Ways to Keep Your Pin Badges Looking New
Everyone loves pin badges, we don’t know why, we just do.
While they can be expressions of personality, interests, and sometimes nostalgia, they’re just really freakin’ cool.
And whether you’re a collector of funky pins, proudly wear mental health awareness badges, or even sell pin badges for a living, keeping them in pristine condition is essential for their longevity.
So, let’s explore practical ways to maintain the shine and integrity of your beloved collectables.
Clean Your Pins Regularly
Cleaning your pin badges regularly can prevent dirt and tarnish build-up and keep them looking sweet.
It’s not rocket science to keep them clean.
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the surface gently. For more stubborn dirt, mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water and use a soft toothbrush to clean the intricate details and indentations you’ll generally find on soft enamel badges.
Be sure to dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth to avoid water spots.
Store Your Badges Properly
Storing your pin badges correctly can dramatically extend their lifespan. Keep them in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading or yellowing to the epoxy if your pins have a coating.
Consider using a dedicated pin display case or a pin badge album with plastic sleeves to protect them from dust and scratches. Ensure that the pins are not touching each other to prevent scratching.
Handling Your Enamel Pins with Care
When handling your pin badges, always hold them by the edges to avoid fingerprints and smudges on the surface. If you need to remove or attach them to clothing, do so gently to prevent bending or breaking the pin back.
For first-aider or name badges, which you might wear more frequently, take extra care not to expose them to harsh chemicals found in perfumes or lotions.
Check out our blog, which shows you how to stop pin badges from falling off to prevent unnecessary damage.
Regularly Inspect Your Badges
Regularly inspect your pin badges for any signs of wear or damage. Check the pin-backs to ensure they are secure and not bent. If you notice any tarnishing, consider using a jewellery polishing cloth to restore its shine. For more severe tarnish, a professional cleaning might be necessary.
Avoid Contact with Moisture
Moisture is one of the biggest threats to the longevity of your pin badges. But they will get wet at some point if you wear them regularly.
However, you should minimise the times you wear them in humid environments or during activities where they might get wet. If your pin badges do get wet, dry them immediately with a soft cloth, which is especially important for metal pins, as moisture can lead to rust or corrosion.
Rotate the Usage of Your Pins
If you have a collection, consider rotating which pin badges you wear regularly, which allows you to showcase more of your collection and reduces the wear and tear on individual badges. Rotating usage ensures that no single badge receives too much exposure to elements that might lead to deterioration.
By following these simple yet effective strategies, you can keep your pin badges looking new for years to come.
Want to Create Your Own Pin Badges?
Have you ever thought about creating pin badges from your own designs and ideas?
You’re in the right place. We’ve produced millions of pins for tens of thousands of clients, and we’re experts in design. We offer a FREE design service with every custom pin badge order to make sure your ideas meet our production guidelines to give you the highest quality product imaginable.
If you’re ready to jump into the world of custom pin badges (even if you’re not ready, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know), contact our friendly sales team to get started.