Cleaning Your Custom Lapel Pins

Custom lapel pins can be seen everywhere. From the lapels of politicians to athletes and more, custom pins have been created for a variety of reasons. However, one thing that many do not think about is how to maintain pins and keep them looking great for years to come. Today we take a dive into how to keep your pins looking great and the process behind cleaning them. Here you will learn how to clean your pins so that they look brand new once again!

Before we get into the cleaning process, it's essential to determine what type of lapel pin you are working with. First, there are your more common pins, such as the butterfly clutch, the stick pin, and the screw back. The butterfly clutch is small and practical, boasting a point that slides into a clutch. A stick pin is a classic design where the pin sits on top of a long needle that sticks through your lapel. Screw back pins are one of the most secure pins, with a nut that screws on to the point of your pin. However, there are also floral and boutonniere pins, long stem pins, magnetic designs, and more. Determining which pin you have will determine how you clean it.

Now let's dive into the cleaning process. There are two things you need in order to make your pins look new again. You will need a polishing cloth and a polishing agent. Jeweler’s cloths are great for polishing pins, while jewelry polish and cream are great agents. Be sure to choose an agent and cloth that are non-abrasive and gentle.

Now that you have determined what type of pin you have and your supplies, it's time to start cleaning! The first step is to remove the back, or the keeper, from your pin. It's a great idea to test the polish you intend to use. Use the pin's back as a test area before you use your polish on the rest of the pin.

The most basic way to clean your pin is to dab it with polish and gently rub it with a cloth. Typically any tarnish or debris will quickly come off. However, some metals can tarnish quicker than others. For example, copper will tarnish before silver, which tarnishes before gold. For heavily tarnished pins, be sure to use a good quality polishing cloth and cream, especially when dealing with copper, gold, or silver.

There are a few other things to keep in mind when cleaning your lapel pins too. Never use vinegar or citrus cleaning agents on your pins. This can damage the metal and enamel. Make sure you do not use polish on a soft enamel pin. Simply rub it gently with a soft cloth to ensure that the paint doesn't come off. You can also try using toothpaste to clean your pins, but be sure to test it on the back of your pin first.

Be gentle with your pins and never put them in a polishing machine and be sure to never use household cleaners. These details will extend the life of your collection and keep your pins looking brand new. This simple process will ensure that your pins look great at all times.

No matter if you have one, a few, or a whole collection of custom pins, keep them clean and looking their best. If you haven't sat down to clean your collection lately, get busy polishing. Keeping your pins free of tarnish on a regular basis will prevent you from scrubbing too hard and having to use abrasive polishes.

Here at the LapelPinSuperstore.com, we know what it takes to create great-looking pins. However, we also know what it takes to keep those pins looking exceptional for years to come. Now you know!