Ask toy collectors how they got started with the hobby and you will surely get a diverse number of answers. There are some who simply built their collection starting out with their kids' toys. And then there are others who got into toy collecting out of nostalgia, their passion rekindled with the re-release of toys from earlier decades. A significant number of collectors are also big fans of comics, games and movies, and toy collecting, to them, is an extension of all of these.
Whatever your reasons may be for collecting toys, it is imperative to learn how to care for them. After all, all the pieces of your collection are not immune to the various elements which can destroy them and undermine their value. Here are a few tips to help you care for your action figures.
- Know thy toys' enemies
Action figures are susceptible to a variety of environmental factors including direct sunlight, heat, humidity, dirt and dust. And as a collector, you need to keep your toys away from these to prevent fading, chipping and becoming misshapen.
- Where to display your collection
If you keep your action figures in a shelf, select a location that does not receive direct sunlight. Make sure that the temperature in that area is not too hot.
On the other hand, if you prefer storing your collection in boxes, you might want to invest in plastic storage containers which will help keep humidity at bay. Excess humidity can destroy the materials used in making your toys.
- Keep your action figures clean
Dirt and natural oils from your hands can cling to action figures. To prevent the build-up of dust and dirt, you can clean your action figures by brushing them with warm soapy water and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- For mint-in-package collectors
A large number of collectors prefer to keep their action figures in their original packaging. If you opt for this route, know that toy manufacturers often think of packaging as a temporary means to protect the toys and are meant to be discarded.
Again, you should keep your toys away from sunlight and excess heat which can loosen the blister from the card. Additionally, sunlight can make the ink on the card run.
In handling your collection, make sure that your hands are free of dirt and excess oils which can discolour the card.
Finally, the best tip that you’ll ever get is to enjoy your collection.