Collecting & Care

You want your game figures to look great for a long time. Simple habits can really help a lot. Proper care keeps colors bright and details clear. Collectors like clean figures with no scratches or lost packaging. These figures get more attention and sell for higher prices.

Proper Care

Why It Matters

You want your game figures to look their best for years. Proper Care helps you keep colors bright and details sharp. When you take care of your figures, you protect their value. Collectors often pay more for figures that look new and have no damage. You also get to enjoy your collection more when everything looks clean and fresh.

Proper Care is not just about cleaning. It means paying attention to how you handle, display, and store your figures. If you ignore these steps, your figures can lose their shine. You might notice fading, scratches, or even broken parts. Taking a few minutes each week can make a big difference.

Tip: Set a reminder on your phone to check your figures every month. This habit helps you spot problems early.

Preventing Damage

Game figures face many risks. Dust can settle on surfaces and dull the paint. Sunlight can fade colors and make plastic brittle. Even picking up a figure with dirty hands can leave marks. You want to avoid these problems with simple habits.

Here are some of the most common types of damage collectors report:

You can prevent most of these problems with Proper Care. Always handle your figures with clean hands. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat. Store them in a cool, dry place. Use soft cloths or brushes to remove dust. If you see any loose parts or damage, fix them right away.

Proper Care keeps your collection looking new and helps you enjoy your hobby for years. When you make these habits part of your routine, you protect both the look and the value of your game figures. To start or expand your collection with high-quality collectibles, check out our best-selling figures.

Note: Even small scratches or dents can lower the value of your figures. Take time to check for these issues often.

Display Tips

Avoid Sunlight

Sunlight can be one of the biggest threats to your game figures. When you place figures near a window, the colors can fade fast. Even a few weeks in direct sunlight can make bright colors look dull. White plastic may turn yellow, and the material can get brittle. You want to keep your figures away from windows or strong indoor lights.

A great way to protect your collection is by using UV-protective display cases. These cases block up to 99% of harmful UV rays. Museums use similar glass to keep artwork safe. You can find cases made from UV-filtering acrylic or low-iron laminated glass. These materials help your figures stay vibrant and strong for years.

Tip: Place your display shelf in a spot that never gets direct sunlight. This simple move can save your collection.

Minimize Dust

Dust can sneak up on your figures and settle into every tiny detail. Over time, dust makes colors look dull and can even scratch surfaces if you wipe it off the wrong way. You want to keep dust away as much as possible.

Glass cabinets work well for blocking dust. If you don’t have a cabinet, try to dust your figures every week. Use a soft brush or a clean pair of gloves to gently remove dust. This keeps your figures looking fresh and prevents buildup.

• Use glass cabinets to block dust.

• Dust figures weekly with a soft brush.

• Wear gloves to avoid fingerprints.

Environmental Hazards

Besides sunlight and dust, other things in your room can harm your figures. High humidity can make packaging warp or cause mold. Extreme heat can bend or melt plastic. Even some types of indoor lighting can fade colors over time.

Keep your display area cool and dry. Try to use LED lights, since they give off less heat and almost no UV rays. Always check your figures for signs of damage, so you can fix problems early.

Note: A little planning goes a long way. The right display choices help your figures look new for years.

Storage Solutions

Storage Materials

You want your game figures to stay safe and look new. Picking the right storage materials helps a lot. Acid-free tissue, bubble wrap, archival bags, and airtight bins protect your collection. Acid-free materials stop acids from hurting your figures. Regular materials can cause damage over time.

Here’s a simple table showing how acid-free and regular materials compare:

Wrapping each figure in acid-free tissue or bubble wrap keeps it safe from scratches and dents. Archival bags and airtight bins block dust and moisture. Bubble wrap and archival bags also protect your figures from bumps and temperature changes. Use these materials for storing and moving your figures.

Tip: Label your storage boxes. This makes it easy to find your figures and keeps things neat.

Climate Control

Your storage space needs the right temperature and humidity. If it gets too hot, plastic can bend. If it gets too cold, plastic can crack. High humidity can cause mold and make packaging bend or stick. Keep your storage area between 65°F and 75°F. Try to keep humidity between 40% and 50%.

• Humidity above 65% can cause mold on plastic and resin figures.

• High heat can dry out and bend plastic.

• Freezing cold can make plastic break and crack.

• Changes in temperature and humidity can cause warping, cracking, and fading.

Proper Care means checking your storage area often. Use a thermometer and a humidity gauge. If you see mold or feel dampness, move your figures to a drier spot.

Note: Keeping the climate steady is one of the best ways to keep your collection looking new.

