How to Care for a "Falcon No. 1" Magnet or Button Pin

By Holly Bones Art & Design | Published: 2026-11-03

Category: Dicas e Cuidados

Keep your Falcon No. 1 magnet or pin looking sharp with simple cleaning, fading prevention, and scratch-free display habits.

Quick answer

Clean your Falcon No. 1 button or magnet gently with a soft, dry cloth, keep it out of prolonged direct sunlight, and store or display it so the artwork face doesn't rub against hard surfaces. For the pin-back, attach and remove it carefully to avoid bending the pin or scratching fabrics.

Why the backing changes your care routine

The Falcon No. 1 comes as either a pin-back button or a magnet, and each backing has different wear points. The pin-back is designed for fabrics, so the main risks are bending the pin mechanism and leaving pinholes in delicate textiles. The magnet is meant for refrigerators and other magnetic surfaces, where sliding and scratches are more common. Knowing which backing you have helps you focus your care where it matters most.

When gentle cleaning isn't enough

If the artwork face gets sticky residue or a smudge that a dry cloth won't lift, dampen a soft cloth with plain water and wipe very gently—never soak the button or use harsh cleaners, which can dull the surface or seep into the backing. For the pin-back, avoid getting the pin mechanism wet; moisture can encourage corrosion over time. If the magnet backing itself picks up metal dust or grit, wipe it with a dry cloth before placing it back on your fridge to prevent scratches.

Step-by-step care for your Falcon No. 1

Clean the face with a dry, soft cloth: Wipe the artwork side with a clean microfiber or cotton cloth using light pressure. Avoid paper towels or rough fabrics, which can leave micro-scratches. Common mistake: scrubbing hard to remove a spot—this can dull the print. Always start dry; only use a damp cloth if absolutely necessary.
Keep it out of direct sun: Display your button or magnet away from windowsills or spots that get hours of harsh sunlight. UV exposure can fade colors over time. Common mistake: assuming indoor light is harmless—long-term direct sun is the main fading risk. Rotate your display spot occasionally if you want to limit any one area's exposure.
Handle the pin-back with care: When attaching the pin to fabric, slide the pin through the weave rather than forcing it through thick seams. Remove by lifting the clasp gently, not by pulling the artwork. Common mistake: yanking the pin off, which can bend the wire or enlarge holes in delicate fabrics. For delicate fabrics, consider a magnet backing instead to avoid pinholes.
Protect the magnet backing from grit: Before placing the magnet on your fridge, wipe the magnetic surface and the back of the magnet with a dry cloth. Grit trapped between the magnet and the surface can scratch both. Common mistake: sliding the magnet across the fridge to reposition it—lift and place instead. A quick wipe once a month keeps the backing clean and scratch-free.
Store extras safely: If you swap between backings or store the button when not in use, keep it in a small pouch or box with the artwork facing up and nothing heavy on top. Avoid tossing it loose in a bag with keys or coins. Common mistake: storing it face-down, which can scuff the image. A soft drawstring bag or a small tin works well for storage.

Product details

"Falcon No. 1" Magnet or Button: Measures approximately 40x60mm and is hand-pressed in the Ypsilanti studio. The compact size means it fits in small display spots, but the hand-pressed surface benefits from gentle handling to keep the artwork crisp.
"Falcon No. 1" Magnet or Button