Enamel Buttons – Enameled Metal Buttons in Pantone Colours on Gold and Nickel Colour

Enamel buttons combine the shine of metal with clean, saturated colour. The metal base outlines the shape, while the enamel fills the recessed fields and turns the button into a small colour accent on a coat, jacket, dress or cardigan. Polkom is a manufacturer of metal shank buttons with coloured enamel – in pink, cyclamen, peach, grey and navy, on gold or on nickel colour (nickel free). The enamel colours are matched to Pantone, and the button can also carry your logo in enamel.

What is an enameled metal button

On an enamel button the metal head has raised edges and recessed fields. The fields are filled with coloured enamel, while the metal edges remain exposed and separate the colours from each other. This way two colours can be combined in one button – for example a light pink outer ring and a vivid pink centre, separated by a thin gold rim.

Enamel is different from a lacquer finish. On a lacquered button the colour covers the whole surface, while on an enameled button the metal remains visible as a frame around the colour. Coloured lacquers, metallic, marble and patina are described in the article coloured and effect metal buttons; here we focus on enamel.

Enamel colours and metal colour

The final look of the button depends on two decisions: the colour of the enamel and the colour of the metal base. The gallery shows buttons in gold and in nickel colour (nickel free) with pink, cyclamen, peach, grey and navy enamel. They are examples – the enamel can be made in a Pantone colour.

Gold emphasises the warm enamel colours and gives a more luxurious look. The silver nickel colour (nickel free) makes the enamel look cleaner and more contemporary. All Polkom metal buttons are nickel free – "nickel" here means only the colour of the finish.

Pantone-matched enamel

If the button colour has to repeat a colour from the fabric, the embroidery or the brand's corporate palette, the safest route is the Pantone code. The matching works like this:

1. Enquiry – you send the Pantone code of the enamel, the metal colour, the size and the button model.
2. Sample – we make a sample with the enamel in the required colour.
3. Approval – you compare the sample with the fabric and the Pantone card in daylight.
4. Production – the series follows the approved sample, which remains the reference for the order.

For two or more colours in one button, give the Pantone code for each field. If you work with several metal accessories in one collection, see also the colours and finishes of the metal details.

One or two colours in the button

A button with one enamel colour looks calmer and is easy to combine with printed and patterned fabrics. A two-colour button works as a decorative element in its own right – it suits plain coats, jackets and knitwear, where the buttons are the main detail. Close tones (light pink and pink) look good, and so do contrasting pairs (peach and navy). Before deciding, place the sample on the fabric and look at it from a distance – that way you can judge whether the button stands out as much as you want.

Buttons with an enamel logo

Enamel is a convenient way to have the brand's logo or monogram in colour. The mark is formed in relief on the button head and its fields are filled with enamel in the corporate colour. This keeps the logo clearly visible even on a small button. How to prepare the design and when relief or laser engraving is more suitable is explained in the article engraved metal buttons, and the overall ordering process in metal buttons with logo.

If you want the same coloured mark on other accessories, enamel is also used on metal plates – the types of enamel are compared in the article enamel metal logo plates.

Which garments suit enamel buttons

• Women's coats and jackets – a pink or peach button on gold turns a classic style into a statement piece.
• Dresses and cardigans – smaller buttons in pastel colours that echo the fabric pattern.
• Blazers – navy or grey enamel in club style, especially on gold.
• Childrenswear – cheerful colours that are visible from afar.
• Corporate wear and uniforms – a logo button in the company's corporate colour.

Metal shank buttons are sewn on through the loop at the back, so they sit slightly above the fabric, which shows off the enamel. How to sew on and attach such a button is described in the article metal shank button.

Enamel buttons and buckles in one colour

When a garment has both buttons and a buckle, the strongest effect comes from matching enamel and metal. A coat with pink enamel buttons on gold and a belt with a round buckle in pink enamel on gold look like one set. You will find more about round prong buckles with coloured enamel in the article enamel belt buckles.

Caring for enamel buttons

Enamel is a durable finish, but like any coloured detail it is best protected from hard knocks and aggressive detergents. We recommend washing at a lower temperature with the garment turned inside out and ironing around the buttons, not over them. For styles that will be washed often, test the buttons on a trial garment before series production. Detailed advice can be found in the article metal buttons and washing.

How to order enameled metal buttons

In your enquiry, include:

• the metal colour – gold or nickel colour (nickel free);
• the enamel colour or colours and the Pantone codes, if you have them;
• the size and the garment the buttons are for;
• whether the button will have a logo or monogram;
• the approximate quantity and whether you need a sample.

Price, minimum quantity and lead times depend on the model, the number of colours and the volume, so contact us for a quote.

Enamel buttons from the manufacturer

Polkom is a manufacturer of buttons and accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags with over 30 years of experience. We make metal shank buttons with coloured enamel on gold and nickel colour (nickel free), with Pantone-matched enamel and with the brand's logo. Browse the metal buttons in the gallery and send us your colour – we will prepare a sample for approval.