An acrylic keychain is a small slab of clear plastic with artwork printed on it. It lives on a set of keys or a bag, which means it gets dropped, sat on, rained on and knocked against metal every day. It is fair to ask how well it stands up to that.
The short answer is: well, with one or two things to watch. Here is what an acrylic keychain is, what damages it, and how to keep it in good condition.
What acrylic is
Acrylic is a clear, rigid plastic. It is the material used for shop signs, display cases and aquarium windows, where it stands in for glass. It is much lighter than glass and far less likely to shatter. It is also clearer than most plastics, and it stays clear instead of yellowing quickly.
Kiyo Arts keychains are printed on both sides of clear acrylic, so the artwork shows whichever way the charm hangs. They come in three sizes, from about 1.2 × 2.4 inches to about 1.8 × 3.5 inches, on a metal split ring.
What acrylic is good at
- Impact. It doesn't shatter like glass when dropped. A fall onto a pavement is usually survived.
- Water. Acrylic is waterproof. Rain and splashes do no harm.
- Weight. It is very light, so it won't drag on a bag strap or wear a hole in a pocket.
- Colour. The clear material lets light through, which makes printed colour look bright.
- Noise. It is quieter than metal charms.
Where it is vulnerable
- Scratches. This is the main one. Acrylic is softer than metal and glass. Keys, coins and zips will leave fine marks on the surface over time. Scratches don't break the charm, but they dull it.
- Sharp bending force. Acrylic is rigid. If it is levered hard, for example sat on while wedged at an angle, it can crack or snap, usually near the hole where the ring attaches.
- Solvents. Alcohol, acetone, nail-polish remover and strong cleaners can cloud the surface or damage the print.
- High heat. Left on a car dashboard in summer, acrylic can warp.
How to keep one looking new
Decide where it lives
A keychain on a bag strap has an easy life. It hangs in the open and touches little. A keychain in a pocket with a bunch of keys is rubbed by metal all day. If you want the charm to stay pristine, put it on a bag, a lanyard or a zip, and use something plainer for your pocket keys. If you want it on your keys anyway, accept that it will pick up light scratches. Many people like the worn look.
Keep it away from sharp neighbours
On a ring with other charms, hang acrylic next to soft things, such as fabric tags, plush or other acrylic, and away from rough metal with exposed edges.
Clean it gently
- Wipe with a soft, damp cloth. A microfibre cloth for glasses is ideal.
- For grime, use a drop of mild dish soap in water, then wipe with clean water and dry.
- Don't use paper towel, which is rougher than it feels and can leave fine scratches.
- Don't use alcohol wipes, window cleaner, acetone or any solvent.
- Don't scrub the printed surface.
Mind the heat
Don't leave it on a dashboard, a radiator or a windowsill in strong sun for long periods.
Take it off before the wash
If it is clipped to a bag or a jacket that is going in the washing machine, remove it first. The acrylic will probably survive. The tumbling against a metal drum is what scratches it.
The hardware
The split ring is steel, and it is usually the last thing to fail. Two tips:
- Open it with a fingernail or a coin, not by bending it far apart. A ring that has been stretched won't close flat again, and things slide off.
- Dry it if it gets soaked, especially with salt water. Steel can rust over time if it stays wet.
If a ring does wear out, it is a standard part and easy to replace. The charm itself will outlast several.
Small scratches
Fine surface scratches on plain acrylic can often be reduced with a plastic polish and a soft cloth. Be careful on a printed charm, though: polish the edges and any clear areas only, and keep away from the artwork. In most cases the best approach is to prevent scratches, not to treat them.
How long will it last?
On a bag or a lanyard, with ordinary care, an acrylic keychain will look good for years. On a busy set of pocket keys it will stay intact for just as long, and gather a soft haze of fine marks along the way. It is a small, inexpensive object that is meant to be used, and it wears accordingly.
Choosing a size
- Small: for keys and zips, where a large charm gets in the way.
- Medium: the all-rounder.
- Large: for a bag or a backpack, where you want the artwork to be seen.
Detailed artwork shows best at the larger sizes. Bold, simple designs read well at any size.
Acrylic or a pin?
Both carry the same artwork. A keychain hangs and moves. A pin sits flat on fabric. Keychains suit bags, keys and zips. Pins suit jackets, hats and pin boards. Together they make a good pair: see bag charm stacking and how to style pins.
As a gift
A keychain is a small, useful present, at about $15, and it suits a housewarming, a new driver or a Secret Santa. See Secret Santa gifts under $20.
Browse every design in the keychains collection. Each is made to order, so allow 2 to 7 business days for production before it ships.