How to Display and Store Your Button and Magnet Collection
By Badge Bomb | buttons, pins, stickers + gifts by your favorite | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to display buttons, organize enamel pins, and store magnets so they stay bright and rust-free. Simple steps for a collection that lasts.
Quick answer
Start by sorting your collection into display pieces and stored backups. Keep everyday favorites on a fabric-covered board or magnetic strip away from direct sun and moisture, and store the rest in a cool, dry box with acid-free backing. The goal is to enjoy your buttons and magnets without exposing them to rust, fading, or scratches.
Sort first, display second
Before you hang anything, divide your collection into three piles: pieces you wear or swap regularly, pieces you want to see every day, and pieces you are saving. This prevents overcrowding and makes it easier to rotate items without damaging them. A simple shoebox works for sorting, but avoid leaving items loose in a bag where pins can scratch each other.
Pick the right display surface
Fabric-covered corkboards, canvas banners, and magnetic strips are all good options. For enamel pins, a tightly woven fabric holds the pin back securely without stretching holes. For magnets, a steel board or the side of a filing cabinet gives you instant display and easy rearrangement. If you use a frame, make sure the backing is sturdy enough to hold the weight.
Protect against moisture and sunlight
Rust is the enemy of metal pins and button backs. Keep displays out of bathrooms, kitchens, and damp basements. Indirect light is fine, but direct sun will fade printed surfaces over time. If you live in a humid climate, add a small silica gel packet to your storage box and replace it every few months.
Store the rest safely
For long-term storage, use a sturdy box with a lid. Line it with acid-free paper or felt, and place pins point-down into a foam block or pin cushion so they do not rub against each other. Magnets can be stacked with a piece of paper between them to prevent scratches. Label the box so you can find pieces without digging.
Your step-by-step display and storage plan
- Gather and sort: Lay everything out on a clean towel. Group by type (pins, magnets) and by how often you use them. Set aside any pieces with loose backs or scratches for repair or separate storage. Checkpoint: you should have three clear piles: display now, store, and repair.
- Clean gently: Wipe metal surfaces with a dry, soft cloth. For sticky residue, use a tiny amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab, then dry immediately. Never soak pins or magnets in water. Mistake to avoid: using water or household cleaners, which can speed up rust.
- Set up your display: Choose a spot away from direct sun and moisture. For pins, push the butterfly clasp through fabric and secure it. For magnets, place them on a steel board or fridge. Leave a little space between items so they do not scratch. Checkpoint: give the display a gentle shake. Nothing should fall or slide.
- Create a storage system: Use a lidded box with acid-free lining. Stick pins into a foam block or pin cushion. Stack magnets with paper between them. Add a silica gel packet if your space is humid. Mistake to avoid: storing pins loose in a jar, where they can tangle and scratch.
- Rotate and inspect: Every few months, swap a few pieces from storage to display. While you handle them, check for rust spots, loose clasps, or fading. Address small issues before they spread. Next step: mark a calendar reminder to rotate your collection seasonally.
Products that fit this routine
- NYC Statue of Liberty Enamel Pin: Hand-illustrated enamel pin with butterfly clasp, packaged on backer card. The butterfly clasp holds securely on fabric displays and is easy to remove without bending the pin post.
- It's Called Self Care Trash Raccoon Rectangle Magnet: 2.5x3.5 rectangular magnet with flexi-ceramic magnetic back, made in USA with recycled paper and steel. The flat magnetic back grips steel boards and fridge doors, making it a natural fit for a rotating magnet display.
- Hangin' Tough Sloth Big Magnet: 2.25-inch round magnet with super strong flat back and plastic-free packaging. Strong pull strength means it stays put on vertical surfaces, so you can display it without it sliding down.
