Action figures are a great way to relive scenes from your favorite shows and movies, but care for a large collection can be overwhelming.Your figures should always be stored in a room with no direct sunlight, and they should be cleaned and dusted regularly.Special action figure storage solutions can be purchased for added protection.
Step 1: Keep the action figures away from the sun.
Plastic toys can be damaged by UV light.Keep your figures away from windows when they are in storage, and never place them in direct sunlight.The plastic can be harmed by the combination of heat and light.Try to find a windowless room for your figures.If the room has a window, make sure your figures are away from it.
Step 2: You can keep your figures in a dry area.
A room that has a steady temperature of 70 F is a good place to look for a storage space.You can use a hygrometer to check the humidity in the room.Extreme changes in temperature and humidity can damage figures that are still in their original packaging.Storage of an action figure collection can be done in closets and cupboards.If you have a finished basement, you can keep them there as long as it doesn't get too cool or damp.
Step 3: Purchase sealed storage containers for your figures.
A sealed glass storage container is the best way to store collectibles worth over $100.Carefully place your figure inside the container.The container should be closed and sealed according to the directions.The container will keep it out of harms way.Keep in mind that sealed containers won't protect you from changes in temperature or exposure to sunlight.It's important to keep this in mind when storing collectibles.These containers can be found online through websites that specialize in storing collectibles.If you have a store that sells storage solutions near you, try calling them to see if they have any in stock.
Step 4: If you have a lot of stuff, use a display case.
The action figures are kept on display.While still showing off your figures, look for a case that has glass doors to protect them.If you position your figures on the shelves so that they are visible but not crowded, they can be damaged.Some people use bookshelves with glass doors to store their figures.Glass won't protect the action figures from changes in temperature and exposure to sunlight.If your shelving doesn't have protective doors, be sure to monitor the temperature and humidity in the room, and keep your figures away from sunlight.
Step 5: If you want a cheaper alternative, get plastic shell cases.
If you want to display and protect your figures without spending a lot of money, plastic shell cases are the perfect solution.You can put your figure in the case if they open on a hinge.Close the case and place the container on a shelf.Store the containers at room temperature and keep them away from sunlight.
Step 6: Resealable containers can be used for more common figures.
If you don't have packaging for your figures, place them in clean resealable containers, such as plastic takeout containers or large storage bins.You can store many figures at once with these.Wrap your figures in cloth or put them in bags to prevent them from hitting each other in the container.
Step 7: Dust your figures with canned air and a brush.
Dust removal is the first step in keeping your figures clean.Start by dusting the shelves with a duster if they're on display, and then use a soft bristle brush, such as a makeup brush or paint brush to remove particles from your figures and packaging.If you want to remove the dust from delicate figures, spray them with pressurized air.Most grocery and department stores have pressurized air.If you want to buy a few cans at a time, you should check online retailers like Amazon to see if you can get a better deal.
Step 8: Water and tablets can be used to clean figures.
The figures should be placed in a bowl of warm water.Wait for the dental tablet to start bubbling, then drop it into the water.To clean the other side, flip your figure over in the water.Don't put an action figure that has a battery compartment in the water.This can damage your figure and be dangerous to you.The bubbles from the tablet are used to clean the plastic.You can find the tablets in the dental care section of most grocery stores.
Step 9: If your figures have batteries, wash them with soap and water.
Stirring until bubbles form, make a mixture of 1 cup of water and 1-2 drops of mild dish soap.Then, squeeze or pinch the cotton or microfiber cloth to remove the excess water from the water.Rub the stained area until the mark is gone, and wipe the area with a dry towel to absorb any leftover water.It may take a few sessions of scrubbing for the soap and water to remove the mark completely.As needed, use more soapy water.Water should not be used near the battery compartment of a figure or near a sticker.
Step 10: Ipsen alcohol can be used to remove ink and other stains.
To get the alcohol over the mark, dip a cotton swab into it.Wait until the mark is gone and then wipe the area with a damp towel.Attach a towel to your figure to make sure it is dry.Your figure can be discolored if you leave the alcohol on.It's a good idea to rinse it before putting it in storage.
Step 11: The batteries should be removed when you don't use your figures.
Your figures can be damaged by battery acid leaks.When using a figure, remove the batteries before storing it.The batteries should be removed as soon as possible to prevent leaks, which occur over long periods of time.If you see a white substance in the battery compartment of a figure, put it down and wear a pair of rubber gloves.The build up of the battery should be cleaned with the correct chemicals.
Step 12: Wear gloves when handling your collection.
If you want to prevent oils from transferring onto your figures, you need to put on a pair of cloth gloves.If your figure has a base, hold it by the bottom to prevent damage to the top portion.If you don't have gloves, use a microfiber cloth or a clean towel.This will protect the plastic.
Step 13: Get insurance for your collection.
If you have an extensive collection, you might want to contact an insurance company to appraise it in case of accidental damage or a natural disaster.To get an insurance policy, you need a detailed list of which figures are in the collection, pictures of each figure, receipts, or some other proof of purchase.The figures should be kept in a safe environment if you use an insurance company.You can extend your homeowner's insurance to include your collection if you own a house.If this is possible, call your agent.