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Care & Storage of Plastic Collectibles

Protecting Your Investment

If you are collecting action figures or other toys, you need to care of them properly to protect their value.

If you know the right way to clean, display and store your plastic collectibles, you can keep them looking like new forever.

Here are the best techniques to keep from making an innocent but costly mistake.

Cleaning

When cleaning painted action figures and toys - including tin soldiers - the most important factor is not to scratch, dull, wear or remove the painted finish.

If your figure has decals, stickers or batteries do not immerse in water. You will have to use cotton swabs and soft cloths with soapy water to do the job.

Some chemicals like paint remover, gasoline and turpentine will melt ABS plastics. You really should not use any harsh chemicals on valuable collectibles of any sort. If you have trouble cleaning using gentle, mild soap and cotton balls and the item has any value, consult an expert.

Removing Dust

Dust is the easiest to deal with. You can blow the dust off either with your mouth or canned air.

A small electrostatic duster works great or, if necessary, you can rinse you collectible (assuming its made of metal or plastic) under cool running water and air dry or use compressed air.

If you need to wipe off stuck on dirt, use a soft cloth or cotton ball.

Pat - don't rub - to avoid scratching or wearing the surface.

Removing Heavier Dirt & Grunge

Before using this method test to make sure the finish of your collectible will not soften or lift. If you have a broken or otherwise no value object with the same finish, it best to risk that first.

The best method is to soak in your collectible in large non-metal dish (preferably a glass bowl) with a couple of denture cleaning tablets. Use enough very warm water to fully cover your collectible and drop two tablets into the center of the dish.

As soon as the tablets start fizzing, place your action figure or toy directly on top of the fizzing tablets. Turn once or twice to let the bubbles get to all the small crevices.

Leave it in at least until the bubbles stop but for a really dirty figure you can let it soak overnight.

Take it out of the bowl and rinse with clean water.

Air dry or pat with a soft towel.

For very stubborn dirt, you can repeat the process or you may have to use a very soft toothbrush to lightly remove the remaining dirt.

Don't use this method if the paint is chipped or peeling, since it will simply hasten the process.

Removing Ink Marks

Be very careful and try test cleaning a tiny spot first.

Soak a cotton swab in hairspray and rub the ink spot gently until it disappears. You might have to do this a few times. Patience is required.

If you notice any changes to the paint underneath, stop and leave the ink. You can also try this method with rubbing alcohol. Either way, rinse with clean water when you're finished.

Remove Wax

Place in the freezer for 30 - 45 minutes then peel the wax off.

Some types of wax may not come off this way. In that case use a cotton swab and a small amount of lighter fluid. Rinse the figure thoroughly.

Again test first - don't ruin a valuable collectible with overzealous cleaning.

Preventing Yellowing

To prevent yellowing keep your collectibles in a smoke-free environment and out of sunlight.

I don't know of any way to remove the yellowing without causing surface damage to the figure.

Display & Storage

Whether you leave your figures in the package or not, the following guidelines apply to help keep your action figures and toys in the best condition possible.

I can't stress enough the point that you have to keep your figures out of direct sunlight to keep them looking new and to avoid yellowing.

Heat is also an enemy to collectibles.

Keep them away from radiators, boilers, attics and other areas that regularly reach more than 80 degrees fahrenheit.

Not only can your plastic items warp and melt, the heat can also affect any glue used and cause glued on parts to loosen or fall off.

Heat can also discolor paints, varnishes and glue seams.

If you are displaying your figures, it's best to keep them in some kind of display box or case. This minimizes the dust that can collect on them, protects them from accidental bumps and keeps them in a more stable environment.

Storing Toys and Action Figures

For storage there are many options.

Don't just throw them all into a bin. This is an excellent way to scratch, dent, bend and break parts of your collectibles.

Ideally keep them in the original box. If the collectible is in direct contact with cardboard, you might want to put wrap it in mylar. The chemicals in cardboard may cause damage over time.

For smaller items like tin soldiers, buy or make a padded box with dividers of the right size to firmly hold the items. Make sure the padding won't corrode or stick to painted surfaces.

The food storage bags you buy at the grocery store may interact with plastic and finishes. It can also cause oxidation of metals.

You can get mylar bags at almost any collectible or hobby shop. Then you can store your precious items in a box or plastic bin.

If you are going to stack your figures, use cardboard dividers to keep the weight off the bottom layer.

Finally make sure the storage space you pick is dark, clean and dry - you want to prevent mold from forming. If necessary invest in a dehumidifier.

There is nothing worse than retrieving a favorite collectible from storage to find it ruined becasue the packing material stuck to it or damaged the surface or to find it covered with mold and mildew.

There are professional restorers in most large cities. If you have a valuable piece and don't know how to proceed to save it, entrust it to them.

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