by admin on 2025-09-15
The DanHengIL enamel pin, custom-made with BJD Promos, was an ambitious project that brought together multiple advanced enamel techniques in one design. At 4 inches tall, this piece demanded careful engineering and attention to detail, balancing artwork fidelity with practical production constraints.
Key specifications included:
Size: 4 inches
Type: Hard enamel with gradient, stained glass, and printing
Plating: Gold plating with raised metal lines
Thickness: 2.0 mm
Special Effects: Gradient sandblast, pearlescent powders, stained glass with glitter, translucent enamel fills
Printing: UV and silkscreen printing for detailed linework and shading
Attachment: Rubber clutches for durability
Packaging: PVC bag and bubble wrap for secure delivery
The unique challenge was integrating so many finishes—gradient sandblast, glitter, pearlescent enamel, and stained glass—without compromising balance. The larger scale of the pin allowed for layered storytelling but also magnified the importance of accuracy in every step.
What set this project apart was the close collaboration between the client and BJD Promos. The client gave specific, thoughtful feedback that refined the design at every stage. Rather than seeing multiple revisions as delays, both sides treated them as essential to achieving perfection.
The feedback journey unfolded as follows:
“The sandblast still looks too green, can you make it more blue?” – Our team adjusted pigment formulations to shift the effect toward a cooler tone.
“Can you make it so the green part of sandblast goes to these areas? And for the hair color, a bit lighter brown please.” – We revised the gradient placement and modified the hair enamel fill to lighten the shade.
“For the green sandblast color, can you make more pale? The green hue is too strong. Additionally, the ‘black’ sandblast looks like gold. Can it look less yellow?” – By rebalancing the mix of sandblast powders and adjusting the underplating, we successfully reduced the unwanted yellow cast and softened the green to a pale, refined hue.
This open, step-by-step communication ensured that the final pin aligned perfectly with the client’s artistic vision.
Once all feedback was implemented, BJD Promos moved into mass production with strict quality control measures.
Sandblast adjustments: Each color variant was tested under different light to ensure accuracy.
Hair tones: The lighter brown shades were compared with proofs to confirm the match.
Final assembly: Pins were checked for alignment of stained glass areas, glitter consistency, and print clarity.
The final batch exceeded expectations. The client praised the responsiveness of BJD Promos and expressed satisfaction that the sandblast finishes and enamel tones had been refined to their request. By addressing small but significant details, the pin captured the dramatic yet elegant feel of the original illustration.
Collectors highlighted the way the pale sandblast and pearlescent effects interacted under light, making this design not just a pin but a collectible work of art.
1. What role does gradient sandblast play in enamel pins?
Gradient sandblast combines texture and subtle color blending, creating a frosted effect that shifts depending on light. It’s particularly effective for adding atmospheric depth, as seen in the DanHengIL design.
2. Why did the client provide multiple rounds of color adjustments?
When working with complex finishes, slight pigment shifts can significantly change the visual effect. The adjustments ensured the final product matched the artwork’s intended mood.
3. How does BJD Promos manage multiple specialty finishes in one pin?
We carefully sequence production steps, layering finishes in the correct order—sandblast, enamel fills, glitter, stained glass, and print. This ensures each effect retains clarity while contributing to a unified overall design.
