Soft Enamel Vs. Hard Enamel: Which Is Best For Custom Medals?

Enamel is one of the most easily applied methods for custom medals with color and character. It can make a plain metal design look brighter, help to differentiate various sections of the artwork, and it can make logos or lettering come to life. However, not all enamel finishes look or feel the same.

There are two types of enamel commonly available including soft enamel and hard enamel. Both can achieve good results, but there are distinct differences in texture, appearance, cost and fit when it comes to the design of the medals. When working with a custom medals manufacturer, it is essential to be aware of the differences beforehand to save time and to make the better decision.

What Makes Soft Enamel Different?

Soft enamel is filled into the recessed areas of a metal medal without being polished completely level with the surrounding metal lines. This creates a slightly raised metal border and a lower enamel surface. When you run your finger across the medal, you can usually feel the difference between the metal and colored sections.

That texture is one of the main features of soft enamel. Soft enamel also works well with strong, clear colors. The recessed areas can hold different shades, allowing designers to create colorful logos, symbols, lettering, and patterns.

A custom medals manufacturer can use soft enamel on many different medal shapes and designs, making it a popular option for sports events, clubs, schools, charity events, and promotional awards.

What Makes Hard Enamel Different?

Hard enamel has a smoother surface. The enamel is filled into the recessed sections and then polished until the colored areas sit level with the surrounding metal. The result is a flat, clean surface that feels smooth when touched. The finished medal often has a more refined appearance because there are fewer noticeable changes in surface height.

Hard enamel can be a good choice when you want the medal to have a neat, polished look. It is often considered for corporate awards, commemorative pieces, recognition medals, and designs where a smooth finish is part of the overall appearance.

A custom medals manufacturer can also combine hard enamel with different metal finishes to create contrast between colored areas and the surrounding details.

The Difference You Can See And Feel

The simplest way to understand the difference is to think about texture. For a fun running event, a colorful soft enamel design may fit the style well. For a formal recognition medal, the smooth appearance of hard enamel may be more suitable.

• Soft enamel has visible and physical depth between the metal borders and the colored sections. Hard enamel is much flatter and smoother. This difference can affect the character of the medal.
• Soft enamel can give a design a more lively and textured appearance. Hard enamel tends to look cleaner and more polished.

Neither finish is automatically better for every project. The choice should match the design and the type of award you are creating.

Premium Feel

This usually comes down to personal preference and the design itself. A custom medals manufacturer can also use plating and finishing choices to change the overall appearance. Gold, silver, antique, black, or other metal finishes can produce very different results with the same enamel colors.

So, the enamel type is only one part of the final look. Hard enamel often has a smooth, polished appearance that works well for formal-looking medals. Its flat surface can make colors and metal borders look clean and organized.

Soft enamel has a different type of appeal. The raised metal lines and recessed colors give the medal more texture and visual depth.

Durability And Every day Handling

Both soft and hard enamel can be used for medals that are handled, displayed, or worn at events. Hard enamel has a smooth, polished surface that is generally well suited to medals that need a clean finish. Soft enamel also provides a durable color-filled design, although its recessed surface gives it a different feel.

The actual durability of a medal depends on more than the enamel type. Metal quality, plating, thickness, finishing, production methods, and how the medal is used can all affect its lifespan.

If the medal is intended for regular handling, outdoor events, or long-term display, tell your custom medals manufacturer how it will be used. This information can help the manufacturer suggest suitable materials and finishes.

Handling Small Details

Deciding the artwork itself is an important option. When your medal features multiple small colored sections, thin metal details, small lettering or intricate designs, consult with your custom medals manufacturer prior to selecting the type of enamel. Some details may need to be adjusted depending on the medal's size and production method.

Small areas can be challenging to fill and clean effectively. A good manufacturer will examine the art and advise you whether to make changes, simplify or enlarge any elements. It is particularly helpful if your design is digital and hasn't been used to test as a medal yet.

Key Things To Consider Before Choosing An Enamel Finish

The enamel decision should be based on more than whether one surface looks attractive in a product photo. Your artwork, event style, medal size, handling needs, and budget can all affect which finish makes sense. Use these points to narrow down the option that fits your particular medal.

• Surface Feel: Choose soft enamel if you like a textured surface. Pick hard enamel if you prefer a smooth, level finish.
• Artwork Style: Bold logos and colorful designs can work well with either option. More formal artwork may benefit from the clean look of hard enamel.
• Medal Size: Small medals leave less room for tiny enamel sections. Your manufacturer can advise whether the artwork needs changes.
• Number of Colors: Multiple enamel colors can be used, but complex artwork should be checked before production to make sure each area remains clear.
• Event Type: Think about where the medal will be presented. A casual sports event and a formal corporate award may call for very different visual styles.
• Overall Finish: Look at the enamel together with the metal plating, ribbon, edges, and other details. The complete medal should feel visually balanced.

How To Make The Final Choice?

There is no universal answer to the soft enamel versus hard enamel question. Soft enamel gives you a textured surface, clear metal borders, and a colorful appearance. Hard enamel provides a smooth, polished surface with a more even finish.

Your choice should depend on the design, event, desired appearance, medal size, colors, and how the award will be handled or displayed.

If you are unsure, ask your custom medals manufacturer for examples of both finishes made on similar designs. Comparing real samples is often much easier than trying to judge the difference from a screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Soft Enamel Cheaper Than Hard Enamel?

Soft enamel can often be a more economical option, but the final price depends on the medal design, size, quantity, metal, plating, and other production details.

Does Hard Enamel Feel Completely Smooth?

Yes. Hard enamel is polished so the colored areas sit level with the surrounding metal, creating a smooth surface.

Can Custom Medals Use Several Enamel Colors?

Yes. Multiple colors can be used, although very small or complicated areas may need adjustments for clear production.

It's more than the finish when it comes to choosing the right type of enamel. Think about your art, event style, colors, size, and use before you decide. A knowledgeable custom medals manufacturer can also review your design and discuss with you what each one would entail in the manufacturing process. Based on that input, one can select the enamel finish for the medal that will best accommodate the design rather than the design for the enamel finish.