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FAQ Frequently Asked Questions about Masonic Promotional Products 


How much does it cost to have a custom coin or lapel pin made?
That will depend on exactly what you want to order. 1st we have to determine the quantity, the size, how intricate your artwork is going to be and what material they will be made from.  After making these decisions we will be able to quote exactly how much they will cost.


When do I have to pay for my order?
In most cases payment is required in advance unless credit arrangements have been established in advance.


Can I pay with my credit card?
Yes, credit card payments can be accepted through Paypal. Just let us know upfront that you wish to pay using your credit card and we will send a payment link when you place your order.


How much is shipping?
Depending on the size and weight of the order shipping and handling charges will be calculated for UPS ground unless otherwise requested.


What is a Cloisonné lapel pin?
Cloisonné lapel pins have the greatest perceived value with a jewelry-like finish. It is said that cloisonné can be preserved for 100 years without fading because it is derived from mineral ore. This ancient art that was developed over a thousand years ago in China requires meticulous handcrafted details. The custom designed pins are formed to a copper bronze surface, then hand-filled with colored cloisonné paste. The pins are then kiln-fired at 800 degrees centigrade. More color is added and the pins are fired again. These steps ensure that bleeding of colors do not occur. After firing, each pin is hand-polished and plated to give a hard and smooth enamel finish which is resistant to scratching. Cloisonné is best suited for making military badges, car badges, and athletic medals. They are also ideal for recognitions, achievement awards and important events.


What is a Soft Enamel lapel pin?
The soft enamel is the most popular type of custom made lapel pins because it offers brilliant colors and fine raised metal detailing. Soft enamel pins are die struck from a copper bronze surface, then hand-filled with softer enamel on the recessed areas of customized pins. The pins are kiln-baked at 160 degrees centigrade to seal the colors. Once done, the custom designed pins are individually hand-polished and plated for a very distinguished look. Fine metal detailing and high-quality finishing bring out your designs boldly and shapely. This type of pin is an outstanding product at a very affordable price. They are excellent choice for events and product promotions. Another option with die struck soft enamel is to apply an epoxy dome for protecting soft enamel colors.


What is a Die Struck lapel pin?
Die Struck are often used as promotional giveaways because they are the least expensive out of the die struck group. Yet Iron has a slight disadvantage compared to copper since it is a harder metal; therefore, when being struck by the die, iron pins typically have less sharp images. The appearance of this process is almost the same as die struck soft enamel, however, you can still tell the difference from observing the metal lines. Iron soft enamel is electroplated by rolling machine, with no polishing after hand-enameled. Using bronze and nickel plating instead of gold and silver respectively. A clear epoxy coating can be applied for extra durability on request.


What is a Die Struck without color lapel pin?
After being struck with the die, the pins can then either be left in that state to give an attractive relief look with highly polished or recess areas or different matt finishes can be applied. Matt finishes for this style includes sandblasting, foggy painting, two-tone (gold & nickel) and antique finishes. Fine detailing and high-quality finishing gives these pins a jewelry-like appearance and high-perceived value without the high cost. Satin plating is available for an elegant look. Further optional enhancement includes inlaying colorful gemstones.


What is a Photo Etched Soft Enamel lapel pin?
Same principle as pictures taken by camera, photo etched soft enamel is manufactured by taking an image of your design and transferring it from film onto the surface of a sheet of metal. Your design is then etched into the bronze or stainless or aluminum using an acid etching process. Then all of the acids and other impurities are carefully cleaned from the surface. The indentations created by the acid etching process are then filled with the enamel colors. Each color is applied by hand, one at a time, using different sized syringes. The sheet of metal is then fired at 160 degrees centigrade for 15 minutes. The lapel pins are then cut from the metal sheet according to your custom design. Non-colored (raised) sections of the pins are then plated and brushed to a shiny finish. An optional epoxy protective coating (dome) can then be applied to protect the color enamels from being scratched or damaged.


