Grading

Grading standards will vary from pin maker to pin maker. Each pin is handmade and therefore may have a varying degree of flaws or imperfections. I personally inspect every pin under close examination and scrutiny. My pins are available in Standard and Seconds grade.

Hard Enamel Pins

 ★Standard Grade★

Pins of this quality may or may not exhibit one of the following.

  • Minor surface scratches or scuffs.
  • Minor bubbles.
  • Minor dots or specs in the paint.
  • Slightly misaligned screen printed details.
  • Minor area of low fill enamel. 

These are small and may only be noticed at certain angles or upon extremely close inspection.

 

 ★Seconds Grade★

Pins of this quality may exhibit a few more noticeable imperfections or flaws. 

  • Surface scratches or scuffs.
  • Bubbles.
  • Dots or specs in the paint.
  • Misaligned screen printed details. 
  • Area of missing or low fill enamel.

These may be easily seen or noticed at any angle. Seconds pins are great for backpacks, jackets, or bags!

 ★Glitters

Specks of black or dark glitter are not considered imperfections or flaws.

 ★UV print★

UV printed details are more delicate when compared to screen print. Handle pins with care.

 

Dyed Metal Pins

 ★Standard Grade★

Pins of this quality may or may not exhibit one of the following.

  • Minor surface scratches or scuffs.
  • Minor bubbles.
  • Minor dots, screen fibers, or specs in the paint.
  • Slightly misaligned screen printed details.
  • Minor area of uneven texture due to metal surface. 

These are small and may only be noticed at certain angles or upon extremely close inspection.

 

 ★Seconds Grade★

Pins of this quality may exhibit a few more noticeable imperfections or flaws. 

  • Surface scratches or scuffs.
  • Bubbles.
  • Dots, screen fibers, or specs in the paint.
  • Misaligned screen printed details. 
  • Area of missing or low fill enamel.
  • Areas of uneven texture due to metal surface.

These may be easily seen or noticed at any angle. Seconds pins are great for backpacks, jackets, or bags!

 

 Keychains

My keychains feature handmade details such as painted lettering or epoxy applied by hand. As a result, they may have a varying degree of flaws or imperfections. My keychains are available in Standard and Seconds grade.

 ★Standard Grade★

Due to the nature of hand painting and epoxy glazing, these imperfections or flaws will be more noticeable and easily seen.

  • Minor surface scratches or scuffs.
  • Small areas of bubbles or dots in painted details.
  • Slightly misaligned screen printed details.

 ★Seconds Grade★

Keychains of this quality will exhibit more noticeable imperfections or flaws. 

  • Surface scratches or scuffs.
  • Large groups of bubbles or dots in the painted details and/or epoxy.
  • Areas of thin paint.
  • Specks of color in paint.
  • Misaligned printed details. 

 Second grade keychains are great for those who are a little rough with their keys.

 ★Acrylic Keychains★

Currently, all of my keychains are made with acrylic. Acrylic is not as durable as metal and should be handled with care!