by admin on 2025-07-16
The “Dance Panel” lapel pin is a detailed and ambitious enamel piece, custom-produced by BJD Promos for a client seeking to capture a romantic fantasy illustration in pin form. With a generous size of 3.5 inches, this pin tells a visual story — featuring two characters in an elegant pose with flowing garments and an atmospheric background enhanced with subtle gradients and UV prints.
Key Specifications:
Size: 3.5 inches (88.9mm) in width
Material: Zinc alloy with thick metal mold
Plating: Gold metal
Enamel Process: Hard enamel + silkscreen printing
Special Features: Gradient pearl enamel, UV sparkle print
Backstamp: Custom engraved
Attachment: Four rubber clutches for extra security
Packaging: Individual PVC bags with bubble wrap
The design complexity demanded a high degree of precision in both color application and gradient blending to maintain the original illustration's integrity.
The collaboration between the client and BJD Promos was highly visual, with the client providing detailed feedback throughout the mockup phase.
Initial Color Direction:
“For the background, is it possible to add white to the yellow part of the background? So maybe 7499 70% and 7444 gradient background?”
The BJD Promos design team responded by updating the artwork to include a 70% blend of Pantone 7499 paired with 7444, using smooth pearl gradient enamel to create a dreamy fade reminiscent of dawn light — supporting the romantic mood of the artwork.
Gradient Adjustment:
“It would also be preferable to have more 7444 take up the gradient, and a nicer gradient. The gradient pearl used in pins shown on Instagram always has a pretty, smooth transition.”
Taking this feedback seriously, we adjusted the layout to give 7444 a larger portion of the fade and used a refined enamel blending technique commonly used in BJD Promos’ signature large-format pins. The goal was to replicate the look of hand-painted transitions using durable enamel materials.
UV Sparkle Layer:
To enhance the magical atmosphere, we incorporated UV printing for subtle sparkles in the background, giving the pin an extra layer of visual texture without interfering with the main character illustration.
Once approved, BJD Promos moved into mass production with a carefully staged process:
Die-Struck Mold Creation – A 3.5" mold was produced with fine detail and structural stability.
Polishing and Plating – A high-polish gold finish was applied to enhance line clarity.
Hard Enamel Application – Each enamel area was filled, cured, and polished flush.
Gradient Pearl Layer – A layered enamel blend was used for the background transition, followed by controlled baking.
UV Spot Printing – Geometric sparkles were added with UV printing technology.
Backstamp and QC – The custom "Tea Time Pins" backstamp was laser-engraved. Each piece passed a 4-point quality inspection before packing.
The client was thrilled with the final result, especially the quality of the gradient enamel and the subtle sparkle of the UV print. The pin maintained both the elegance of the artwork and the durability expected of a high-end collectible.
1. Can gradient enamel be used in large character pins?
Absolutely. BJD Promos offers smooth transitions using pearl and transparent enamels, ideal for large-format pins like the Dance Panel.
2. What’s the benefit of UV print in pin designs?
UV printing allows detailed surface patterns (like sparkles or shadows) to be added with high precision — ideal for magical or layered aesthetics.
3. How many clutches should I use for a large enamel pin?
Pins over 3 inches should use at least four rubber clutches to ensure balance and avoid stress on the backing during wear or display.
