Enamel Pin Terminology and Methods

Hard enamel is created by filling recessed areas of a stamped metal design with powdered enamel and firing the pin at high temperatures. After multiple rounds of filling and firing, the surface is polished smooth until the enamel and metal lines sit level, resulting in a glossy, extremely durable finish with crisp boundaries. Hard enamel is preferred for designs that require a clean, premium appearance and long-lasting wear.

Soft enamel is made by adding liquid enamel paint to the recessed areas of a metal design and allowing it to air dry. Because the enamel settles slightly lower than the surrounding metal borders, it produces a textured surface where the raised metal lines can be felt. Soft enamel tends to display vibrant colors and works well for designs that benefit from depth, shading, or tactile contrast.

Die struck pins are formed by pressing a custom designed die into a sheet of metal to create raised and recessed details. They do not use any enamel color, relying entirely on the metal's shape, shine, and shadows for their appearance. These pins are often chosen for a classic, elegant look, and their relief details can be enhanced with antique or sandblasted finishes.

3D cast pins are produced using molds that allow fully sculpted, three dimensional surfaces. Instead of relying on flat raised outlines and recessed wells, cast pins have smooth curves, contours, and complex shapes. They often resemble miniature sculptures and are ideal for designs like characters, objects, or creatures that require detail beyond what standard stamping can achieve.

UV printing is a surface printing technique in which ultraviolet light cures printed inks or pigments directly onto a pin's metal or enamel surface. This method allows extremely fine detail, including photographic images, gradients, and tiny text that cannot be achieved with enamel alone. UV printing can be applied on top of soft enamel, hard enamel, or even blank metal areas, and it's often used to add complex illustrations or color effects to pins.

Screen printing involves pushing ink through a fine mesh stencil (screen) to add details or solid colors on a pin. It's used for precise lines, small text, or colors that can't be created with enamel fills. Pins may have multiple screen printed layers for different colors. To ensure durability, manufacturers often seal screen printed areas with a clear epoxy coating so that the added details won't fade or scratch off easily.

Pantone colors refer to the standardized color codes from the Pantone Matching System, commonly used by pin designers to specify exact enamel colors. By providing Pantone numbers for each color in a pin design, manufacturers can mix enamel pigments to match the intended shades precisely. This ensures consistency in color reproduction across different batches of pins and between the artwork and the final product.

Molds and dies are the tools used to form a pin's design in metal. For 3D cast pins, a mold (often made of steel or silicone) is created from the sculpted artwork; molten metal is poured or injected into the mold to produce the pin. For 2D pins, a hardened steel die is engraved with the design and then struck into a metal blank to create the outline and details (this is called die striking). Each pin design requires a custom mold or die, which captures all the details that will appear on the pin.

Zinc alloy is a metal commonly used for casting enamel pins due to its low melting point and good fluidity, which help capture small details in molds. Many 3D or irregularly shaped pins are made from zinc alloy. After casting, zinc alloy pins are electroplated with a finish (such as gold or nickel) for color and protection. In contrast, flatter pins made by die striking often use brass or steel, but zinc alloy has become popular for its versatility in pin manufacturing.

Electroplating is the process of coating a metal object (like a pin) with a thin layer of another metal using an electric current. Pin makers use electroplating to give pins their final metal color and finish (for example, gold, silver, nickel, black nickel, or copper plating). The pin is dipped into an electroplating bath where the plating metal is deposited onto its surface. Plating not only adds color but also helps protect the pin from corrosion and wear.

Nickel plating is a common pin finish that gives the metal a shiny silver appearance. It is often used when a bright, chrome like look is desired for the metal lines or backgrounds of a pin design. Nickel plated pins provide a neutral backdrop that makes enamel colors pop, though some collectors with nickel allergies may prefer alternative platings. This finish is durable and resists tarnishing, making it a popular choice for many enamel pin designs.

Black nickel is a dark metallic plating used on pins, giving them a sleek gunmetal or black chrome look. This finish provides high contrast with lighter enamel colors, making details stand out vividly. Black nickel is a popular choice for modern or edgy designs and for pins where a darker outline is preferred over the bright shine of silver or gold. Like other platings, it is applied to the pin during production through electroplating.

