If you want your metal designs to stand out with stronger brand identity, warmth, and visual appeal, color is the key to elevating their overall quality. From logo blocks, illustration patterns, to layered portraits or landscapes, the right coloring or printing method can make your design shine from within the metal.
In this article, we explore two major coloring techniques—Paint Filling and Printing—and share practical advice on choosing the right method for different patterns and styles.
Two Main Categories of Color Application
| Method | Suitable Style | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Paint Filling | Slightly raised + rich saturation | Logos, text, emblems, geometric shapes (single or few colors) |
| Printing | Color gradients + high resolution | Portraits, landscapes, illustrations, full backgrounds |
Paint Filling Methods
Full Coating (Baked Enamel)
● Effect:
Creates an even, solid color finish; often used for bookmarks, clips, plates, decorative ornaments, and even filters, spacers, model components or fixtures.
● Notes:
Can be combined with partial etching or cut-out designs.
● Applications:
Bookmarks, clips, nameplates with cutout effects.
Enamel Paint (Soft Enamel)
● Effect:
Color fills within boundary lines; slight relief effect with height differences.● Notes:
Works well with hairline, matte, polished, or plated surfaces.● Applications:
Badges, pendants, nameplates, compasses, bookmarks.
Imitaion Enamel (Hard Enamel)
● Effect:
Requires boundary lines; color filled flush with the metal surface, smooth and flat.● Notes:
Needs stamping and plating; recessed areas must be deep enough for paint filling.● Applications:
Badges, keychains.Paint Filling Notes
- Hand-Mixed Paint: Colors are matched according to the Pantone C series (2015 edition). A ±10% color variation is considered within the normal range, and slight differences may also occur between production batches.
- Professional Color Matching: Recommended for mass production or when specific color accuracy is required.
- Special Colors: Fluorescent and metallic tones require prior evaluation to confirm feasibility.
Comparison of Printing Techniques
| Type | Color Fidelity | Plate Required | Weather Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offset Printing | ★★★★★ | Yes | ★★★★☆ |
| Screen Printing | ★★★☆☆ | Yes | ★★★★★ |
| Digital Printing | ★★★★☆ | No |
★★☆☆☆ (not alcohol-resistant) |
Offset Printing
Process Overview & Application Recommendations
- Allows for gradient effects with a smooth, flat surface (no relief texture).
- Minimum line width: >0.08mm; minimum text height: >0.15mm.
- When combined with etching, can only be printed on raised areas.
Screen Printing
Process Overview & Application Recommendations
- Not ideal for fine gradients, but offers strong color adhesion.
- Line sharpness and clarity depend on the mesh density, making it more suitable for bold or simplified designs.
- When combined with etching, can only be printed on raised areas.
Digital Printing
Process Overview & Application Recommendations
- No plate required; printed patterns presents a subtle grainy appearance.
- Minimum line width: >0.14mm.
- Can be printed on raised or recessed areas (recess must keep ≥0.3mm raised edge between sections).
Designer Notes
- Each printing method has its own inherent color deviation.
- Files provided must be in CMYK color mode, 600 dpi or higher.
- Due to metal’s natural luster, adding a white underlayer is recommended to prevent colors from appearing too dark.
- For etched designs, keep a 0.8mm safe margin between print areas and etching lines.
- In general, keep a 1mm metal border. For full-bleed printing, only offset/screen printing are recommended, with bleed setup (note: slight color peeling may occur at edges during forming).
Find the Right Approach for Your Design
Not sure which coloring method suits your project best?
Contact us for tailored advice and sampling—we’ll help you capture the full charm of color in your design!