| The process of soft enameling is based on the same technique when manufacturing die struck pins. A die is cut to the image of the design. The image is then stamped on the sheet of either iron or copper, and is carefully cut out to the outline of the design shape. Plating the cut out is the next step, and for this type of pin gold and nickel (silver) is commonly used, but copper and black nickel is also a readily available option. The raised metal surfaces are then polished to a luster finish while the recessed areas are filled with paint enamel of a particular color. The Pantone based paints allow the selected colors the pins to be clearly visible in the recesses of the pin, leaving the raised polished metal areas slightly above the color, which gives a 3-dimensional effect. The Soft Enamel is one of the most popular choices for custom designed pins, it offers a great looking item for a price slightly less than that of the cloisonn¨¦' type. |
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