Cleaning Cloisonné pins (Usagi chop)

[Gaffey]

Has anyone tried to clean their chop pin? I had no idea mine had yellowed so badly until I purchased a sealed/new one off of eBay. From what I've read the enamel has probably yellowed due to UV exposure (permanent?).

[maichan]

In the past I've read that hydrogen-peroxide and sun exposure for a day or so will reverse the process, however this was regarding yellowing plastic LEGO.

Another idea might be to try something like Soft Scrub with Oxi.

Some enamel pins are coated with an epoxy, which is what actually turns yellow (not the enamel).

[Gaffey]

In the past I've read that hydrogen-peroxide and sun exposure for a day or so will reverse the process, however this was regarding yellowing plastic LEGO.

Another idea might be to try something like Soft Scrub with Oxi.

Some enamel pins are coated with an epoxy, which is what actually turns yellow (not the enamel).

The epoxy turns yellow, not the enamel
The epoxy turns yellow, not the enamel
The epoxy turns yellow, not the enamel

I shan't make that mistake again.

I read I could also try toothpaste and a microfiber cloth.

And then when I go to another page it says it can't be removed at all.

[maichan]

BTW, I should have included a disclaimer, that I'm just assuming things in my statements, from various sources that I've read with Google's help.

I don't think any of the above methods will damage the pin, so all you can do is try. Just don't use bleach, or acid.

[Gaffey]

Just don't use bleach, or acid.

Too late!

[go]

Patina.

[Gaffey]

Patina.

That reminds me of Mike Wolfe from American Pickers.

[Gaffey]

Tom's of Maine toothpaste + microfiber cloth + elbow grease + water = cleaner pins

I'm happy with the results.



Mellow Yellow...

[maichan]

YAY!!