Laser engraving (or laser etching) uses a focused laser beam to mark designs or text onto a pin after it's been made. This technique is used to add extremely fine details, serial numbers, or backstamp information that might be impractical to include in the mold or die. For instance, some limited edition pins have their edition number laser engraved on the back. Laser engraved details are precise and permanent, although they typically appear in the base metal color since the laser removes a thin layer of plating.

Raised lettering refers to text that is part of a pin's metal design, standing up from the surface rather than being printed or painted on. This is achieved during the die striking or molding process. Raised metal letters (or numbers) are often used for things like years, small labels, or logos on a pin, especially when durability is important or the text is too small to screen print. The letters remain the color of the metal or can be polished to stand out against an antiqued background.

Epoxy coating, also known as an epoxy dome, is a clear resin layer applied over the surface of a pin. The epoxy creates a glossy, glass like finish and protects the enamel or printed details underneath from scratches and fading. This is commonly done on soft enamel pins to give them a smooth feel similar to hard enamel, or on pins with screen printing or decals to seal the artwork. Epoxy can also be used creatively, for instance to encase glitter or floating elements in a pin (as seen in "shaker" or snowglobe style pins).

A backstamp is an imprint or engraving on the reverse side of a pin, usually applied during manufacturing. It typically includes information such as the maker or brand logo, copyright symbol and year, and sometimes a series name or an edition number (for limited editions). Backstamps help verify a pin's authenticity and origin, as well as provide collectors with details about the pin's release.

A pin post is the small protruding spike on the back of a pin that secures it to a backing or clothing when used with a clutch. Most enamel pins have one or two posts soldered onto their back. Posts are typically made of brass or steel and are an integral part of the pin's hardware. The quality of a pin post can affect how well a pin stays attached; sturdy posts and a tight clutch help prevent lost pins.

Clutches are the fasteners that attach to a pin post to hold the pin in place. The most common type is a rubber clutch, which grips the post with friction; these are comfortable and come in various colors. Another common type is the metal butterfly clutch, which uses two prongs that pinch the post. There are also locking clutches made of metal that have a mechanism to securely lock onto the post. Some brands personalize their clutches: for example, Pinhive uses green tree shaped rubber clutches as an eco friendly signature for their pins.

Translucent enamel is a type of enamel coloring that allows light to pass through, similar to stained glass. When applied over textured or engraved metal, the light shining through reveals the pattern or design beneath, creating a depth effect. This technique is popular for pin designs representing water, glass, gemstones, or any element where a luminous quality is desired. The final look can change under different lighting, giving the pin a dynamic appearance.

Glitter enamel mixes tiny metallic or plastic glitter particles into the enamel paint before it is applied to the pin. Once the enamel hardens, the embedded glitter creates a sparkling effect on the pin's surface. Pins with glitter enamel tend to catch the light and are often used for magical, celebratory, or eye catching designs. The concentration of glitter can range from a subtle shimmer to a dense sparkle, depending on the desired effect.

Glow enamel contains phosphorescent material that absorbs light and then emits a soft glow in the dark. During the day the enamel appears as its normal color (often a pale green or blue hue if uncolored), but in darkness it glows, making the pin visible or highlighting certain details. Glow in the dark pins are popular for designs like ghosts, stars, night scenes, or any theme meant to be seen in low light. The brightness and duration of the glow depend on the specific glow pigments used.

Pearlescent enamel is a special effect enamel that has tiny iridescent particles, giving it a pearly or shimmery sheen. When viewed from different angles, pearlescent areas of a pin will subtly change in luster and color intensity. This effect is used to add a touch of elegance or a mystical vibe to pins, as it creates a soft, moving play of color without the bold sparkle of glitter. It's often used for things like wings, water, or ethereal elements in a design.

A dangle is an extra element that hangs from the main body of a pin, typically attached by a small loop or ring. This secondary piece swings freely, adding motion to the pin. Dangles can be small charms, tag like pieces, or any tiny design related to the main pin theme. They increase visual interest and are commonly used when a design calls for something to be literally "dangling" (like a key on a keychain, a moving charm, or a pendant piece).

A spinner is a pin feature where part of the pin is able to rotate. A spinning element is usually attached via a central post and rivet, allowing it to turn 360 degrees. Spinners are used to create interactive designs – for example, a pin might have a wheel that spins, a character that changes expression when rotated, or an arrow that you can spin to point at different options. This moving component adds a playful touch and can convey multiple images or messages in one pin.

