What is a synthetic cloisonne pin?

[queenofhearts]

I'm brand new to the world of Disney pin trading. In fact, I haven't even purchased my first pin! However, before I buy, I wanted to know what I'm purchasing. So, here's my question:

What's the difference between a synthetic cloisonne pin and an enamel cloisonne pin?

Is the synthetic pin plastic?

Thanks in advance for any help that you experts can offer!!

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

Okay, I'm trying to remember Scoop's pin seminars here. Cloisonne refers to the coloring/painting process. I may be wrong ... but I think synthetic cloisonne and enamel pins are pretty much the same. I know it's not referring to metal vs. plastic pins.

::cupping hands to mouth:: SCOOP!!!

 

[AZ JazzyJ]

OK having just been through this process, as I am designing a pin for the September pin event, I will try to recount was I was told. Cloisonne is an ancient method (5000 years old) of coloration using powder to create the colors on a pin. Each color is placed on the pin beginning with white. Only one color can be added at a time then the pin is fired in a kiln before the next color is applied. Synthetic cloisonne uses a synthetic liquid as opposed to the powder. Most pins now are made from synthetic or resin cloisonne (sometimes referred to as hard enamel) since they are easier to work with and you have a wider range of colors to choose from. Other manufacturing processes include soft enamel, laser screening, photo etching, steel enamel and color printing. I can give you details on those too if you are interested.

Jeff

 

[pintrader]

isn't real cloinsonne "glass" whereas synthetic cloisonne is more like plastic or acrylic?

Shoot the only time I can recall JJ giving straight answer and I can't think of a smart come back to put into mine.

 

[Figgy]

Scooper Trader

That is a link to an article on pinpics.

Most pins are synthetic cloisseine because you can get a lot more detail that way. Actually a good way to see the difference is:

PinPics #5800 is Cloisenne while #11279 is Synthetic
PinPics #324 is Cloisenne while #124 is Synthetic

figgy

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

Figgy, maybe I missed it, but I didn't see anything there about pin manufacturing.

Okay, I did a google search for cloisonne pin manufacturing. Basically, combine Jeff's and Kathryn's answers. With true cloisonne, the coloring material is made of finely ground glass, as opposed to enamel paint.

Kath, what's scary is on another thread I saw a straight answer from Ed!

 

[MeanLaureen]

Just a word of warning because I could see Jeff or Ed trying this at home. If you attempt to make your own real cloisonne pins, don't assume oven mitts are good enough to reach into the kiln. Your hands will burst into flames. Been there, done that. Not pretty.

This has been a public service announcement

 

[queenofhearts]

Thanks to everyone for the information! I think I have what I need to purchase my first Disney pin!

What's the build-your-own pin that I keep hearing about? That sounds neat!!

 

[JudithM]

Kathryn, I thought I was misreading Jeff's post because it sounded so real . I wonder if Trina knows what he is into nowadays .

Matt, where is the straight response from Raul - another sight to see!

 

[pintrader]

THAT IS a scarry thought. Thanks to your lovely wife for making the "save" with the Mitt in the kiln comment. Just what the situation called for.
"J" it did cause alarm for looking to see if the world around us had ceased to spin LOL. See you all in just a few weeks !!!

 

[queenofhearts]

Thanks again to everyone! I just finished purchasing my first pin from the Disney store website!! Actually, I purchased a set of pins that are synthetic cloisonne. It sounds like the real cloisonne is more valuable, but I figured this is a good place to start. I hope I don't get addicted.