Common Questions About Painting Challenge Coins

Q: What kinds of paint options do I have?

A: Paints come in different flavors such as soft enamel, cloisonné,  and hard enamel. There are other terms for challenge coin enamel (the proper term for the paint) but for layman sakes everyone really uses those terms for painting coins.

Q: What's the difference between soft enamel and hard enamel?

A: Soft enamel (paint) scratches easy, flakes,  and normally doesn't hold up to handling without using an epoxy covering. The soft paint is used by many companies to save money on production and time. It is a very quick way to paint coins and if coin production is 14 days or less it means you are getting soft enamel without a doubt. This is considered a very low grade of paint which needs a protective coating. Hard enamel paint is considered the mecca of paint because it acts as a baked glass of color. It doesn't crack, flake, scratch or anything else. It does not need a protective coating and looks amazing. Very very challenge coin companies in the world offer this as a standard paint. One company that offers it for free in the price of a custom coin is U.S. Challenge Coins. You have to ask for soft enamel if you want the downgrade.

Q: What paint should I get for my coin?

A: Our choice every time is hard enamel. It's a look that always stands the time and makes your coin look incredible. If you need to cut corners then get soft enamel but it will be noticed to some of the people you give a coin to.

Q: Can you paint 3D?

A: Only hand painted coins in the US can be painted like this with special effects. It costs a bit more but sometimes can be well worth the added price.