Soft Enamel vs Hard Enamel: Get The Right Medal For Your Event!

When it comes to choosing the right type of medal for your event or organisation, one question often pops up: Should I go with soft enamel or hard enamel medals? Both options have their unique benefits, and understanding the differences will help you make the right decision based on your needs, budget, and timeline. In this expert guide, we’ll break down exactly what enamel is, the key differences between soft and hard enamel medals, and when to choose each one.

What Is Enamel?

Enamel is a special type of paint used to colour and decorate medals. It’s not your everyday paint—it’s heat- and water-resistant and offers a glossy, vibrant finish. Unlike traditional paint, enamel is cured (either through baking or firing), which enhances its durability and gives it a premium look. These qualities make enamel ideal for medals that are both eye-catching and long-lasting.

What Are Soft Enamel Medals?

Soft enamel medals are created by stamping a design into metal, plating the medal, and then filling the recessed areas with enamel paint. The enamel is baked to cure it, resulting in a slightly raised metal outline and a textured finish that you can feel with your fingers. This method offers a bold visual contrast between the enamel and the raised metal lines, making designs really pop.

✅ Pros of Soft Enamel Medals:

Cost-effective: Soft enamel medals are more affordable to produce, making them a great option for budget-conscious organisations.

Detailed designs: The process allows for sharp, defined lines—perfect for intricate artwork or logos.

Quick production time: Their simpler manufacturing process means they’re ready faster, making them ideal for large or urgent orders.

❌ Cons of Soft Enamel Medals:

Textured surface: The enamel sits lower than the metal borders, resulting in a non-smooth finish. While many love the tactile feel, it may not suit all preferences.

Slightly less durable: Though still robust, soft enamel medals can be more susceptible to wear and scratches over time compared to hard enamel.

What Are Hard Enamel Medals?

Hard enamel medals take the process a step further. Instead of liquid enamel, they use powdered glass or resin, which is fired at high temperatures for each colour layer. After all colours are added and baked, the medal is polished until the enamel is flush with the metal lines, creating a smooth, glossy, and highly durable finish.

✅ Pros of Hard Enamel Medals:

Extremely durable: Their hardened surface is scratch-resistant and made to last a lifetime.

Smooth and professional look: The polished, glass-like finish gives a premium, elegant appearance ideal for prestigious events.

❌ Cons of Hard Enamel Medals:

Higher cost: Due to the time-intensive process and premium materials, hard enamel medals come at a higher price point.

Longer production time: Each colour must be applied and fired separately, which extends the overall manufacturing timeline.

Soft vs Hard Enamel: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Soft Enamel Medals if:

• You need a large quantity of medals quickly.
• You’re working with a tighter budget.
• You want bold, detailed designs with a textured look.

Soft enamel medals are a favourite for sporting events, fun runs, school achievements, and promotional giveaways where speed and affordability are key.

Choose Hard Enamel Medals if:

• You want a premium look and feel.
• Durability is a top priority.
• You have a flexible timeline and a larger budget.

Hard enamel is ideal for corporate awards, commemorative pieces, or elite competitions where the medal’s prestige matters just as much as its design.

Why Choose The Medal Factory for Your Custom Medals?

At The Medal Factory, we specialise in creating 100% custom-made medals tailored to your brand or event. Whether you choose soft enamel or hard enamel, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Free custom design service – Send us a sketch or idea, and we’ll create a stunning design at no cost.
• Price Beat Guarantee – Find a better price? We’ll beat it.
• Fast turnaround – We’re experts at delivering large orders on tight timelines.
• Wide range of options – From bottle opener medals to glitter enamel, spinners, and lapel style medals, we’ve got every type of medal you can imagine.

Get Started Today

Explore our collection and get a free instant quote and virtual artwork sample—with no upfront payment required. Check out our Soft & Hard Enamel Medals and let us help you create something unforgettable.