How to Display and Wear RPG Enamel Pin Sets
By Foam Brain Games - Plastic and Metal RPG Dice, Enamel Pins, and | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: How-to Guides
Learn practical steps for displaying and wearing your RPG enamel pin sets, including tips for choosing backings, arranging themes, and avoiding damage.
Quick Answer
Display your RPG enamel pins on a fabric banner or dedicated corkboard to avoid scratches, and wear them with locking pin backs to prevent loss during gaming sessions.
Why Display and Wear Methods Matter
Enamel pins are small but sturdy collectibles, and how you handle them affects their lifespan. Hard enamel pins, like those in the Pin Bazaar: Gen Con 2020 Holiday Pin Set, have a smooth, polished surface that can scratch against other pins or hard surfaces. Soft enamel pins, such as the Pin Bazaar: Gen Con 2021 Starter Set, have recessed areas that can collect dust or snag on fabric. Choosing the right display and wearing approach protects the finish and keeps the colors vibrant.
The trade-off is convenience versus protection. Wearing pins on a jacket or bag makes them visible and easy to swap, but they face more wear from movement and weather. Displaying them at home preserves their condition but limits daily enjoyment. The steps below help you balance both uses.
How to Display and Wear RPG Enamel Pins
- Choose a Display Surface: Use a fabric-covered corkboard, felt banner, or pin display case. Fabric prevents scratches and holds pins securely. Avoid bare wood or metal boards that can chip hard enamel. A felt banner is portable and works for both display and transport.
- Arrange Pins by Theme or Color: Group pins from the same set—like the Pin Bazaar: Gen Con 2021 Starter Set—together to create a cohesive look. Leave at least 0.5 inches between pins to avoid rubbing. Common mistake: stacking pins too close causes edge wear over time. Use a layout template or grid to plan spacing before pushing pins in.
- Select the Right Backing for Wearing: Replace standard butterfly clutches with locking pin backs (metal or rubber) for any pin you wear. Locking backs have a screw or spring mechanism that prevents accidental loss. Rubber clasps are cheaper but less secure for heavy coats or bags. Test the backing by shaking the garment gently—if the pin moves, tighten or swap the back.
- Position Pins on Garments Safely: Place pins on collars, lapels, hat brims, or lanyards where they won't get snagged on straps or seat belts. Avoid placing pins on backpack straps that slide against your body—the constant friction can wear down the enamel. For soft enamel pins, a clear silicone backing adds grip and reduces fabric snagging.
- Store Unused Pins Properly: Keep pins in a soft pouch or a dedicated pin binder with foam pages. Separate hard and soft enamel pins to prevent the harder pins from pressing into the softer ones. Common mistake: tossing pins loose in a drawer leads to bent posts and chipped edges. A pin binder with removable pages makes it easy to swap display and wearing pins.
Products Mentioned
- Pin Bazaar: Gen Con 2020 Holiday Pin Set: Pin Bazaar: Gen Con 2020 Holiday Pin Set contains 3 exclusive 1.5-inch hard enamel pins. Hard enamel pins have a smooth, glass-like finish that resists dust but can scratch against other metal surfaces, so separate display or soft backing is recommended.
Pin Bazaar: Gen Con 2020 Holiday Pin Set - Pin Bazaar: Gen Con 2021 Starter Set: Pin Bazaar: Gen Con 2021 Starter Set includes four exclusive soft enamel pins, each 1.5 inches across. Soft enamel pins have recessed areas that can collect dirt, so storing them in a case or on a fabric surface keeps them clean longer.
Pin Bazaar: Gen Con 2021 Starter Set - Random Mini Pin Set: Random Mini Pin Set gives you one of five themed mini pin packs, each containing multiple smaller pins. Mini pins are lighter and easier to wear on hats or lanyards, but their smaller size means they can be lost more easily without locking backs.