Pin on pin construction layers one pin on top of another to build a multi dimensional design. A smaller pin (or several) is mounted onto the base pin, often using posts or adhesive, resulting in a raised, 3D effect. This technique allows for overlapping artwork, greater depth, and separation of elements by plane – for example, a character might be a separate pin attached over a background scene. Pin on pin designs are prized for their added depth and detail.

A hinged pin is a pin with two or more parts connected by a small hinge, similar to a locket or door. One part of the pin can swing open to reveal something underneath (like a hidden image or message) on the base part. Hinged pins are often used for designs like books that open, gates that swing, or any concept where an "opening" element adds surprise or storytelling. They incorporate miniature hinges and sometimes a clasp or magnet to keep the pin closed when worn.

A slider pin includes a piece that moves along a track or groove in the pin design. Unlike a spinner (which rotates in place) or a hinge (which opens), a slider typically moves linearly or along a guided path. For example, a pin might have a character that slides back and forth or an object that moves up and down to change the scene. Sliders add interactivity and are engineered so that the moving piece stays attached to the pin while gliding to different positions.

A shaker pin is a pin that contains moving elements encased within a closed design, often behind a translucent cover. These can include loose glitter, tiny charms, or even liquid that moves around – creating a miniature snowglobe or lava lamp effect. When you shake the pin, the internal pieces move freely. Shaker pins are complex to produce, as they involve sealing the moving components (sometimes with an epoxy dome or clear window) so nothing falls out. They are popular for dynamic scenes like falling snow, floating confetti, or glitter that swirls when the pin is tilted.

A magnetic pin uses a magnet instead of a traditional post to attach to fabric or other surfaces. One magnet is embedded in the pin (or its backing), and it connects to another magnet or metal disc placed behind the material (such as on the inside of a shirt or bag). This way, the pin stays in place without making a hole. Magnetic pins are useful for delicate clothing or for heavy pins that need extra support. The magnets are usually concealed, maintaining the pin's aesthetic without a visible clasp on the front.

Raised rubber texture is a design feature where soft PVC rubber is added to a pin to create a three dimensional, tactile element on the surface. The rubber can be molded into shapes or patterns (like the texture of fur, scales, or foliage) and is colored as part of the design. This gives a pin a mixed media feel, contrasting a matte, flexible rubber section against the hard metal and enamel. It's often used to add a unique touch – for example, a character’s plush toy might be represented with a rubbery texture to feel soft.

Limited edition pins are those produced in a set, pre determined quantity – for example, 500 or 1000 pieces worldwide. Once that number of pins is made and sold, the design is "retired" and no more are produced. Limited edition pins are usually numbered on the back (e.g. 123/500) or at least marked with the edition size. The scarcity often makes them more desirable to collectors. Limited edition information is typically noted on the pin’s backstamp or packaging. (For instance, Pinhive’s Sacagawea pin and Amelia Earhart pin are marked as limited editions in their series.)

Limited release pins are available for only a limited window of time or for a specific event, rather than a set number of pieces. For example, a pin might be sold only during a particular holiday season, festival, or anniversary celebration, and then it’s discontinued. While the exact number produced isn't usually disclosed, they are still relatively scarce because they're not continually restocked. Limited releases allow collectors to get pins tied to events or themes without a strict quantity cap, but once the time or event passes, those pins can become hard to find.

Open edition pins are designs that remain in production with no predetermined limit. They are continuously restocked and can be sold for years as long as demand exists. These pins typically do not have any numbering on the back. Open edition pins often form the backbone of a pin line, featuring classic characters or logos that new collectors can easily find. They are ideal for beginners and casual collectors since they are widely available and less expensive, though some open editions are eventually retired if sales slow down.

Special edition is a term used for pins that have unique release circumstances, usually tied to a particular retailer, event, or theme, but that aren't strictly limited by a number. They could be exclusive to a store (like an online exclusive) or part of a one time collaboration set. Special edition pins might not be numbered like limited editions, but they are not part of the regular open edition catalog. Often they come with special packaging or inserts explaining their significance. Essentially, a special edition pin is something a bit out of the ordinary run, made for a special purpose or partner.

Artist Proof pins (abbreviated AP) are a small subset of pins produced during manufacturing for quality checking. Typically 20 or fewer AP pins exist for a given design. These pins have "AP" stamped on the back. They are essentially identical to the regular pins but were set aside for approval purposes (to verify colors, metal lines, etc.). Some collectors seek AP pins because of their rarity and the novelty of having a pin from the approval batch, but generally APs look the same as the standard pins unless minor differences were adjusted before final production.

