Cloisonne enamel is a centuries old decorative technique in which thin metal strips are fixed to a surface to form small compartments, called cloisons, which are then filled with coloured enamel and fired until the enamel fuses into a smooth, jewel like finish. On awards, cloisonne brings vivid, durable colour bounded by crisp metal outlines, ideal for logos, crests and brand marks.
The short answer
When you want genuine colour on a metal award, not printed and not painted, but rich, glassy and permanent, cloisonne enamel is the gold standard. The technique uses tiny metal walls to keep colours separate and sharp, so a multicolour logo or emblem reads with the precision of the original artwork. The result has depth and lustre that no flat printing can imitate, and it lasts for generations. It is the difference between a decorated award and a genuinely crafted one.
The origins of cloisonne
Cloisonne has a long and illustrious history, from ancient Mediterranean jewellery to the celebrated enamelwork of imperial China, whose vivid blue grounds became synonymous with the technique. The word itself comes from the French for compartment, describing the little metal cells that define the design. What has kept cloisonne alive across millennia is simple: it produces colour that is both intense and permanent, fused into glass rather than sitting on top of a surface. That permanence is exactly what a lasting award demands.
How cloisonne enamel is made
The process is meticulous. First, thin metal wires or strips are bent to trace the outlines of the design and fixed to the base, creating the compartments. Each compartment is then filled with finely ground enamel, a form of coloured glass, mixed into a paste. The piece is fired at high temperature so the enamel melts and bonds to the metal. Because enamel shrinks as it fuses, the filling and firing are often repeated several times to build the colour up flush with the metal ridges. Finally the surface is polished so the enamel and the metal outlines sit level, giving that characteristic smooth, gleaming finish.
Cloisonne and related enamel techniques
- Cloisonne: colours separated by raised metal wires that remain visible in the finished design.
- Champleve: recesses carved or etched into the metal itself, then filled with enamel.
- Soft enamel: a modern production method with recessed colour and visible metal lines, slightly textured rather than fully flush.
- Hard enamel: polished flush like traditional cloisonne, for a smooth premium feel.
Why cloisonne suits high-end awards
Colour carries brand identity, and cloisonne renders it with unmatched fidelity and richness. A corporate award featuring a company crest, a sporting trophy with team colours, or a commemorative medal with a national emblem all gain enormously from genuine fired enamel. The metal outlines give logos a jewelled precision, and the glassy surface catches light in a way that flat colour never will. For programmes that repeat annually, the technique also reproduces consistently, so brand colours stay exact across every edition. Discover how we integrate enamel into complete designs in our custom trophy service.
Design considerations for enamel
Cloisonne rewards designs with clear areas of colour bounded by lines, which suits most logos and emblems beautifully. Very fine gradients are better achieved with other methods, but bold, defined colour is where enamel excels. The metal separating the colours can be left in a natural, gilded or plated finish, adding another layer of design choice. Pairing gilded outlines with deep coloured enamel, for example, produces an especially luxurious effect. Our materials guide explains how base metals influence enamel work.
Combining enamel with other finishes
Enamel is often the jewel set within a larger piece. A cloisonne emblem might sit on a shot blasted metal body, be framed by a polished bevel, or be paired with laser annealed text for the recipient details. Because enamel is fired onto metal, it integrates naturally with plating and gilding applied to the surrounding surfaces. On hybrid awards it can even accent a 3D printed and finished metal form, bringing a spark of colour to a complex sculptural shape.
Durability and care
Fired enamel is essentially glass fused to metal, which makes it remarkably durable and colour fast. It will not fade in light, will not rub off, and resists everyday handling. The only caution is that enamel, like all glass, can chip under a hard impact, so awards should be handled with reasonable care. Cleaning is simple, with a soft cloth and gentle wiping. Treated sensibly, a cloisonne award keeps its brilliant colour indefinitely.
How Fabit works with cloisonne enamel
We treat enamel as a premium colour option finished under our own control in Antwerp, so brand colours are matched accurately and the finish is inspected before it ships anywhere in the world. We advise clients on which enamel method suits their artwork and budget, and how to combine it with the rest of a design. To bring genuine fired colour to your award, start a brief in our online studio with your logo and colour references, and we will respond within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is cloisonne enamel just coloured paint? No. It is coloured glass fused to metal at high temperature, giving far greater depth, lustre and permanence than paint.
Will the colours fade over time? No. Fired enamel is colour fast and does not fade in light or wear off with handling.
Can any logo be reproduced in enamel? Most logos with defined colour areas work beautifully. Very fine gradients suit other techniques, and we advise on the best route.
Can the metal outlines be gold? Yes. The separating metal can be gilded or plated in different tones for added richness.
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