lift to the fabric.

What is the difference between a merrow border or a regular (stitch) border?

Also referred to as an overlock stitch, a merrow border is the thicker woven edge that creates a border on many embroidered patches. Not only does a merrow border add a great look to many patches, it also provides longer durability and the best possible protection against shredding.

This type of border can only be applied on simple shaped patches. For patches that have a more intricate shape, the edge is embroidered and is then cut as close as possible to this edge, using thermal, hot cut technique. Click here to see examples of both types of borders.

Why choose heat seal adhesive backing?

The heat seal adhesive (also known as iron-on), you have the choice of sewing your patches on, but also the flexibility of being able to use a heat press or iron to seal the patches onto your apparel or accessory.

How small can text be?

Text can be no smaller than 4mm for CAPITAL letters,

What colors can I choose from on my patch?

We match to Solid Coated Pantones only. Please see our Pantone Color Chart if you need assistance with your color choice: https://waysandmeans.global/pantone-color-chart/

What is the production time?

14 business days (Monday-Friday), plus ship time from Portland, OR.

Getting Started Guide | Woven Labels

If you've made the decision to create custom woven labels for your company's branding and promotional needs, you've come to the right place! Below are all of the most common questions and answers regarding custom labels. If you have additional questions you'd like help with, or are ready for a custom quote, please send us an inquiry.

Custom Label Types

  • 50 Denier Damask Woven Label
  • 100 Denier Damask Woven Label
  • Satin Woven Label
  • Printed Label – satin, cotton, tyvek, or nylon

Label Fold Types

  • Straight Cut
  • End Fold
  • Center Fold
  • Manhattan Fold
  • Miter Fold

What is the difference between 100 Denier and 50 Denier Woven Label?

100 Denier is an industry standard while the 50 Denier is considered to be a higher quality because it has a better clarity and is softer to the touch.

Why might I choose a satin woven label?

Available in black, white, or off-white backgrounds, satin woven labels have a unique sheen that other clothing labels do not. Satin clothing tags are frequently used for formal wear and women’s apparel.

Why might I choose a printed label?

Printed labels are a great choice for very detailed artwork, as well as for customers looking for a more natural look, i.e. cotton printed labels.

How small can text be?

Text can be no smaller than 2mm for CAPITAL letters,

What colors can I choose from for my custom label?

We match to Solid Coated Pantones only. Please see our Pantone Color Chart if you need assistance with your color choice: https://waysandmeans.global/pantone-color-chart/

What is the production time?

10 business days (Monday-Friday), plus ship time from Portland, OR.

 

Getting Started Guide | Air Fresheners

If you've made the decision to create custom air fresheners for your company's branding and promotional needs, you've come to the right place! Below are all of the most common questions and answers regarding custom air fresheners. If you have additional questions you'd like help with, or are ready for a custom quote, please send us an inquiry.

Can my air freshener be any shape?

Yes, we can die cut your air freshener to any shape you’d like

What type of packaging is included with my air freshener?

Each air freshener will come individually packaged and sealed in a plastic bag the size of your air freshener.

Do you offer customer packaging?

Yes, we offer custom packaging, including adding a customer cardstock header. Please ask your sales representative for complete details and pricing.

What scents can I choose from?

Our standard scents include:

  • APPLE

  • PEACH

  • LEMON

  • ORANGE

  • STRAWBERRY

  • GRAPE

  • MELON

  • MANGO

  • COCONUT

  • CHERRY

  • GRAPEFRUIT

  • APRICOT

  • BANANA

  • VIOLET

  • LILAC

  • JASMINE

  • GREEN TEA

  • ROSE

  • VANILLA

  • COFFEE

  • PINE

  • SQUASH

WE CAN ALSO CUSTOM BLEND THESE SCENTS FOR A UNIQUE OPTION TO YOUR ACCESSORY LINE.

 

 

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Getting Started Guide | Hang Tags

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If you've made the decision to create custom hang tags for your clothing line, you've come to the right place! Below are all of the most common questions and answers regarding custom hang tags. If you have additional questions you'd like help with, or are ready for a custom quote, please send us an inquiry.

What are the standard options for hang tags?

All of our hang tags are priced with the following options included:

•    18 point card stock
•    Metal Grommet
•    String Attachment
•    Safety Pin Attachment

What colors can I choose from on my hang tag?

We match to Solid Coated Pantones only. Please see our Pantone Color Chart if you need assistance with your color choice: https://waysandmeans.global/pantone-color-chart/

What are my metal options for the grommet?

•    Gold
•    Silver
•    Black Nickel

What paper colors and paper weights do you offer?

We offer a wide range of colors and weights. Please speak to your sales representative if there is a specific color you would like to match. Our standard paper weight is 18pt stock.

Can you print double sided?

Yes, we can print double sided for a 10% price upgrade

What about embossed or debossed printing?