Pre production pins (abbreviated PP), also known as prototype pins, are early samples made before the final manufacturing run. Only a few are made (often just a handful) for internal review. They may have differences from the final pin – like alternate colors, unfinished textures, or placeholders for effects – as they are used to decide any adjustments needed. PP pins are sometimes stamped with "PP" on the back. They are extremely rare, usually kept by the designers or offered only at special events. Owning a PP pin is special because it represents a phase of the pin's development process.

A pre release pin is a pin made available to certain people or at certain events before its official general release. For instance, a pin might be sold at a convention or given to staff as a preview, weeks before it appears in regular stores. These pins might not have any special mark, but the fact that they were obtained early makes them notable. Pre release opportunities create buzz among collectors because they offer a sneak peek at upcoming pins. Collectors who snag a pre release can enjoy having a new design early, and sometimes these pins leak into online marketplaces, giving distant fans a chance to get them ahead of time as well.

First release refers to the initial production run or first time a pin design is made available. Some pin series (for example, certain collectible series by Loungefly or Disney) may label their packaging or marketing with "First Release" to denote that it’s the debut of a new series or collection. In general, it signifies that the pin comes from the very first batch produced. This can be meaningful to collectors if later batches or reissues have differences (like a different backstamp year or slight color variations). Having a "first release" pin means you got the design right when it launched, in its original form.

A mystery pouch (or blind bag) is a concealed packaging for pins where the buyer does not know exactly which pin they will get until it's opened. Disney, for example, often distributes certain series (like Hidden Mickey pins) in unmarked pouches given to cast members for trading or sold in sets. This adds excitement and encourages trading, as collectors might get duplicates or missing designs and then trade with others to complete the set. Mystery pouches are a fun, surprise element in collecting and often come in themes where all pins in the series share a motif.

A mystery box is similar to a mystery pouch, but usually refers to pins sold in a small box (often containing one or two random pins). Many companies release pin sets in mystery box form – for instance, Loungefly sells blind box pins featuring various Disney or pop culture themes. The box typically shows all the possible designs in the series (sometimes with one or two "chaser" designs hidden), but you won't know which pin you got until you open it. Collectors buy multiple boxes trying to complete a set and often trade their duplicates. Mystery boxes make collecting feel like a game of chance, which many find enjoyable.

A Hidden Mickey pin is part of a series of Disney pins originally distributed exclusively through cast member lanyard trading in the Disney Parks. Each pin in these series has a tiny Mickey Mouse head icon cleverly hidden in the design (hence "hidden Mickey"). These pins are released in sets and waves (usually Wave A and Wave B each year) and were not sold directly in stores, making them only obtainable by trading with cast members or at special events. In recent years the program has been renamed "Hidden Disney" for inclusivity of non Mickey icons, but collectors still commonly call them Hidden Mickey pins. They often depict fun collections of characters or symbols, and are highly sought after by park traders.

Cast Lanyard pins were the predecessors to Hidden Mickey pins in Disney’s trading program. In the early 2000s, Disney released special pins exclusively for cast members to trade with guests; these pins often had a small hidden icon (like a Mickey head or castle) to identify them as cast exclusive. The term comes from the fact that cast members wore them on lanyards. Cast Lanyard series pins were produced in limited quantities and never sold to the public. Around 2007, the program evolved into what became known as Hidden Mickey pins, but longtime traders may still refer to those early series as Cast Lanyard pins.

In pin trading, a "wave" refers to a batch of pins released as part of a series at different times. For example, when Disney releases Hidden Mickey pins, they usually do it in two waves: Wave A (often early in the year) and Wave B (later in the year). Each wave contains different pin designs or completes a set. This staggered release keeps collectors excited throughout the year as new pins continue to appear. Collectors often specify which wave a pin is from when organizing trades (e.g., "I'm looking for the Wave B 2025 Hidden Mickey pins"). The concept of waves can apply to other pin collections too, indicating phased releases rather than dropping all designs at once.

