Restoring the Shine: The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning and Preserving Vintage Enamel Pins

Whether you are a collector scouring thrift stores for hidden gems or a law enforcement officer looking to restore a grandfather’s service badge, there is nothing worse than finding the perfect pin, only to see it covered in grime, tarnish, or the dreaded "green gunk."

Enamel pins are durable, but they aren't invincible. Over decades, moisture and oils can dull the plating and cloud the colors.

At PinProsPlus, we manufacture thousands of pins every year, so we know exactly how they are put together—and how to clean them safely. Before you grab the harsh chemicals (please, put down the bleach), follow this professional guide to bringing your vintage pins back to life.

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Step 1: Know Your Pin Type (Critical!)

Before you start scrubbing, you need to identify what kind of pin you are holding. The cleaning method depends entirely on the manufacturing style.

• Hard Enamel (Cloisonné): These pins have a smooth, glass-like finish where the metal and color are flush. They are highly durable and can handle a bit more polishing.
• Soft Enamel: These have a textured feel. The metal borders are raised, and the paint sits lower in the recesses. You must be gentle with these, as vigorous scrubbing can scratch the paint in the "valleys."
• Epoxy Dome / Offset Printed: These have a clear plastic bubble over the top. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive polishes on these, as the plastic will cloud or yellow instantly.

Step 2: The "Gentle Bath" (For Dirt and Grime)

For 90% of pins, this is all you need. If your pin is just dusty or has sticky residue:

1. Mix it up: Create a solution of warm water and mild dish soap (like Dawn).
2. Soak (Briefly): Let the pin sit for 2-3 minutes to loosen debris. Note: Do not soak vintage pins with glued-on attachments for too long.
3. The Brush: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush (a baby toothbrush is perfect).
4. Scrub: Gently scrub in circular motions. For Soft Enamel pins, pay attention to the corners where dirt gets trapped.
5. Dry: Pat dry immediately with a microfiber cloth.

Step 3: Removing Tarnish from the Metal

If the gold or silver plating looks dull or black, it is oxidized.

• For Silver/Nickel Plating: Use a standard jewelry polishing cloth. Rub the metal lines gently until the shine returns.
• For Gold Plating: Be very careful. Vintage gold plating can be thin. Use a microfiber cloth and very light pressure.
• Looking for a specific metal finish for your next order?

Step 4: The "Green Gunk" (Verdigris)

If you see green, waxy buildup on the back of the pin or around the post, this is Verdigris. It is a reaction between the copper in the base metal and moisture (usually from leather holders or humidity). It can "eat" the metal if left alone.

The Fix:

1. Mix a small paste of white vinegar and salt (or lemon juice and baking soda).
2. Use a toothpick to apply the paste only to the green spots.
3. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
4. Wipe away and rinse thoroughly.
5. Warning: Do not let vinegar sit on the enamel paint for too long, as it is acidic.

Step 5: When to Replace Instead of Restore

Sometimes, a pin is too far gone. If the plating has completely flaked off (revealing the raw copper or zinc underneath) or the enamel is chipped, no amount of cleaning will fix it.

In the law enforcement world, a damaged badge can undermine professional appearance. If your department's insignia is showing signs of "metal fatigue," it might be time to commission a new run using modern, higher-quality materials.

Preservation is Key

The best way to clean a pin is to keep it from getting dirty in the first place. Store your collection in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you live in a humid area, tossing a silica gel packet into your display case can work wonders.

Are you inspired to add something new to your collection?From restoring the old to creating the new, we are here to help. Whether you need a replica of a vintage design or a brand-new concept for your team, we can make it happen.

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