Transparent enamel pins represent an innovative advancement in accessory design, seamlessly blending material science with aesthetic appeal. Originally inspired by the rose window of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the stained glass shimmers in sunlight. Today, these pins are manufactured using high-purity transparent materials, paints, advanced resins, or composite polymers to achieve exceptional clarity and a smooth, glassy texture that feels cool and comfortable to the touch.

When light passes through the lapel pin, it refracts and scatters, creating a vibrant iridescent effect that changes color depending on viewing angle and lighting conditions.

Transparent Lapel Pin: A New Craftsmanship with Glass-like Texture and Iridescent Effects

How to make translucent enamel pins

Enamel Types for Translucency

Transparency Control: The enamel’s opacity is adjusted by modifying the ratio of glass to opacifiers (e.g., titanium dioxide). For translucent effects, opacifiers are minimized or omitted entirely
Color Blending: Translucent enamels often layer multiple colors to achieve depth. For example, blue over yellow can create a greenish hue when light passes through

Step-by-Step Manufacturing Process

The production of translucent enamel pins involves a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.

Step 1: Design Creation

Digital Mock-Up: Designs are created using vector-based software like Adobe Illustrator. For translucent pins, avoid overly complex patterns; instead, focus on large, open areas where light can penetrate effectively.

Step 2: Mold Making

Corrosion Engraving or Hydraulic Stamping: The design is etched into a steel mold using precision engraving. Hydraulic stamping applies high pressure (5+ tons) to imprint the design onto metal sheets, creating raised and recessed areas for enamel filling

Step 3: Metal Plating and Polishing

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After stamping, pins are polished to a smooth finish. Stainless steel pins are often electroplated with gold, silver, or nickel to enhance reflectivity. This step is critical for translucent enamels, as the metal underneath acts as a mirror to amplify light transmission
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Step 4: Enamel Application

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Translucent Paint Injection: Unlike opaque enamels, translucent varieties require careful layering. Semi-transparent paints are injected into the recessed areas of the pin. The paint is formulated to fuse with the metal during curing, creating a unified surface
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Low-Temperature Baking: Pins are baked at controlled temperatures (typically 250°C or below) to solidify the enamel without clouding. This process gives the enamel a glass-like gloss
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Step 5: Quality Control and Packaging

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Each pin is inspected for bubbles, uneven coloring, or imperfections. Translucent pins are held to higher standards because flaws are more visible under light

Design Inspiration for Translucent Pins

Architectural Motifs

Inspired by stained-glass windows of landmarks like Paris’s Notre-Dame or the Cologne Cathedral, these designs use geometric patterns to create prismatic

light effects

Nature and Cartoons

Leaves, butterflies, or cartoon characters (e.g., translucent wings or fluid elements) allow for gradient colors that shift in sunlight.

Abstract Patterns：Swirls, marbled textures, or ombre effects leverage translucency for a modern, artistic look.

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​Transparent Lapel Pin: A New Craftsmanship with Glass-like Texture and Iridescent Effects​