Compared to pins of cloisonné and die struck soft enamel, the advantage to photo etched pins are the process is less expensive and lighter in weight, but still have a high-perceived value. Have you seen or collected baseball-trading pins before? This type of product is best suited for oversized or Jumbo pins since the thickness of the metal sheet is 0.8mm. The Photo-etched process also offers great detail, flexibility in design and a wide selection of colors. This allows your imagination to run creatively for an elaborate lapel pin design. Two things to consider about when you design your pins, this process is not suited for designs that require multiple levels or need sharp external shape because its border usually has 0.8mm - 1mm wide.


What are Silk Screened lapel pin?
This process allows special logos and designs to be used without the need for fine gold or silver metal lines around each color. We provide both silkscreen printing and offset printing for presenting complicated colors and gradual colors. The silkscreen process offers the best solution for your pin when intricate designs require precise, color-on-color detailing. The offset printing process offers full-color reproduction with outstanding details and accuracy. Once your logo or design has been printed onto the sheet of metal, then fired in a kiln (at 160 degrees centigrade for 15 minutes). The lapel pins are then cut from the sheet of metal according to your custom design. A clear epoxy is usually added to protect enamel from being scratched or damaged. The process of printed pins is less labor intensive and therefore less expensive to produce. They are excellent choice for large quantity premiums or promotions.


What size pin do I need to order?
The size of your pin will most likely be determined by your graphics.  If you have a lot of detailed graphics the pin will have to be larger in order to accommodate the detail.  If the pin has less you can go as small as 3/4" and still have nice detail.


What is the minimum order for coins and pins?
Usually the minimum quantity is 100 lapel pins and 100 coins.  Although there is always special consideration given to special circumstances to meet the customers needs.  Although the more you order the lower the price.  50 coins is about as low in quantity as a person would want to go because of the cost per each coin.


Do I have to pay for a die charge?
Usually under most normal circumstances a setup fee is necessary to create your design.  Unless you are ordering lapel pin.  We provide the 2D die charge free of charge.  The cost of setting up the job and making a mold all depends on how much work involved in its creation. If it is a 3D design it usually requires more work to produce therefore the cost a little more.


Can I have the die after the order is processed?
All dies are maintained on file at our factory for a minimum of two years.


How many colors can my pin or coin contain?
Depending on the size you can specify as many colors as you like.  There is a .15 each charge for more than 4 colors. Most orders are quoted for 4 colors.


How long will it take for me to take delivery of my order.
In most cases 4 to 6 weeks from the time the order is submitted and your artwork has meet your approval.  Rush orders are available in some circumstances. Call or email to find out exact details.


I don't have any artwork.  Can you help me?
Yes, we offer full service custom design graphic services. Our service is FREE with your order.  In most cases your order must be submitted to CNF Interactive before your artwork will be drafted for approval.  We will work with you until you have exactly what you are looking for.


Can you make a sample before I place my order?
In most cases the artwork will not begin until after the order is placed.  However the artwork is designed and sent to you for your approval before any production begins.  Upon request a photograph of your lapel pin or coin can be emailed to you before the entire order is produced.  But if there is a mistake in the die based on the approved artwork a new setup charge will apply to remake the coin. If the customer insist on receiving a sample before production is run.  The order must be placed in advance with an additional $45.00 handling fee associated with receiving a spec sample first.  In most cases the photograph is sufficient for a customer and saves them a redundant $45.00 charge.


Do you print business cards and stationary?
Yes we do design and print full color business cards, brochures and stationary as a special service to our customers.  Contact us for specific quotes.


How do I describe which colors to use in my project?
THE PMS Chart of Pantone matching system as it is also called will offer you every color imaginable.  If you will click on the PMS chart link to the left of this page in the list of hyper links it will take to to the color chart so that you may select your colors.  Be advised that there may be a slight variance in shade due to monitor quality.


 

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