Yes, we can emboss or deboss your design, as well as incorporate printed features as well.

What types of strings and safety pins can I use?

We offer a wide range of strings and safety pins that all come in a variety of colors. Please speak to your sales representative if there is a specific type you would like to use for your hang tag.

What is the production time?

14 business days (Monday-Friday), plus ship time from Portland, OR.

Are there expedited options?

Yes, for $150 we can expedite your pin order in 6-7 business days (Monday-Friday), plus ship time from Portland, OR.

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Emblematics | Embroidered Patch Art Show

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Emroidered Patch Portland

from the PDX Monthly....

Used to cover holes in a sleeve, emblazon “John” on a uniform, or proudly portray a love for the Misfits across the back of a denim jacket, embroidered patches have long been an important part of fashion for functional and aesthetic reasons.

Todd Richardson, owner of local company Ways & Means, produces top-notch woven labels and patches for designers of all sorts, and knows how important patches have become to us on a personal level. “I had recently created some patches for other artists, and had this idea to try and make an art show around them. But I wasn’t quite sure how to bring it to life,” he says about the impetus for Emblematics, an art show on display at Yanagida Projects.

Richardson bought on local artist Adam Garcia and his company the Pressure to recruit 18 artists to each design an embroidered patch that represented something important to them. “Embroidered patches have traditionally been used to signify roles, status and organization—always rife with symbolism,” Garcia says. The idea of Emblematics is for each artist to create a new, custom patch that explores a personal story, to represent how artists communicate through symbols, explore catharsis, and project those stories into the public.”

Pulling together artists from around the nation–including Grammy-nominated Eric Timothy Carlson, Stacey Rozich, Erik Marinovich, Dan Christopherson, Thomas Bradley, and Nishat Akhtar–the show will feature custom patches, and the personal stories behind them. Each patch, manufactured locally in Portland by Ways & Means, is available for purchase, as well as a handful of custom satin varsity jackets, with each of the artist’s patches already applied.

Garcia shares the story of his own patch in a preview of the show: “Time is an ocean, slowly crashing waves against our shores. And it can erode our sense of self as experiences, moments; life can shift our own ideas of who we are. My last year has met a lot of change, a slow tide that has reached a point where I realized I needed to challenge my definitions of what I am, and what I’m supposed to be. The triangle, held by the hand, is the alchemical symbol for water, held in an askew peace sign. This patch is a reminder to find comfort living in the liminal, diving headfirst into change, and embracing formlessness. Like water.”

Embroidered Patch Jacket Portland

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The Emblematic Art Show happen on June 9, 2017, at our sister store, Yanagida Projects. With the success of the first event, we definitely plan on a similar event in the near future. We'll keep you posted!

Custom Caps and Beanies

Check out some of the latest custom headwear we've created for our clients.

Our PDX cap is an unstructured snapback with a custom applique sewn onto the front. We created the Polo Lounge snapbacks for the Beverly Hills Hotel. The 5 panel hats have custom front embroidery, custom metal logo pieces adhered to the sides, as well as custom leather snapbacks. The final cap shown is a real leather 5 panel snapback with custom 3D front embroidery.

The weather may be warming up, but beanies are a great accessory year round. We offer very competitive pricing with a range of color and customization options, such as leather patches, embroidery, metal, and custom labels.

Contact us today for a custom quote.

 

Metal Options for Pins & Other Metal Products

Ways & Means offers a variety of high quality metal options for every type of lapel pin and other metal products. Below is a selection of recent pins we've produced to provide sample images of the types of metals you can consider for your next branding project.

Contact us for a complimentary quote!

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Soft Enamel vs. Hard Enamel Pins

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A common question we receive when a customer is interested in designing a metal pin is what's the difference between hard and soft enamel.

The short answer is soft enamel has recessed enamel, while hard enamel is polished flat. Both are made from the same mold and the detail achieved is the same - they simply have different looks.

Soft Enamel

When creating a soft enamel pin, the enamel is laid in the recessed areas and put through ovens to bake the enamel hard. The enamel is only added once in this process which means when dry, the enamel clings to the edges and recessed below the metal die line (that stops the enamels from mixing). This creates a dimensional look, meaning the paint is at a lower level than the metal borders surrounding each color. If you rub your thumb over your custom soft enamel pin you will feel the metal ridges.

Hard Enamel

For hard enamel pins, not only is the enamel added over several times raising the enamel higher, it is heated at a very high temperature to harden and cure the enamel. It is then polished smooth so it can be at the same level as the metal die lines. If you rub your thumb over a hard enamel lapel pin (also known as cloisonné lapel pin) it will feel smooth and you will not feel the metal borders/ridges.

If you are interested in creating a custom metal pin, please contact us today. Our sales representatives can help you decide what type of pin is best for your design.