How to Care for Your Enamel Lapel Pin to Prevent Scratches
By I Heart Guts®️ | The Original Plush Organs & Human | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: How-to Guides
Keep your enamel lapel pins looking sharp with simple care steps. Learn how to prevent scratches, clean safely, and store your pins to preserve their color and finish.
Quick Answer
To prevent scratches on your enamel lapel pin, handle it by the edges, store it individually or with soft separators, and clean it gently with a soft cloth and mild soap.
Why Enamel Pins Scratch Easily
Enamel pins have a glossy or matte finish that can show scratches from friction, drops, or rubbing against other hard surfaces. Even a small scrape can dull the design and make the pin look worn.
The metal base and enamel coating are durable but not scratch-proof. Knowing how to handle and store your pin is the first step to keeping it looking new.
Trade-Off: Display vs. Protection
Displaying your pins on a jacket or bag adds personality, but it exposes them to bumps and scrapes. If you wear your pins often, expect some wear over time.
For collectors who want to keep pins in mint condition, consider reserving the most valuable ones for occasional wear or displaying them in a shadow box instead of wearing them daily.
Step-by-Step Enamel Pin Care Routine
- Handle by the edges: Always pick up your enamel pin by its edges or the back clasp, never by the front face. This prevents fingerprints and oils from your skin from dulling the finish. Oils from your fingers can attract dust and make scratches more visible.
- Store pins individually: Keep each pin in its own compartment or on a soft fabric board. If you stack pins, place a soft cloth or tissue between them to prevent rubbing. Never let pins touch each other during storage—friction causes micro-scratches.
- Clean gently with mild soap: Use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water and a drop of mild dish soap. Gently wipe the pin in a circular motion, then dry it immediately with a clean cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads; they can strip the enamel or leave fine scratches.
- Dry before storing: Ensure the pin is completely dry before storing it. Moisture can tarnish the metal parts and weaken the enamel over time. Air-dry for a few minutes after wiping to be safe.
- Protect when wearing: If you wear your pin on a bag or jacket, position it in a spot less likely to bump into doors or walls. Consider using a locking pin back to keep it secure. A secure pin back reduces the chance of the pin falling and getting scratched.
Product Spotlight
- Skene's Gland Lapel Pin - Gland of the Ladies: This Skene's gland lapel pin is a 1.25" printed aluminum pin that comes packed on a card. The printed aluminum surface is more prone to scratches than enamel, so careful handling and storage are especially important to keep the design crisp.
Skene's Gland Lapel Pin - Gland of the Ladies
