The four enemies of your collection
Every figure on your shelf is under attack from four things. None of them are your cat (though your cat is also a threat).
UV light
Sunlight and fluorescent bulbs cause fading, yellowing, and discoloration. A white figure near a window will turn yellow within months. It's irreversible.
Dust
Dust sticks to PVC and builds up in crevices. It dulls colors and can cause permanent staining if left for years. It's also just ugly.
Humidity
Too much moisture causes mold, sticky surfaces, and adhesive failure. Too little causes static buildup that attracts even more dust. The sweet spot is 40-55% relative humidity.
Heat
Heat softens PVC. Figures near radiators, windows, or in hot attics can lean, warp, or permanently deform. Once a figure leans, it doesn't lean back.
Display setups that actually work
- IKEA Detolf — the classic entry-level glass cabinet. Affordable, looks clean, fits most scales
- IKEA Billy + Morliden — wider shelves for 1/4 scale and diorama setups. Add glass doors for dust protection
- UV-filtering acrylic sheets — apply to any open shelf to block 98% of UV rays. Cheap and effective
- LED strip lighting — use warm white LEDs inside cases. Avoid LEDs that produce UV (check the specs)
- Riser platforms — acrylic risers let you display figures at different heights without stacking
Cleaning your figures
- Dust every 7-10 days with a soft anti-static brush or compressed air
- For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth — wring it out thoroughly
- Cotton swabs for tight spots (between hair strands, under accessories)
- Never use alcohol, acetone, or household cleaners — they strip paint and damage PVC
- For sticky surfaces (plasticizer migration), warm soapy water and gentle scrubbing with a soft toothbrush
- Air dry completely before returning to the display
Long-term storage
- Keep the original box — it's designed to protect the figure during transport
- Wrap figures in acid-free tissue paper, not newspaper (ink transfers)
- Store in a cool, dry, dark place — closets are better than garages or attics
- Add silica gel packets to storage boxes to control humidity
- Don't stack heavy boxes on top of figure boxes — the weight can crush them
- Check stored figures every 6 months for signs of yellowing or moisture