Enamel Pin Care: Keep Your Collection Shiny

Quick answer

To keep your enamel pins shiny and scratch-free, clean them gently with a soft cloth and store them on a fabric-covered board or in a padded case, avoiding direct contact with other pins.

How to care for your enamel pins

1. Clean gently with a soft cloth: Wipe the pin with a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. For stubborn dirt, use a cotton swab slightly dampened with water and mild dish soap, then dry immediately. A common mistake is using paper towels, which can leave tiny scratches on the enamel.
2. Store pins separately or on a padded surface: Place pins on a felt-covered board, a corkboard with fabric, or in a padded case with individual slots. Avoid storing them loose in a drawer where they can rub against each other. Pins with sharp edges or long posts can scratch neighboring pins if they touch.
3. Display with care to prevent dust buildup: Hang your display board away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Dust the pins periodically with a soft brush or compressed air to keep the colors bright. Sunlight can fade the enamel over months, so rotate displayed pins if possible.

Products mentioned in this guide

• Death's Head Enamel Pin: Gold-toned hard enamel pin with a design based on New England cemetery imagery from the 17th and 18th centuries. The raised metal edges and recessed enamel on this pin mean dirt can settle in the crevices, so gentle cleaning is especially important to keep the detail visible.