Difference Between Soft Enamel and Hard Enamel Challenge Coin

Do you know custom enamel coins? We are often asked that the difference between soft enamel and hard enamel challenge coin from our customers when they are ready to drop orders. The difference is huge, and here I will show you in the following.

Soft Enamel Coins VS Hard Enamel Coins
Soft enamel challenge coin
Challenge coins crafted by soft enamel
Soft enamel coin is not “soft” when touching.

The “soft enamel”, an industry term, is the meaning of the color fill process used to create the challenge coin. Recessed areas will be filled with liquid enamel by using a tiny needle, and are surrounded by raised metal as a line to contain the enamel well. After baked and polished, the challenge coin can be ready for package and delivery. If you rub your fingers over your custom soft enamel coin you will have a layered feeling.

Hard enamel coins
Challenge coins crafted by hard enamel
And for hard enamel, this craft is a multi-step enamel process, which is often used to produce jewelry, vases, and high-end decorative handicrafts. It is also called cloisonné. This type of challenge coin has its flash-point, smooth surface, and colorful images that are the same level as the based metal, with a glossy finish.

The process of hard enamel is always made from great material and costs a little more. The enamel color will be added several times to match the higher raised metal line, and then it is heated at a very high temperature to harden and polished in detail.

The different process makes different features for your custom coins. You can know it well from the below pictures and lists.