Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Nickel-free snap buttons are press studs whose metal parts have a finish that is free of nickel. At Polkom all 34 models are nickel free in every finish – an important requirement for children’s and baby clothing and for the European Union market. The card includes nickel colour and black nickel colour (both nickel free – these are only colour names), antique brass, tin oxide, gold, gunmetal and other finishes, while mother-of-pearl, marble and plastic caps are cast in a colour matched to a sample.
Finishes of nickel-free snap buttons – all tones
| Finish | Availability | Suitable for | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| nickel colour (nickel free) | in stock | all products, including children’s and baby clothing | classic light metal look, nickel free |
| black nickel colour (nickel free) | to order | dark collections, denim, outerwear, bags | dark metal look, nickel free |
| antique brass | in stock | denim, workwear, vintage collections | darkened, “old” brass |
| tin oxide | in stock | denim, jackets, casual wear | matte grey metal tone |
| gold | to order | fashion collections, dresses, bags | bright gold accent |
| gunmetal | to order | jackets, denim, menswear collections | dark grey metal tone |
| unplated (raw) | to order | hidden parts or a natural patina | brass darkens over time |
The standard finishes in stock are nickel colour, antique brass and tin oxide. All others are made to order – and all are nickel free. When ordering, specify the finish for each model separately – especially if you combine several systems in one collection, for example the 54 system for shirts and the 61 system for jackets.
Why nickel is a problem
Nickel is one of the most common causes of contact allergy. That is why in the EU the release of nickel from articles in direct and prolonged contact with the skin is restricted by Annex XVII to the REACH Regulation (entry 27) – to 0.5 µg/cm² per week. The test method is the EN 1811 standard, and for coated articles wear is first simulated according to EN 12472.
A snap button on a bodysuit, on a shirt cuff or on a trouser waistband is exactly such a case – it touches the skin for hours. A nickel-free finish solves the problem at its root, instead of relying on the thickness of a protective layer – which is why all metal finishes at Polkom are nickel free.
Children’s and baby clothing
For children’s products the requirements are the strictest. Besides nickel, the following are considered:
- phthalates – DEHP, DBP, BBP and DIBP are restricted in plasticised materials under REACH; the mother-of-pearl, marble, crystal and plastic caps in the catalogue are free of phthalates and PVC;
- attachment strength – a snap button is a small part and must not come off; the catalogue requirement is a pull test of at least 90 N;
- general safety – the garment manufacturer’s responsibility under Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on general product safety;
- certification – an OEKO-TEX® certificate is available for Polkom products.
The models suitable for baby clothing are mainly the prong snap buttons and the mini models of the 54 system, such as PR-10, PR-40 and S54-20.
Models with restricted finishes
Most models can be ordered in any finish from the card. There are, however, exceptions you need to know when planning the collection:
| Model | Finish restriction |
|---|---|
| SP-50 – thin system with a 54 cap | only nickel colour and black nickel colour (nickel free) |
| SP-90 – heavy-duty system without logo | only nickel colour and black nickel colour (nickel free) |
| SP-60 – with a coin-type prong cap and nail | only nickel colour (nickel free) |
| S54-35 – mini 54 with concealed cap | usually unplated, as it is hidden; finish on request |
| SP-80 – stainless snap button | stainless steel – needs no protective finish |
How to choose a finish
- Determine skin contact. All our finishes are nickel free, so they are suitable even when the snap touches the skin or the product is for children – the choice is a matter of colour.
- Coordinate with the other metal details. The snap buttons, eyelets and metal buttons on one garment should be in one tone.
- Think about washing. Denim washed with stones or enzymes wears the finish faster; antique brass and tin oxide hide natural wear.
- Ask for a sample. The tone of a finish looks different on different fabrics – compare it in person.
Coloured caps
Besides the metal finish, a snap button can be given colour through its cap. The mother-of-pearl on PR-40 is cast in a colour of your choice, the marble PR-50 has an effect and colour of your choice, and the plastic caps of H61-50 and S54-40 are made in a custom colour – white and black are standard. The coloured ring PR-70 is made of painted brass with a matte, textile look.
Finish and logo
An embossed logo on a metal cap is usually formed before the finish is applied, so that the finish also covers the logo and it does not differ in colour from the rest of the surface. Some tones, such as antique brass, emphasise the relief because the recesses stay darker. More about the techniques on the branding page.
Inquiry
Polkom offers all models in the snap buttons category nickel free in every finish and makes caps with your logo to order. Send us the desired tone or a sample via the contact form – we will prepare a sample in the chosen finish.
