Custom Badges & Lapel Pins

Custom badges and lapel pins from Longtian: custom badges and pins for museums, scenic attractions, enterprises and universities. Our MOQ starts from 50 pcs. Sampling usually takes 5–7 days after the digital proof is approved; mass production takes about 15–25 days after sample approval. Price depends mainly on size, metal, soft or hard enamel, colour count, plating, backing, special effects, packaging and quantity; we do not publish a fixed price list — each project is quoted from your artwork and quantity. Sample and mold fees are quoted per design. Payment is T/T 30% deposit and 70% before shipment (PayPal for samples); trade terms are EXW, FOB Shenzhen or DDP by quote. An NDA is available on request.

Pins and badges are small enough to sell at a ticket counter and expressive enough to carry a whole exhibition theme, which is why cultural venues and brands order them in collectable series. We handle the design proof, sampling and production, then pack for export.

Crafts and processes

• Soft enamel and hard (imitation) enamel colour fills on stamped or die-cast metal
• Printed metal badges with epoxy coating for photographic artwork
• Die-cast 3D badges for sculpted details
• Tinplate button badges for low-cost event giveaways
• Acrylic and soft PVC badges for character designs

A badge begins with line artwork that separates every colour area with a metal ridge. For stamped badges, the design is engraved into a steel die and struck into brass or iron sheet; for more complex or multi-level shapes, zinc alloy is die-cast instead. After cutting and polishing, enamel is filled colour by colour. With soft enamel the colour sits below the metal lines, leaving a tactile surface; with hard (imitation) enamel the colour is filled higher and then ground flat, giving a smooth, polished face.

Where artwork contains gradients, photographs or very fine lettering, offset or screen printing is applied to the metal and sealed under a clear epoxy dome. Tinplate button badges are printed flat and pressed onto a shell, which makes them a quick option for events, while acrylic and soft PVC badges handle character art in bright, flat colour. Extras such as glitter, glow-in-the-dark, translucent enamel over a textured base, rotating parts or hinged doors can be added when a pin series needs a collectable twist.

Materials

• Brass: stamped, sharp lines, good for hard enamel
• Iron: stamped, economical for larger runs of soft enamel
• Zinc alloy: die-cast for cut-outs, 3D relief and complex outlines
• Tinplate: printed button badges
• Acrylic and soft PVC: character and cartoon designs
• Plating: gold, silver, nickel, black nickel, copper, antique, rainbow anodised

For museum and campus pin programmes, stamped brass or iron with enamel remains the most common choice because it balances detail with cost. Die-cast zinc is chosen when the outline has holes or layers that stamping cannot form.

Sizes

• Lapel pins are commonly about 20–30 mm
• Collector and exhibition pins are often 30–50 mm
• Name and staff badges are usually rectangular, sized to the text
• Thickness and backing are chosen together so the pin sits flat on clothing

Very small pins limit how fine the text can be; very large pins need two posts so they do not rotate. We advise on both when we review the artwork.

Packaging

• Poly bag per pin for bulk programmes
• Printed backing card in your branding
• Velvet or paper gift box for single premium pins
• Blind-box packaging for collectable series
• Folding display cards or albums for complete sets

A good backing card shows the pin clearly, carries the design story and protects the posts during shipping.

Customization options

• Butterfly clutch, safety pin or magnet backing
• Glitter, glow, translucent or gradient colour effects
• Cut-out, spinner or hinged moving parts
• Individual backing cards and display packaging

Who orders them and why

• Museums: pin series based on collection highlights for the museum shop.
• Attractions: commemorative pins for visitors who complete a route or a stamp trail.
• Enterprises: employee recognition pins, logo pins for events and partners.
• Universities: school emblem badges, graduation and alumni pins.

What affects the price (no fixed list)

Price is quoted per project. The main drivers for badges and pins are:

• Size and metal: larger pins and brass or die-cast zinc cost more than small stamped iron.
• Enamel type: hard enamel needs extra filling and polishing compared with soft enamel.
• Colour count: each colour is filled separately.
• Plating and effects: dual plating, glitter, glow, translucent enamel or moving parts add steps.
• Backing: magnets, locking clutches or two-post fixings cost more than a standard butterfly clutch.
• Packaging and quantity: custom cards or boxes, and how many pieces share one mold.

We do not publish USD prices. Send artwork and quantity for a quote.

Files and details that help us quote

Please include: artwork or reference images, preferred size and material if known, quantity per design, target delivery date, destination country and packaging preference. If you have a target retail price, share it so we can suggest a suitable process.

Quality checks before shipping

Finished pieces are checked against the approved sample for outline, colour, plating or paint, attachments and packaging before cartons are sealed. Tell us if you need photos, videos or a third-party inspection for larger orders.

Ordering workflow: sample → approval → production → QC → shipping

1. Enquiry and brief. Send artwork or reference images, the quantity, target retail price and delivery date. Our MOQ starts from 50 pcs.
2. Recommendation and quote. We suggest material, process, size and packaging, and quote per design. Any sample or mold fee is quoted per design.
3. Digital proof. Our design team prepares a proof showing outline, colours, finish and dimensions. Revisions continue until you approve it.
4. Physical sample. Sampling usually takes 5–7 days after proof approval. You check the sample by photo, video or courier.
5. Approval and deposit. Payment is T/T 30% deposit with 70% before shipment; samples can be paid by PayPal.
6. Mass production. Production usually takes about 15–25 days after sample approval, depending on quantity and process.
7. Quality control. Goods are checked against the approved sample for colour, finish, attachment hardware and packaging before cartons are sealed.
8. Shipping. We ship by express, air or sea under EXW, FOB Shenzhen or DDP, quoted per order. An NDA is available on request.

Related products and projects

• Custom Medals
• Custom Commemorative Coins
• Custom Keychains
• Project types and case study
• Buying guides
• All products

Related guides

• Custom enamel pin pricing factors explained
• Fridge magnets vs badges vs bookmarks for museum shops
• Souvenir packaging options for museums, scenic areas and events

Start your project

Send your artwork, quantity and target date to WhatsApp +86 18811875118 · WeChat 15220268909 · sales@longtiangifts.com, or use the contact page. See also how to order, shipping & pricing and our buying guides.