Have you ever opened your pin collection box, picked up a favorite enamel pin, and noticed that… something looked off? Maybe the gold trim has gone dull, or the glossy coating has taken on a yellow tint. If you’ve experienced this, you’re not alone—and no, it’s not your fault.
This kind of yellowing is actually a super common (and super natural) process. It’s called oxidation, and it’s just part of how materials age on our planet.
It All Comes Down to Oxidation
Enamel pins, like all physical objects, are affected by their environment. And on Earth, that means air, light, and moisture. When metals and resins interact with oxygen in the air—especially when combined with heat, humidity, or UV light—chemical changes occur. This is what we call oxidation. It’s the same process that makes silver tarnish, iron rust, or old plastic turn yellow.
That might sound a little scary, but it’s actually just nature doing its thing. Oxidation is completely normal, and unless your pins are vacuum-sealed in a lab, you can’t really stop it. But don’t worry—you can take steps to slow it down.
When the Metal Plating Starts to Look Dull
One of the first places people notice yellowing is around the metal outlines—especially gold, silver, or rose gold plated pins. These metals are particularly sensitive to air, and over time, they form a thin tarnish layer that dulls the shine.
That might sound bad, but it’s not permanent damage. In fact, it’s totally reversible with the right care.
Why It Happens:
- Touching the pin with your hands (your skin oils leave behind residue)
- Being exposed to UV light (like on a sunny windowsill)
- High humidity or damp storage environments
- Just the natural passage of time
What You Can Do:
- Use a bit of talcum powder (unscented baby powder is fine)
- Gently rub the metal surface with a soft microfiber cloth
- Avoid scrubbing too hard or using harsh cleaners
- You can wear gloves when handling your pins to avoid future prints
And here’s a bonus tip:
If you’re serious about long-term care, consider storing your pins in airtight plastic bags and removing the oxygen inside. Yep, sounds dramatic, but it works. Toss in a small oxygen absorber, seal the bag, and you’ll greatly slow down oxidation. It’s the same trick used in long-term food or electronics storage—and it works beautifully for pins too.
When the Resin Coating Turns Yellow
Okay, let’s talk about the other common trouble spot: the clear, glossy finish on some enamel pins. If your pin has a smooth dome-like coating over the design, that’s likely epoxy or resin.
And here’s the tricky part: resin doesn’t just tarnish—it actually changes color over time. Usually, it starts to turn yellow, and sadly, this isn’t something you can polish off.
Why It Happens:
- UV light from sunlight or fluorescent lamps breaks down the resin
- High heat or moisture accelerates aging
- Dust, pollution, or skin contact can cause surface staining
- Some resins just naturally yellow faster than others, even in storage
Unlike metal oxidation, resin yellowing is permanent. It’s a chemical change in the material itself. And while technically it’s possible to strip and replace the resin, in reality, that’s nearly impossible without damaging the pin underneath.
How to Protect Pins with Resin Coating:
- Store your pins in sealed plastic bags with a small packet of silica gel to reduce moisture.
- Keep them away from windows or strong lights. Display cases with UV protection are ideal.
- Wipe them occasionally with mild soap and water. Use a soft cloth and make sure the pin is fully dry before putting it away.
- Avoid using alcohol or chemical cleaners. These can damage the resin and speed up yellowing.
It’s the same logic as with the metal: control air, light, and moisture, and your pins will stay in great shape for much longer.
So… Should You Be Worried?
Honestly? No.
Enamel pins are made of real-world materials. They age, they change, and sometimes they yellow. That doesn’t mean you did something wrong. Even if you follow every tip perfectly, a little yellowing over time is still totally normal.
The important thing is: you cared. You took the time to store your pins safely, clean them gently, and understand how they work. That makes you a great collector (or designer or hobbyist or gift-giver—whatever your role is).
And even if your pins change a little, they still hold the same meaning. They still tell the same story. Sometimes that patina, that wear, that little bit of age… just adds to the charm.
FAQ
Q1: Can I remove the yellow resin and reapply it?
Technically possible, but not practical. Removing the resin without damaging the enamel artwork underneath is extremely difficult. Re-coating also requires specific tools and skills, so it’s usually not worth attempting unless you’re a restoration expert.
Q2: I followed all the steps, but my pins still yellowed. Why?
You’re not doing anything wrong. Even with perfect storage, some yellowing is inevitable over time. Materials age, especially resins and plated metals. All you can do is slow the process, not stop it entirely. More about how to keep enamel pins.
Q3: Are there enamel pins that don’t yellow at all?
Not exactly, but pins made without resin coatings, or using pure metal finishes (like polished brass or stainless steel), tend to age more gracefully. If long-term preservation is your goal, consider choosing these types.