Pin trading is the activity of collecting and exchanging enamel pins with others. It was popularized by Disney Parks starting in 1999, where guests could trade pins with cast members or each other. Today, pin trading has a broad community both in person and online, spanning Disney pins and other pop culture or collectible pins. Traders often carry their pins on lanyards, in pin books, or display cases, and they follow a basic etiquette (like trading genuine pins and being polite). The hobby can involve hunting for rare pins, trading duplicates for new favorites, and attending pin trading events. Whether at a theme park or on forums and social media, pin trading creates a shared experience where enthusiasts help each other build their collections.

Trivia trading is a fun twist on pin trading encountered at some Disney pin trading locations or events. Instead of simply showing you a pin to trade, a cast member might ask you a trivia question (often Disney themed) that you have to answer before you can trade or see the pins they have. It turns the trade into a mini game – answer correctly, and you get to pick a pin (sometimes even if you answer wrong, it's all in good fun). This adds an extra layer of interaction and challenge, making the pin trading experience even more memorable.

Pin Drop Tuesday refers to the tradition (especially at Disney parks and online Disney stores) of releasing new pins on Tuesdays. Collectors use the phrase "pin drop" to mean new pins have been released. On these Tuesdays, you might see limited edition pins, new series, or open edition designs become available. Avid collectors often plan visits or online orders on Tuesday mornings to secure the latest releases before they sell out. Over time, Tuesday pin releases became so regular that the community turned it into a weekly event nicknamed Pin Drop Tuesday.

Pin Bingo is a community game where collectors use bingo style cards filled with pin related goals or categories instead of numbers. Each square might describe a type of pin or a trading achievement (for example: "pin with glitter", "traded with someone new", "limited edition from 2010s", "a pin of Mickey in a costume"). As collectors find pins or complete those activities, they mark off the squares. The goal is to get a bingo (complete a line) or even fill the whole card. It's a fun way to encourage trying new things in the hobby – like trading with different people or collecting varied styles of pins. You can download or create custom Pin Bingo boards and challenge your friends at pin events. (See our Pin Bingo Boards blog for examples and templates.)

A scrapper pin is an unofficial or bootleg pin that mimics an authentic pin but isn't approved or quality checked by the original maker. Scrappers often come from factory overruns (extra pins made beyond the authorized amount) or rejected pins that should have been destroyed but were instead taken and sold cheaply. They can also be outright counterfeits made by copying a design without permission. Scrapper pins often have telltale signs: slightly off colors, blurry details, rough edges, or missing backstamp info. They tend to show up in random bulk lots online or from less reputable sellers. In the pin trading community, scrappers are considered undesirable, and collectors try to avoid them to keep their collections authentic. (Learn more about scrappers.)

A fantasy pin is a pin made by fans without an official license – essentially unofficial pins. These pins often depict characters, themes, or mash ups that official pin lines haven't produced. Because they're not licensed, fantasy pins cannot be traded with cast members in Disney parks or sold in official stores, but they are bought and sold directly among collectors as art pieces. Some fantasy pins are produced in very limited quantities, and the quality can be on par with official pins (since they use similar production methods). Collectors may choose to collect fantasy pins of favorite characters or concepts, but usually keep them separate from their official pin collections. They are a creative outlet in the pin world, allowing for designs that might be too niche or bold for official releases.

In pin trading slang, a "grail" (short for Holy Grail) is a pin that a collector wants most and finds hardest to obtain. It’s that one pin (or a few pins) they've been dreaming of finding – usually because it's very rare, expensive, or personally meaningful. Collectors might list their "grail pins" when discussing what they're looking for, hoping someone might help them find a trade or sale for it. Finally acquiring a grail pin is a big thrill for a collector, often the result of a long search or a lucky discovery.

A pin collection is the assortment of pins that someone has accumulated, typically reflecting their interests or themes they enjoy. This term can refer to an individual's personal haul of pins ("my pin collection has grown to 200 pins, mostly villains") or to a themed set of pins released by a company (like "the 50th Anniversary collection"). Collectors often organize their personal collections in displays, by theme or series, and love to show them off. Part of the fun of the hobby is curating your collection – deciding which pins to keep, which to trade, and how to arrange or display them so you can appreciate them every day.

A pin display is any method or product used to showcase and organize pins. Common displays include cork boards or foam boards (where pins are pinned through fabric or cork), fabric hanging banners or pennants, shadow boxes with a felt backing, and framed pin boards. There are also specialized display cases and stands for pins. Some collectors get creative and use items like picture frames or canvas to make themed displays. The purpose of a pin display is to turn a collection into a visual gallery – it protects the pins while allowing the collector and others to admire them. A good display can be a conversation piece and adds a decorative element to a room with all the colorful pins on show.

