Soft Enamel vs Hard Enamel Medals
Published January 15, 2025·Last updated May 20, 2026
Not sure which enamel finish is right for your custom medals? This complete guide explains the differences in appearance, durability, cost, and best uses to help you choose the perfect option for your awards.
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Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Soft Enamel | Hard Enamel |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Texture | Textured - raised metal ridges | Smooth - polished completely flat |
| Appearance | Dimensional, tactile feel | Glossy, jewelry-like finish |
| Durability | Very good for most uses | Excellent - highly scratch-resistant |
| Cost | More budget-friendly | Higher cost |
| Production Time | 2-3 weeks standard | 3-4 weeks (extra polishing step) |
| Best For | Budget-conscious, large quantities | Premium awards, frequent handling |
| Color Options | Full Pantone matching available | Full Pantone matching available |
Soft Enamel Medals
Soft enamel is the most popular enamel process for custom medals and pins. Color enamel fills recessed areas, then the medal is baked to cure the enamel. The metal lines remain raised above the enamel, creating a textured, dimensional surface you can feel.
Advantages of Soft Enamel:
- Cost-Effective: More affordable option, especially for larger quantities
- Tactile Appeal: Dimensional surface with raised metal ridges adds visual interest
- Faster Production: Fewer production steps mean quicker turnaround
- Bold Colors: Vibrant enamel colors stand out against raised metal
- Traditional Look: Classic medal appearance familiar to most people
Best Uses for Soft Enamel:
- • Sports and race medals where budget matters
- • Large corporate orders requiring cost efficiency
- • School and youth program awards
- • Charity event medals with limited budgets
- • Medals that won't be handled daily
Soft Enamel Production Process
- 1Die Striking: Metal blank is stamped with design, creating raised and recessed areas
- 2Color Filling: Enamel paint is carefully applied to recessed areas by hand or machine
- 3Baking: Medal is baked at moderate temperature to cure and harden the enamel
- 4Plating: Optional protective epoxy coating can be applied for extra durability
Result: Textured medal with raised metal lines standing above colorful enamel fills. You can feel the dimensional surface when running your finger over it.
Hard Enamel Medals (Cloisonné)
Hard enamel (also called cloisonné) is a premium enamel process. After filling, the medal is fired at very high temperatures, then polished completely flat so the enamel and metal are on the same level. This creates a smooth, glass-like surface with a luxury jewelry finish.
Advantages of Hard Enamel:
- Premium Appearance: Smooth, glossy finish looks like fine jewelry
- Superior Durability: Highly scratch-resistant and long-lasting
- Easy to Clean: Smooth surface wipes clean effortlessly
- Prestigious Feel: Weight and finish convey quality and value
- Perfect for Display: Elegant appearance ideal for framing or display cases
Best Uses for Hard Enamel:
- • Premium marathon and triathlon medals
- • Executive and VIP recognition awards
- • Commemorative medals and keepsakes
- • Lapel pins worn regularly on uniforms
- • High-value corporate recognition programs
- • Awards meant to be displayed or framed
Hard Enamel Production Process
- 1Die Striking: Metal blank is stamped with design, creating compartments for enamel
- 2Color Filling: Enamel powder or paste is carefully applied to each compartment
- 3High-Temperature Firing: Medal is fired at 800°C+, melting enamel into glass
- 4Polishing: Surface is ground and polished flat until smooth as glass
- 5Final Plating: Optional gold or nickel plating for protective finish
Result: Completely smooth, glossy medal where enamel and metal are flush. Feels like touching glass or fine jewelry. Premium appearance and exceptional durability.
Which Enamel Type Should You Choose?
Choose Soft Enamel If:
- Budget is a primary concern and you need cost-effective medals
- You're ordering large quantities (100+ medals)
- You prefer the traditional, textured medal appearance
- Medals will be given to participants once (not handled daily)
- You need faster turnaround time (2-3 weeks)
- Event is for schools, charity, or community organizations
Choose Hard Enamel If:
- You want premium, jewelry-quality appearance and feel
- Medals will be handled frequently or worn regularly
- You're creating high-value awards (marathons, corporate, VIP)
- Medals will be displayed in frames or cases
- Maximum durability and scratch resistance is important
- You want awards that convey prestige and quality
Still Not Sure Which Enamel Type to Choose?
Our experts can recommend the perfect enamel finish based on your specific needs, budget, and intended use. Get a free quote comparing both options.
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