What We Learned from a Wash Test

One of our favourite corners of The Button Dept. is the collection of unique glass buttons, everything from clear vintage-inspired styles to tiny hand-painted florals. These delicate pieces are like little works of art that add something truly special to any project.

We especially love using the hand-painted ones, but we know they’re fragile. We wanted to better understand how they hold up when exposed to water and gentle detergent.

To find out, we ran a simple test. We soaked two buttons in a bowl of water mixed with Soak Wash for a couple of days. One button had a coat of clear nail polish to seal it, and the other was left untreated.

The results?
The sealed button held up beautifully, with its paint completely intact. The uncoated button, however, showed noticeable flaking and some of the paint came off the glass.

This little experiment confirmed what we suspected, these buttons need a bit of extra care.

Whether you’re finishing a hand-knit cardigan or adding the perfect detail to a handmade blouse, the right button makes all the difference.

Our hand-painted glass buttons are vintage and often show signs of age, that gentle wear is part of their charm and history. They’re especially loved by knitters and sewists who want a one-of-a-kind finishing touch for their sweaters, dresses and tops. With a little care, these delicate details can stay beautiful through years of wear.

Care Note:
These hand-painted glass buttons are delicate and made with love. To keep them looking their best, we recommend removing them before hand washing or soaking in water and detergent. For added protection, you can seal them with a clear coat (like Mod Podge or nail polish). Handle with care, and they’ll be part of your handmade story for years to come.