Exploring Different Pin Types: What is The Difference Between Soft Enamel and Offset Printed Pins?

When you’re looking for a home run of a baseball trading pin, you’re likely to be presented with a wide variety of options. Depending on the artist or company you contact, you may end up discussing different designs, shapes, sizes, and colors. As if that didn’t present enough options, you’ll probably end up discussing different kinds of pins as well. While it’s easy to assume a baseball trading pin comes in one standard material, that’s far from the case. 

In fact, there are two distinct kinds of pins that can have a major impact on your overall design. These are called soft enamel and offset printed pins. While they have some general similarities, they both serve different purposes during the overall design process. 

But before we get ahead of ourselves, it’s important for you to understand the fundamentals of the two kinds of baseball trading pins so you can learn why different styles work for different kinds of pins. 

Offset printed pin essentials: This process allows for bleeds and blends of colors. This is similar to the tactics that are used in magazines. It allows for a more rich mix of different colors while preventing the overall effect from looking muddy or unclear. The colors are printed in the traditional CMYK process which allows for many color options. If you want your pin to reflect each and every color of the rainbow, that’s completely within the realm of possibility. 

This style can be used for complex art and photo reproduction, too. Offset printed pins are excellent choices for really intricate, unique pieces because there are so many potential outcomes for how the final product might look. 

As mentioned, an unlimited amount of colors can be used. This allows for designs that are only restricted by how imaginative you are. Offset printed pins can get so detailed and exciting that you’re surprised that such a work of art can fit on a relatively small surface. 

Compared to a soft enamel pin, you’ll likely choose an offset printed pin for more complicated designs, photo reproductions, and high-color pins. Of course, there are plenty of reasons to choose a soft enamel pin, too. 

Soft enamel pin basics: The design is stamped out from a sheet of metal. If you think of a blacksmith hammering a hot piece of metal to work it into shape, a soft enamel pin uses similar concepts. The stamping leaves recessed areas, or pools. These show the general form of the design and give a vague idea of what the final product might look like. 

After this process, those recessed areas and pools become integral to the design and are filled with enamel. The enamel is baked at a lower temperature. Unlike hard enamel, the areas of color rest below the metal strip surface, which can be felt when you run your finger over the surface. It adds a bit more texture to the general pin and it creates a more tactile experience than some other design methods. 

While it is easy enough to think of soft enamel pins as more “simple,” they’re anything but. You can still achieve a good level of design from a soft enamel pin and, in many ways, this type of pin is considered more “traditional” than other types of pins. When you think of a baseball trading pin, there’s a strong possibility that you’re picturing a soft enamel pin. 

The soft enamel designs are true classics and they look excellent alongside any pin collection as well as on any team uniform. Of course, your final pin is going to depend heavily on your final design. 

Choosing a design: While you may be interested in a specific type of pin, it’s important to understand that the end result is ultimately influenced by your design. Of course, you can certainly meet with a designer to discuss your pin preference. You have to remember, though, that your design ultimately decides what style of pin will be fabricated. 

There are a few things that you should have in mind when you’re getting ready to meet with a pin designer. First, you should have a general idea of your design. This will give the artist a framework to build off of. Even if you don’t have any sketches or designs on hand, it’s a good idea to at least have a concept. Any good artist will be prepared to do some initial designs and sketches to help finalize what your pin could end up looking like. This is an essential part of the total design process. 

On top of that, you should have a solid budget established. By setting a budget, you can work with your designer to find a trading pin that will fit in with your precise financial needs. Your designer will make smart, economical suggestions to help you end up with a product that you and your team will love. 

Luckily, at Baseball Trading Pins, we are experts at the design and fabrication of pins. No matter what kind of design interests you or how you envision your pin, we will work with you until you’re satisfied. On top of that, we always include free artwork so you don’t have to worry that you’re paying premium prices for the design as well as the pin. Everything is included. 

If you’re ready to discuss designs and pin types, we’re here to help. Our team of pros at Baseball Trading Pins knows all about the design process and we can help you make the best decisions so you end up with a product that truly speaks to your personality. When you want to develop a pin that will bring back memories for years to come, Baseball Trading Pins is the way to go.

Contact us today to learn more about the design process or even request a free consultation. We can’t wait to help you knock this pin out of the park.