Customization options

Choose the metal, the way it is made, the plating and the colour work, then add ribbons, attachments and packaging. Every option below is made in our own Foshan factory.

Custom medals and pins in gold, silver, bronze and black nickel finishes

Materials

The metal decides how a piece is made, how heavy it feels and which colour methods it takes.

Medal and badge materials compared
MaterialHow it's madeBest for
Zinc alloyDie-cast for 3D relief, cut-outs and complex shapes. The most common medal material.Die-cast in a mouldSports medals, 3D designs, large runs
BrassDie-struck for crisp detail and a heavy, premium feel. Takes hard enamel well.Die-struck from sheetAward medals, police badges, hard enamel
CopperSofter metal that strikes very fine detail; ideal for antique and commemorative pieces.Die-struck from sheetCommemorative medals and coins
IronStamped iron keeps cost down on flat designs and large quantities.Stamped from sheetBudget runs, soft enamel pins
Stainless steelCorrosion resistant and durable, with a natural or plated finish.Stamped, then plated, printed or left naturalOutdoor use, tags, printed badges
AluminiumLight and economical, suited to printed or anodised colour designs.Stamped, then printed or anodisedLightweight medals, printed badges

Not sure which to pick? Tell us the use, quantity and budget and we will recommend a material in your quote.

Crafts and colouring

Most buyers choose between soft and hard enamel first. Here is how they differ.

Close-up of a soft enamel medal showing colour recessed below raised gold lines

Soft enamel

Colour sits below raised metal lines, giving a textured feel. Wide colour range at a lower cost.

Surface
Colour sits below the raised metal lines. You can feel the edges.
Look
Bold and textured. An epoxy dome can be added for a smooth, glossy top.
Cost
Lower. A wide colour range at a lower price.
Usual metals
Zinc alloy, iron
Best for
Event medals, pins, keychains
Close-up of a hard enamel badge with colour polished flush to the metal

Hard enamel

Colour is filled level with the metal and polished smooth for a jewellery-grade finish.

Surface
Colour is filled level with the metal and polished flat.
Look
Smooth and jewellery-grade, with crisp metal lines.
Cost
Higher. More filling and polishing time per piece.
Usual metals
Brass
Best for
Awards, police badges, premium pins

Other methods

  • Die-cast zinc alloy medal with multi-level relief and cut-outs

    Die casting

    Molten zinc alloy is cast into a mould for multi-level 3D relief and cut-outs.

    Best for: 3D medals, sculpted badges

  • Printed badge with a full-colour gradient under a clear epoxy dome

    Printing

    Offset or UV printing for gradients, photos and fine artwork, usually with an epoxy dome.

    Best for: Anime badges, photo-realistic designs

  • Antique bronze coin with a sculpted 3D relief portrait

    3D relief

    Sculpted multi-level relief for portraits, figures and landmarks, struck or cast.

    Best for: Commemorative medals, coins

Plating finishes

Pieces are electroplated on our own lines. Shiny finishes keep a bright mirror look; antique finishes are darkened in the recesses so relief and lettering stand out.

  • Shiny gold
  • Shiny silver
  • Shiny copper
  • Antique gold
  • Antique silver
  • Antique bronze
  • Black nickel

Plated surfaces can also be brushed or sandblasted where the design calls for it. Swatches are a guide only; screens vary, so the physical sample is the colour reference.

Accessories and packaging

Finish the order with the ribbon, back or box it will be handed out in.

Sublimated medal ribbons with V-neck and straight hooks

Medal ribbons

Sublimated or woven ribbons in any width, with V-neck or straight hooks.

Best for: Sports and event medals

See medal ribbons

Butterfly clutch, rubber back, locking back, magnet and keyring attachments

Pin backs & attachments

Butterfly clutches, rubber or locking backs, safety pins, magnets and keyrings.

Best for: Pins, badges, keychains

See enamel pins

Velvet, wooden and printed paper medal boxes with a coin capsule

Display & gift boxes

Velvet, leather, wooden and printed paper boxes, plus coin capsules.

Best for: Awards, coins, collectors

See packaging boxes

Enamel pins on printed backing cards in OPP bags with header cards

Retail packaging

Backing cards, OPP bags with header cards and barcode labels for retail.

Best for: Anime merchandise, retail sets

See anime and fan badges

Sizes, thickness and edges

These are common sizes in the industry, not limits. Other sizes are made on request. Thickness depends on the size and how deep the relief is, so we recommend one when we quote.

Common sizes and thickness by product
ProductCommon diameterTypical thickness
Medals50–70 mm3–5 mm
Challenge coins38–50 mm3–4 mm
Enamel pins20–30 mm1.2–2 mm

Edge and shape options

Coins and medals can take a decorative edge, and any piece can be cut to a custom outline.

  • Smooth edge
  • Reeded edge
  • Rope edge
  • Diamond-cut edge
  • Cut-out shapes
  • Custom outline

Ask us which edge suits your design; some combine better with certain materials and thicknesses.

Customization questions

What is the difference between soft enamel and hard enamel?

With soft enamel the colour sits below the raised metal lines, so you can feel the texture, and it costs less. With hard enamel the colour is filled level with the metal and polished smooth for a jewellery-grade finish. Hard enamel is usually chosen for awards, police badges and premium pins.

Which material is best for event and marathon medals?

Zinc alloy is the most common choice. It is die-cast, so it handles 3D relief, cut-outs and unusual shapes, and it works well for large runs. Brass and copper suit award and commemorative medals where weight and fine detail matter most.

Can you match our brand colours?

Yes. Enamel colours are filled to the Pantone references on your approved artwork. Printing is used when a design needs gradients or photographic detail.

What sizes can you make?

Medals are commonly 50–70 mm, challenge coins 38–50 mm and enamel pins 20–30 mm, but these are only typical ranges. Other sizes are made on request, and we suggest a thickness that suits your size and relief depth when we quote.

Can I see a sample before mass production?

Yes. After you approve the artwork and pay the deposit, we make a physical sample in 7 days. The sample fee is based on your unit quote. Mass production starts once you approve the sample, and the finished goods are ready 14 days from the day after your deposit, sample included.

Is design work included?

Our team prepares the design draft and production vector artwork. The design fee is USD 100 per design and is credited against your order when you go ahead.

More answers on the FAQ page, or see how ordering works.

Tell us what you want to make

Send your design, quantity and preferred finish. We will recommend materials and crafts and send a quote within 24 hours. Orders start at 100 pieces.

WhatsApp us