CARE GUIDE

Crystal, pewter, wood, acrylic — how to keep an award sharp for decades

A trophy that goes dusty, tarnished or scratched in five years undermines the moment it marked. Per-material cleaning, display, and long-term storage — what to do, what to avoid, why a microfibre cloth beats paper towels every time.

Most Malaysian trophy buyers never think about long-term care. Most suppliers never bother to explain it.

The pieces are designed for decades of indoor display. What undermines them is glass cleaner with ammonia, paper towels, tropical air-con humidity cycles, and occasionally a curious child.

Below: per-material care recommendations for the six main formats we ship, including the things to genuinely avoid (silver polish on pewter — too aggressive; aerosol furniture spray on wood — builds up on the brass plate).

Optical crystal & crystal glass

Cleaning: Microfibre cloth dampened with distilled water, then dried immediately. Avoid tap water (mineral spotting). For stubborn marks, isopropyl alcohol on a microfibre cloth.
Display: Indoor cabinet or shelf, away from direct sunlight (UV can cloud some crystal types over years). Keep at room temperature; avoid bathrooms or unconditioned outdoor spaces.
Long-term: Optical crystal is essentially permanent under normal display conditions. The inner-laser etching does not fade. Edges and corners are the most vulnerable to chips from handling — store in original packaging when not displayed.
Avoid: Glass cleaners with ammonia (can cloud the surface over time). Paper towels (micro-scratches). Direct heat. Stacking other items on top.

Pewter

Cleaning: Soft microfibre cloth or a dedicated pewter polish cloth. Light buffing in circular motions restores the satin finish. Pewter is a soft alloy — light pressure only.
Display: Indoor display preferred. Pewter develops a natural patina over decades, which collectors often prize. Modern pewter pieces hold their finish well in normal indoor conditions.
Long-term: Pewter can develop a satin tarnish over years if exposed to humid air or improper storage. Light buffing with a microfibre cloth restores the finish. Heavy oxidation may need professional polish — not common in normal display use.
Avoid: Silver polish (too aggressive — pewter is softer than silver). Acidic cleaners. Storing in damp basements or non-air-conditioned outdoor sheds. Direct dishwasher exposure (never).

Wooden plaques

Cleaning: Dry microfibre cloth for dust. For deeper cleaning, slightly damp microfibre with mild soap, then dry immediately. The brass nameplate cleans separately with a metal-polish cloth.
Display: Indoor display only. Wood plaques are sensitive to humidity swings; Malaysian air-conditioned offices are fine, but unconditioned outdoor verandas can warp the timber over years.
Long-term: Wood is the trickiest long-term material. In tropical-Malaysia air-con cycles, wood can split along the grain over 5-10 years. We can re-mount the brass nameplate on a fresh wooden base at material cost if this happens.
Avoid: Direct sunlight (fades the wood finish). Aerosol furniture polishes (build up on the brass nameplate). High humidity (kitchens, unconditioned rooms, bathrooms). Beverages — water rings on wood are permanent.

Acrylic plaques and trophies

Cleaning: Soft cloth dampened with mild soap and water, then dried with a clean microfibre. Acrylic scratches more easily than crystal — gentle pressure only.
Display: Indoor or outdoor (if UV-rated). Standard cast acrylic for indoor display only; UV-printed colours on standard acrylic will fade in direct sunlight over 2-3 years.
Long-term: Acrylic doesn't degrade structurally — pieces from 5+ years ago hold their shape well. The risk is surface scratches from handling. UV-printed colour on the surface is what fades, not the engraving itself.
Avoid: Glass cleaners with ammonia or alcohol (cloud the surface). Abrasive cloths or paper towels. Outdoor display unless explicitly UV-rated. Direct sunlight on UV-printed pieces.

Metal trophies (steel, brass, aluminium, zinc-alloy)

Cleaning: Soft cloth dampened with mild soap and water, dried immediately. Brass nameplates can be polished with a brass cloth periodically.
Display: Indoor or outdoor (if explicitly weather-rated). Anodised aluminium and stainless steel hold up outdoor; brass and zinc-alloy show oxidation over time outdoor.
Long-term: Metal trophies are durable. Indoor display can last decades unchanged. Outdoor display depends on the alloy — stainless steel and anodised aluminium handle weather; brass and zinc-alloy develop patina.
Avoid: Acidic cleaners on brass (etch the surface). Outdoor display of zinc-alloy without explicit weather treatment. Stacking pieces directly on top of each other (scratches).

Engraved pens

Cleaning: Wipe the body with a soft cloth. For metal-bodied pens, an occasional polish cloth restores the brushed finish. The engraving itself is permanent and does not need cleaning.
Display: Original presentation case is the best long-term home. Avoid loose-pocket carry that scratches the engraved surface. Re-cap the pen carefully to avoid letter-edge wear.
Long-term: A high-quality engraved corporate pen can last decades with minimal care. The cartridge inside may need replacing every few years if used regularly; we recommend genuine cartridges from the original brand.
Avoid: Storing in direct sunlight (some leather grips fade). Letting the cartridge dry out (use occasionally). Aggressive metal polish (can wear the engraving over many years).

WhatsApp-first quote flow

Older piece needs a refresh — or a replacement?

WhatsApp +60 12-213 6631 with a photo and your original order reference. Manufacturing defect: free replacement (see our returns policy). Wear-and-tear: we quote a re-engraving on a fresh base at material cost.

WhatsApp Us for a Quote

Quote, artwork proof, SST/courier and lead time confirmed in chat.