Quick answer
Enamel pins are unlikely to damage dice bags or table surfaces if attached properly and stored with care, but sharp edges on some designs can snag fabric or leave light scratches on soft wood.
Why the myth persists
Many RPG enthusiasts worry that the metal backing and enamel face of collectable pins will gouge their favorite dice bag or leave permanent marks on a gaming table. The concern is understandable because pins are made of hard materials and often feature pointed posts. However, the actual risk depends on how the pin is used and stored.
Soft enamel pins, like the Würm Symbol Pin, have raised metal borders and recessed enamel that create a slightly textured surface. Hard enamel pins are smoother but still have metal edges. Neither type is inherently abrasive, but the post and clutch can catch on fabric if not secured tightly.
When damage can happen
The most common scenario for surface damage is when a pin is attached loosely to a bag. The clutch can work loose, and the sharp post tip can scratch a table as the bag is moved. Similarly, placing a pin directly on a tabletop face-down can let the post dig into the surface.
Dice bags made from soft materials like velvet or thin canvas are more prone to snags than those made from nylon or leather. Hardwood tables with a matte finish may show light scratches if a pin is dragged across them, but a felt or rubber playmat eliminates that risk entirely.
Myth-busting verdicts
- Claim: Enamel pins will scratch your dice bag: Verdict: Mostly false. A properly secured pin with a tight clutch will not scratch or snag most dice bag fabrics. The risk increases only with very loose attachment or soft, loosely woven materials. Use a locking pin back for extra security on bags you carry frequently.
- Claim: Enamel pins ruin table surfaces: Verdict: Rarely true. The pin post can leave a light scratch if dragged across an unprotected wood table, but the enamel face itself is not abrasive. A playmat or felt pad eliminates the risk entirely. Always place your dice bag or pin on a playmat or cloth to protect the table.
- Claim: You should never put pins on a dice bag: Verdict: False. Many collectors display pins on bags without issue. The key is to attach the pin through a reinforced seam or a patch panel, and to avoid overloading the bag with heavy pins that could pull the fabric. Choose a bag with a sturdy patch area or a dedicated pin loop for worry-free display.
Products mentioned
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The Star of Azathoth Pin - Gold and White Enamel: The Star of Azathoth Pin uses gold and white enamel with a metal border, measuring approximately 1 inch. Its smooth hard-enamel surface is less likely to snag fabric than a soft enamel pin with recessed areas.
The Star of Azathoth Pin - Gold and White Enamel
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Würm Symbol Pin - Silver and Black Enamel: The Würm Symbol Pin is a soft enamel pin measuring .875" x 1.5" with raised metal edges. The raised borders can catch on delicate fabrics if the pin is not fastened securely, so it benefits from a locking pin back.
Würm Symbol Pin - Silver and Black Enamel
