Collecting & Care

To collect is human. To preserve is divine.

You have spent months hunting for that limited edition figure. You have invested your savings. But once it is on your shelf, the battle isn't over—it has just begun. Your enemies are invisible: UV radiation, oxidation, plasticizer migration, and dust mites.

Welcome to the Bahomu Conservation Lab. Today, we aren't just cleaning toys; we are performing artifact restoration. Put on your white gloves. Let's begin.

LAB 01: THE PVC ANTI-AGING ROUTINE

Specimen: Firefly 1/7 Figure (Complex Structure)

The Issue: Figures like Firefly have complex mecha parts and translucent wings. These nooks are dust magnets. Furthermore, PVC releases plasticizer over time, causing a sticky surface ("sweating") if kept in a sealed box.

Protocol A: The "Dry" Clean

Tool: Soft Makeup Brush (Goat hair preferred) or Tamiya Anti-Static Brush.
Method: NEVER use a wet wipe or cloth first—this just smears dust into mud. Gently brush dust away from crevices. Use a camera air blower (rocket blower) for fragile parts like hair tips.

Protocol B: The "Wet" Bath (Fixing Stickiness)

If your figure feels sticky, the plasticizer is migrating.
Solution: Prepare a bowl of lukewarm water (not hot!) with a drop of neutral dish soap. Submerge the figure for 30 minutes. Gently wash with your fingers. Rinse with cold water and let air dry completely away from sunlight.

WARNING: Never use alcohol or acetone. They will dissolve the paint and turn clear parts cloudy instantly.

LAB 02: ACRYLIC CLARITY

Specimen: Light Cone Acrylic Block

The Issue: Acrylic is beautiful but softer than glass. Wiping Acrylic Blocks with a rough tissue creates "swirl marks" (micro-scratches) that dull the shine.

Protocol: The Polishing Technique

Daily Care: Use a microfiber cloth (like for eyeglasses). Breathe on the surface and wipe in a straight line, not circles.
Scratch Repair: For light scratches, use a plastic polishing compound (like Novus 2). Apply a tiny dot, buff for 5 minutes, and wipe clean. It physically removes the layer of scratch.

LAB 03: FABRIC CARE & STORAGE

Specimen: Pom-Pom Plush Blanket

The Issue: Plush items like the Pom-Pom Shawl trap dust mites and odors. They can also pill (develop fuzz balls) with friction.

Protocol: Gentle Cycle

Washing: Unless marked "Dry Clean Only," place plushies in a mesh laundry bag. Wash on "Delicate/Cold" cycle. High heat shrinks synthetic fibers, ruining the fluffy texture.
Drying: Air dry only. Do not wring out. Use a fabric shaver to gently remove pilling and restore smoothness.

LAB 04: METAL PRESERVATION

Specimen: Cunning Hares Tinplate Badge

The Issue: Rust. The metal back of a Badge reacts with humidity in the air.

Protocol: The Oxygen Ban

Storage: If you aren't displaying them, keep badges in their original foil or transfer to a thick zip-lock bag. Add a silica gel packet (desiccant) inside the bag. Squeeze all air out before sealing.
Display: If displaying on an Ita-bag, you can paint a thin layer of clear nail polish on the metal back (not the pin mechanism) to create a barrier against moisture.

DATA MATRIX: CARE CHECKSHEET

Your collection is a timeline of your passion. Treat it with respect, and it will shine for eternity.