Low Filled Enamel Badge
A low filled enamel badge (also known as soft-enamel) puts the color under the raised metal lines, thus the surface has a slight texture. The ridges of the metal outline the cells of colors and reflect the light, the enamel being recessed prevents the casual scuffling on the fine details.
Design That Works
Apply heavy shapes, contrast and type. The thin outlines make letters maintain their advantage when reduced in size. Since the metal is slightly raised, micro-details are brought to the fore with no additional thickness required, which is helpful in crests, year tabs and motto ribbons.
Color accuracy is essential, in which case look at proofs with a simple color science rule: below a Delta E of approximately 2.3 the difference is at the edge of perception of most people, so even closer matches than that are hardly perceived in real life.
Built for Real Wear
Authentic vitreous enamel has a hardness of 5–6 according to the Mohs hardness scale, and that is why it is scratch resistant. Resin systems are intended to be similar in the toughness to use daily. Such toughness allows badges to shake off keys, bag straps and desk corners.
Skin and Finish Choices
In case badges will contact skin, consider nickel sensitivity. According to dermatology sources, over 18% of individuals in North America are allergic to nickel. Thus, nickel-free platings or sealed backs may be valuable enough to warrant the minor design change.
