Verdigris Damage: WDW Cast 25th Ann. Framed Set Example

Few things are more frustrating in Disney pin collecting than to have it begin to corrode. While it is not possible to reverse damage cased by verdigris, it is possible to prevent further damage.

Verdigris: The Corrosive Enemy of Pins
Verdigris is the green corrosive material that appears on certain pins that have been exposed to moisture. It's the type of problem that if left unchecked, not only can destroy that particular pin but can actually spread to other pins.


Verdigris occures to copper, brass and bronze when it gets exposed to air and especially seawater over a period of time. It is apparent that Disney's 25th Anniversary framed set used a different type of metal than was normally used for its pins, as the verdigris problem has, thus far, seemed to be contained to that very framed set. (If anyone is aware of other Disney pins facing this corrosion, please write me and I will be happy to list it.)
The matting that Disney used- rather thick and easily able to hold moisture - may be the other ingredient. So also may be the fact that Disney double-stick taped the pins to the matting to prevent them from moving (a terrible idea which Disney used on a few other sets as well) and even secondary adhesive on some pins! A third possibility is that these corroded sets - which have only gee onto the secondary market since 2006 - may have been part of a collection that was improperly warehoused in California and exposed to salty air and moisture. Again, if someone has an original set that has not seen verdigris, I would appreciate hearing from you.



For me, the best way of dealing with these type of pins is to do the following:

The pin must be separated from the matting; it's the source of the moisture. I know this means breaking open the seal on the back of the frame, but the alternative is watching your pins be destroyed.
Pin can be placed in a bowl of white vinegar for15 to 30 minutes. If possible, place the pin points loosely in a thin sponge or something that will hold the bottoms and sides of the pin (normally the affected areas)submerged in the vinegar without submerging the tops of the pins.The reason for this is because the vinegar willgepromise the paint on the front of the pins if the tops are left to soak for too long atime. In addition, longer soaking candiscolor the backs of the pin).
Take a cotton ball or very soft toothbrush and brush the verdigris off...it should gee off fairly easily. One other benefit to the vinegar is that it mayalso loosenthe tape onthe back of the pin.
Rinse off the vinegar. You will note that damage has probably occurred to the surface of the pin, but that was caused by the verdigris, not the vinegar. Pat dry.
Others have suggested drying out the pins in a 140 degree oven for about 15-20 minutes, but others have concerns about itdiscoloring the pins.
Place in a 2"x2" ziplock bag to prevent moisture, or - if you plan to reframe - make sure the frame is moisture-proof and acid-proof. If you have pins stored in a display case, consider having a silicon packet in there to help prevent moisture.
There's not much that can be done about the corroded areas, except to protect it from further damage by keeping it dry. It hasbeen suggested by some that applying a thin coat of wax polish over the affected area can help prevent verdigris from reappearing. Be sure to check the polish's information to be sure it is safe to use on metal.
Normally, verdigris is contained to the back and sides of the pins in this set, but I would imagine over time that the fronts could also begee gepromised.
Sellers should identify when verdigris has taken place, and should show you the back of the pin so you're not unpleasantly surprised by the damage.
I did this article because I want my buyers to be informed of the trend in this WDW framed set. I will continue selling these pins, individually, because I know collectors want them...but I want people to not only be aware of the trend, but to see the damage that has occurred on these specific pins so they can bid accordingly.
If this explanation has been helpful to you, I'd appreciate you marking the article HELPFUL below. Thank you!