WDI pins are pins produced by or for Walt Disney Imagineering. These are typically limited edition Disney pins that feature designs often related to Disney parks, characters, or Imagineering projects. WDI pins are famously sold at Mickey's of Glendale, the Imagineering campus store, and occasionally at special events. Because they aren't sold in regular Disney stores or parks (except special occasions), WDI pins are harder to get, which makes them very desirable among Disney pin collectors. They often have the Walt Disney Imagineering sorcerer hat logo on the backstamp and are known for their high quality and unique themes.

Mickey's of Glendale is the Walt Disney Imagineering employee store located in Glendale, California. It's not open to the general public except during special shopping days or conventions (like the D23 Expo). MOG is famous in the pin community as the primary source of WDI exclusive pins. During events, Mickey's of Glendale will often sell limited edition pins to attendees – a rare chance for collectors to buy WDI pins without being an Imagineer. The name "Mickey's of Glendale" is basically shorthand for those exclusive Imagineering pins and merchandise that you can't get at any normal Disney shop.

The Disney Studio Store Hollywood is a Disney owned store next to the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, previously known as Disney's Soda Fountain & Studio Store (often abbreviated as DSF). DSSH is renowned for its exclusive limited edition pin releases, often tied to movie premieres, characters, or holidays. They release highly coveted pins – for example, series of Disney characters holding ice cream cones, film marquee pins, or holiday themes – typically in small edition sizes like 300 or 400. Collectors sometimes camp out or enter online lotteries for the chance to purchase these pins, and DSSH pins often become valuable collector's items due to their limited availability and unique designs.

Pink a la Mode is a retail store (based in California) and an online shop that sells Disney and pop culture collectibles, including many exclusive enamel pins. They have official licenses to produce Disney pins and often release their own limited edition pin sets – for example, series featuring princesses, villains, or popular movie themes – which are sold on their website. These pins are branded under Pink a la Mode and usually come on special backing cards, with limited edition sizes noted. Because Pink a la Mode offers designs not found in the parks, it has become a popular source for collectors looking for unique officially licensed pins outside of Disney run venues.

BoxLunch is a retail chain (and online retailer) known for carrying a wide range of pop culture merchandise. They are a major distributor of Loungefly products, including Loungefly’s enamel pins. BoxLunch frequently has exclusive pin designs or sets, often sold as blind boxes, from various franchises like Disney, Harry Potter, anime, and more. Many pins at BoxLunch are open edition, but some are limited releases created just for BoxLunch. Collectors keep an eye on BoxLunch for new Loungefly pin collections, because it's one of the best places to find trendy and affordable licensed pins outside of the theme parks.

Loungefly is a popular brand known for its fashion accessories (like themed backpacks and wallets) and collectible enamel pins. Loungefly produces officially licensed pins for Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, and other franchises. Their pins are often sold through retailers like BoxLunch, Hot Topic, and on Loungefly’s own website. Loungefly offers both mystery blind box pins and larger individual pins, some of which are limited edition (with the LE number on the back) and others that are open stock. The style of Loungefly pins ranges from cute chibi renditions of characters to detailed replicas of movie scenes, often complementing their accessory lines. They typically feature the Loungefly crown logo on the backstamp.

PinHQ (short for Pin Headquarters) is a specialty store for pin collectors, located near Orlando, Florida. Created by the team behind GoPinPro (makers of PinFolio), PinHQ buys, sells, and trades Disney pins and other collectible pins. It has become a local hub for the pin trading community, often stocking hard to find pins and even grails, and hosting trading events or meet ups. For collectors visiting Walt Disney World, a trip to PinHQ in Winter Garden is a chance to browse thousands of pins in person. The store’s connection to PinFolio also means you can find pin trading accessories and storage solutions there.

PinFolio is a product line of pin trading books and cases made by a company called GoPinPro. These folios changed how traders carry and display pins: instead of using traditional pin bags with paper or plastic pages, PinFolios use soft foam inserts that you can push pins into (and pull them out) without using the pin backs. This makes it quick to rearrange or trade pins on the go. PinFolios come in various sizes and styles – from compact books for a few pins to larger binders and even crossbody bags – often with fun themed covers. They have become very popular among pin traders for keeping pins secure, organized, and easy to show off during trading events or trips to the parks.