Organization

A well-organized collection is easier to enjoy and safer to store. You can sort your figures by size, type, or series. Some collectors use stands or risers to show off small pieces. Labeling shelves or bins helps you find things fast.

Here are some good ways to organize your collection:

Good organization does more than make your collection look nice. It helps you keep track of what you own and spot missing or damaged items. Organizing your figures also helps keep their history and value safe.

Tip: Take photos of your collection and keep a list. This helps if you ever need to file an insurance claim.

Physical Protection

Physical protection is important for keeping your figures safe when you store or move them. Always handle your figures with clean, dry hands. Cotton gloves are even better to avoid fingerprints. Wrap each figure in acid-free tissue or bubble wrap to stop scratches. Put them in strong boxes or cases to protect against bumps and drops.

• Store figures in acid-free boxes or cases to block light and dust.

• Use bubble wrap and foam inserts for extra padding when moving.

• Label boxes with “fragile” so people know to be careful.

• Bubble wrap and archival bags protect against scratches, dents, and breaks.

• These materials also shield your figures from moisture, dust, and temperature changes.

Proper Care means checking your storage setup every few months. Look for damage or moisture. Fix problems right away to keep your collection in great shape.

Remember: A little extra work now can save you from big problems later. Your figures will be glad you did!

Cleaning and Handling

Cleaning Methods

You want your game figures to look nice. Clean them often to keep them fresh. Most collectors clean their figures every few months. If you see dust or dirt, clean them sooner. Figures in dusty rooms need more cleaning. Use a soft microfiber cloth or gentle brush for dust. Do not soak figures with delicate parts in water. For tiny details, use a cotton swab. Never use sandpaper or toothpaste. These can scratch or change the surface.

Tip: Microfiber cloths help stop scratches and keep figures shiny.

Handling Tips

Always touch your figures with clean hands. Dirt and oil from skin can leave marks. Over time, this can hurt your figures. Cotton gloves give extra protection. Gloves block dirt and other things from touching figures. This helps keep paint and plastic safe from fingerprints. When you move your figures, hold them gently. Try not to bend any parts.

• Wash hands before touching figures.

• Use gloves for rare or special items.

• Hold figures by strong parts, not fragile ones.

What to Avoid

Some cleaning products can ruin your figures. Stay away from harsh chemicals and rough tools. Alcohol and wind-medicated oil can hurt paint and coatings. Organic solvents, cellulose nitrate, and cellulose acetate damage plastics.

Other mistakes include using sandpaper, skipping microfiber cloths, and drying figures with heat. Scrubbing too hard or soaking delicate parts can also cause problems. Be gentle when cleaning and careful when handling. Your figures will stay looking new.

Maintenance

Routine Checks

You want your figures to look nice every day. Make checking your collection a regular habit. Look for loose parts, faded colors, or small cracks. Pick up each figure and gently move the joints. If you find a problem early, you can fix it fast. Use a flashlight to see small details. Dust can hide in places that are hard to reach. Keep a checklist so you remember what to check each time.

Tip: Set a phone reminder to check your figures every month. This helps you find problems before they get worse.

Addressing Issues

When you see a problem, fix it right away. Tighten loose joints by pressing them gently. If you notice fading, move the figure away from sunlight or heat. For broken parts, use glue that is safe for plastic toys. Do not ignore small cracks or chips. These can get bigger if you wait. If you see missing pieces, write them down. You might find new parts online or at collector shops. Keep a notebook or digital list of repairs or changes you make.

Insurance

If you have rare or valuable figures, insurance helps you worry less. Many collectors get special insurance just for their collections. Here is a quick look at some choices:

Insurance companies look at a few things when they decide coverage. They check how rare the figure is, its condition, and if you have the original packaging. They also care about the item’s history and how popular it is right now. Authenticity is important, so keep your receipts and certificates safe.

Note: Some insurance covers your figures at home, while traveling, or at shows. Ask your agent about these choices.

You can keep your game figures looking new with a few simple habits.

• Pick a sturdy display case to block dust and moisture.

• Store figures in a cool, dry place.

• Use acid-free materials for storage.

• Dust and clean your figures often.

Make these steps part of your routine. Your collection will stay bright and valuable for years!

FAQ

How often should you clean your game figures?

You should dust your figures every week. Deep clean them every few months. If you see dirt or fingerprints, clean them right away.

Can you use regular household cleaners on figures?

No, you should not use regular cleaners. They can damage paint and plastic. Stick with water, mild soap, and a soft cloth.

What is the best way to store figures long-term?