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The 10 Commandments of Button Making

As a button manufacturer that sells the button making machines, one would think that we would instruct you to do otherwise. However, the truth is, if you are just beginning in the button industry, we would advise you to start with only a few sizes. Instead of overwhelming yourself, recognize that each size button maker can have a multitude of button making options. Also let your customer’s feedback guide you into your next size over time!

We simply cannot guarantee the quality of your buttons if you do not use the Tecre button supplies that were designed to work with Tecre’s button makers. In addition, using parts from another manufacturer may void machine warranty and certainly voids our zero scrap guarantee.  So if you want to enter the glorious gates of button making bliss, we strongly advise you to use Tecre’s button making supplies!

Tecre supplies are available on Tecre.com but also through a variety of resellers.

Most customers don’t directly pour water on their buttons (that we are aware of). But did you know that even keeping Tecre’s button making supplies in a humid room can cause rust to form on the buttons?  Tecre’s button making material is steel.  With the quality of using actual steel components in the button maker also comes the risk of rust. So be mindful of dry procedures and storage to avoid possible rusting of the parts.

Breaking this commandment can be an honest mistake. But it is a mistake that can leave you with a jammed button making machine. Almost all machine jams on a manual button maker can be relieved by following these steps.  Machine jams on the electric button maker can also be relieved with some assistance. Please feel free to call for assistance if you are working with a jammed button maker.

As noted under commandment #4, jams can occur in the button maker machine. If you are unable to release the jam following Tecre’s steps, please call our office. We are happy to help!

NEVER take the button maker apart. While this is the 6th commandment, it probably is the most important.   Breaking this commandment can easily land you in button making h-e-double hockey stick. It is highly unlikely you would ever be able to assemble the button maker in the same way we have. If you have a problem with the button maker, please CALL!

Some button making commandments actually mirror biblical commandments! Stealing other people’s property is never okay. Stealing graphics is no different! Be original. Be creative.  Create your own masterpieces and you’ll never have to look over your shoulder to see who might be offended that you stole their artwork.

Also, steer clear of Copyright infringements. While it’s true that these can often go under the radar, the risk of being caught and having to undo your hard work isn’t worth it!

Don’t pine for your neighbor’s talent, skill, or buttons. Motivate yourself to get out there and make your own kick-butt buttons! Inspiration is everywhere! Including right here and here on Tecre’s blog!

This is a business tip. Let your customers generate your next big move! When a customer asks you to branch out to new colors, accessories, and sizes, hear them out! This is a model that Tecre has followed closely. Our customers have generated many ideas that have evolved into new products, sizes, etc. Who knows better what your customers want to buy than your customers themselves?

Explore the options of your button maker machine! Many button makers are capable of producing a myriad of products including magnets, key chains, mirrors, bottle openers and more. Never get stuck in one design, one font, one type of button, or even one industry! Your options are truly as endless as your creativity.

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6 Responses to The 10 Commandments of Button Making

  1. DEBORAH HERNDON says:

    Hey, Tecre!
    We have been purchasing from you since 2015. We just noticed that some older buttons (1 1/4″) that have been hanging on the wall are rusting. Not all of them but the majority are. These have been made, they are completed. Could it be the humidity even after they are made? We live in southern Mississippi and our humidity is high a lot. Can you please advise on how to stop this? Or is it just going to happen? It is mainly around the edges. Thank you!

    • Tecre says:

      Thank you for your message Deborah! Yes, it is certainly feasible that the buttons hanging on the wall can be rusting from humidity. At Tecre, we have buttons stored in our air conditioned office for many, many years that have zero rusting. I also have my own buttons at home for 10+ years that have zero rust. But the environment can certainly cause that moisture to form on the steel. One thing we also see is that when button parts are stored in a very warm place (such as a hot car) and then later brought indoors to air conditioning and cooled quickly, that condensation can form at that point. If the humidity can not be avoided (and we know Mississippi can top that list ;), we would recommend storing in the least humid location within your facility. I hope this helps! Good luck!

  2. Pingback: 3 Signs your Button Maker may need a Tune-up (and 3 Signs it doesn’t) - Tecre Co., Inc.Tecre Co., Inc.

  3. Chris says:

    Hi. Is there any way to prevent the rust? Like by coating the button parts with some kind of moisture resistant substance maybe?
    Would stainless steel buttons be feasible?

  4. Chris says:

    Have you ever used inkjet-printable films with your buttons? They are plastic sheets you can print art and designs on. I was wondering if something like that might be more resistant against rust should the steel button parts rust from humidity?

    I just thought of this idea. what if a piece of plastic file were placed under the paper artwork in your button before you covered it with Mylar and pressed it. Would this prevent rust stains from showing up through the artwork?
    Thanks for your time.

    • Tecre says:

      Hello Chris! We haven’t seen these inkjet-printable films. The button makers can accommodate a variety of materials, so they may be worth a try! But maintaining proper thickness would be key. If still using the mylar and paper, this would likely be much too thick for the button maker to handle. It’s true that sometimes rust may form when inkjet printers are used to print graphics on paper and they are not thoroughly dry before making the button. That moisture can cause rust spots so letting them sit out and completely dry is ideal. Thank you!

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