I have this cheap binder clip from Amazon, which wasn’t actually cheap imo, but whatever. I like the cat. I’d like to keep using it, but the “brass” paint is rubbing off, and it smells like metal. I think it reacts with the oils in my hands or something. I’ve only been using it for a few weeks.
Is there something I can do to keep it looking nice and perhaps prevent it from wearing down so quickly?
I seriously think No.
This is a mixed-material piece that looks good but is going to be destroyed regardless. Modgepodge, lacquer, shellac, varnish, clearcoat… they’re all going to wreck it. There are too many “metal coatings”, films, paints and so forth on this. Just use it and throw it away, looks like it’s cheap Chinesium