Care Guide — How to Preserve Your Pewter Figurines for Generations
Hand-painted pewter figurines from Wilhelm Schweizer are made to last a lifetime — provided they receive proper care. With just a few simple measures, you can preserve the beauty of your figurines for decades and even pass them on to the next generation. Here is everything you need to know.
Why Care Matters
The pewter cast itself is extremely robust and corrosion-resistant. What deserves attention is the hand-painting: it gives each figurine its individual character but is sensitive to UV light, moisture and mechanical stress. With the right care, the paintwork remains vibrant and beautiful for generations.
Step by Step: Proper Care
- Remove dust gently with a soft brush or dry microfibre cloth. Work carefully and avoid pressure on delicate details. A fine cosmetics brush works particularly well for hard-to-reach areas.
- Do not place or hang your figurines in direct sunlight. UV radiation can lighten the paintwork over the years. A spot with indirect light — such as a north-facing window or a sheltered shelf — is ideal.
- Keep figurines that are not on display in a dry place at room temperature. Avoid damp cellars, attics with temperature fluctuations and rooms with high humidity. Consistent conditions are ideal.
- When storing, wrap each figurine individually in soft, acid-free tissue paper. This prevents scratches and contact marks between figurines. Place the wrapped pieces in a sturdy box.
- Never use water, soap or chemical cleaners on painted figurines — they can dissolve or damage the paintwork. The pewter cast alone is robust and needs no special treatment. For unpainted figurines, you may use a slightly dampened cloth.
Special Situations
Should a figurine fall, pewter is more flexible than ceramics or porcelain — slight bends can often be carefully straightened. For damaged paintwork, contact us — in some cases, repainting may be possible. Avoid coating figurines with clear varnish or other finishes, as this alters the original character.
Storing Christmas Ornaments
After the Christmas season, your Christmas ornaments deserve special attention when being stored. Wrap each ornament individually in tissue paper and arrange them in layers in a sturdy box. Separate the layers with soft material. Store the box in a dry place at consistent temperature — your ornaments will be ready for use again next year.
How often should I dust my pewter figurines?
Displayed figurines should be gently dusted approximately every two to four weeks, depending on conditions in your home. Figurines in a closed display cabinet need less frequent care. Always use a soft brush or dry microfibre cloth.
Can I refresh faded paintwork?
We recommend not repainting faded figurines yourself, as this can alter the character of the original. Contact us about damaged paintwork — in some cases, professional repainting by our painters may be possible. Consistent UV protection is the best preventive measure.
Is pewter sensitive to moisture?
Pure pewter is very corrosion-resistant and handles normal humidity without problems. However, high humidity can affect the paintwork. Therefore, avoid permanently damp rooms for storage and display. Short-term fluctuations typical in living spaces are no cause for concern.
Can children play with pewter figurines?
Pewter figurines are primarily designed as decorative and collector's pieces. For older children who handle them carefully, they can make wonderful toys — for example fairy tale figures for re-enacting stories. Our pewter alloy is lead-free and safe. However, the figurines are delicate and not suitable for rough play.
How do I transport pewter figurines safely?
Wrap each figurine individually in soft tissue paper and cushion the transport container with soft material. Avoid loose figurines that could rub against each other. For shipping, use sturdy boxes with sufficient padding. When ordering from our shop, we carefully package each figurine for safe transport.
Our Recommendations
- Browse the Full Collection — Over 1,800 hand-painted pewter figurines
- Craftsmanship — How our figurines are made
- Christmas — How to care for and store Christmas ornaments
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