After years of dedication, refined collecting skills, and perhaps even a stroke of one-in-a-million luck, you finally acquire the collectible toys you have always longed for. Naturally, you want these treasures to last—and you may quietly hope their value will appreciate over time. However, the reality can often be disappointing, as most collectible toys are made of plastic—a material that is not ideal for long-term preservation. While plastic does not easily degrade, it does age rather quickly. Fortunately, there are four key measures you can take to protect your collectibles from the damaging effects of high temperatures, sunlight, moisture, and chemicals, thereby extending their lifespan.
You may have questions: What should I do? Where should I store them to prevent yellowing? What if they get dusty? What if they become greasy? Let us begin with the materials themselves: PVC, ABS, PU, and Polystone. PVC and ABS are commonly used for mass-produced collectible figures, blind boxes, vinyl toys, and Sofubi toys, while PU and Polystone are often employed in small-batch artist and designer toys. Preservation methods vary because different materials possess distinct characteristics and are produced through different manufacturing processes.
PVC
PVC is a thermoplastic material with poor heat resistance, which means that collectible toys made from it can easily deform when exposed to high temperatures. Elevated temperatures can also cause PVC to release hydrogen chloride gas, leading to a general yellowing of the material. This is particularly noticeable in white-painted areas, where surface finishes may not age well. Yellowing, however, is only one visible sign of deterioration. Less obvious is the fact that the material also becomes more brittle over time. The combination of ultraviolet (UV) light and the thermal effects of light promotes the formation of free radicals in the polymer, which accelerates brittleness and makes the material susceptible to cracking.
In addition to yellowing and brittleness, seasoned collectors are all too familiar with the greasy appearance that PVC toys can develop. Why does this happen? One of the main drawbacks of PVC is that plasticizers are added during production to enhance its elasticity and toughness. However, these plasticizers have a downside—they tend to separate from the material under high temperatures, leading to two major issues. First, many separated plasticizers can be harmful to human health. Second, they remain on the toy's surface, giving it a greasy or oily feel. This grease also reduces the elasticity and toughness of the material.
While greasiness is an early sign of aging, it is not necessarily a major problem at this stage. However, if left untreated, it will progress to a second phase, causing the toy to become sticky—a condition that severely diminishes its resale value. This can only be remedied by cleaning with a degreaser and applying a matte spray. High humidity or fluctuating humidity levels (due to repeated exposure to moisture and subsequent drying) can also cause mechanical chipping on the PVC surface. So how can we preserve PVC toys and avoid these issues?
1. Avoid high temperatures and sunlight
Common sources of high heat in daily life include sunlight, hairdryers, radiators, and computer monitors. The ultraviolet rays in sunlight are particularly harmful. To preserve your collectibles, keep them away from such heat sources and store them in a cool environment out of direct sunlight. The recommended storage temperature is between 15–24°C. If your collectibles become greasy, you may place them in the freezer for approximately 15 minutes to cool them down. If you must use a hairdryer, set it to the cold air setting. For display cases, LED cool lights are preferable to spotlights. As a special note: collectibles can become brittle in prolonged low-temperature environments. Be careful not to bump or drop them, especially during winter months in colder climates.
2. Protection from moisture
Remember to place desiccants inside your display cases or cabinets—and replace them regularly. If your collectibles become dusty or dirty, avoid immersing them in water for cleaning.
3. Prevent organic solvent cleaners and grease
Do not use organic solvents—including alcohol—to clean collectibles, especially hand-painted vinyl and Sofubi toys, as these solvents can damage the paint. Furthermore, the natural oils from your skin can accelerate oxidation and contribute to yellowing. To protect your collectibles, avoid direct hand contact. Always wash your hands before handling them, and ideally wear cotton gloves.
4. Regular ventilation
Many collectors return their toys to their original boxes if they lack a suitable display space. However, this is not a reliable preservation method. Over time, plasticizers evaporate, causing the toys to become greasy while sealed in an airtight environment. This can lead to brittleness and accelerated deterioration.
Summary for PVC: PVC-based toys—such as blind boxes, vinyl, and Sofubi—are susceptible to deformation, yellowing, brittleness, cracking, and greasiness when exposed to high temperatures, UV rays, and moisture. To preserve them, protect against extreme temperatures, sunlight, humidity, organic solvents, and grease, and ensure proper ventilation during storage.
ABS
ABS and PVC are regarded as the primary materials used in collectible toys. Both are sensitive to light, heat, and UV radiation, and both are prone to yellowing, brittleness, and cracking. The preservation methods for ABS are largely similar to those for PVC. It is worth noting, however, that the surface of ABS is easy to work with and can undergo a variety of special surface treatments. Many collectible toys utilise processes such as electroplating and flocking to create distinctive visual and tactile effects. While these finishes are visually striking, they are more delicate and require extra care to preserve.
A. Electroplating
Electroplating uses electrolytic principles to deposit a thin layer of metal or alloy onto the surface of a substrate. There are three key considerations for maintaining electroplated finishes:
Protect the surface layer from chemical damage to prevent fogging (loss of shine) and black spots (vulcanisation).
Ensure good adhesion of the plated layer to prevent blistering and peeling.
Maintain the substrate to prevent deformation.
1. Protection from high temperatures and humidity
The plated layer is susceptible to fogging, black spots, blistering, and peeling under high temperature and high humidity conditions. It is recommended to store items in an environment with relative humidity below 65%. For additional protection, refer to the general guidelines mentioned above.
2. Protection from hand perspiration, carbon monoxide, organic solvent cleaners
Hand perspiration is particularly damaging to electroplated surfaces, as it not only increases humidity but also contaminates the coating. It is strongly advised to wear gloves when handling such collectibles. Additionally, keep them away from gas and soot, as carbon monoxide can cause grey-black discolouration and cracking in the plating.
3. Prevents abrasion and scratches
Avoid placing collectibles directly on rough or hard surfaces, especially at the base or feet. Handle them gently, and consider placing them on soft felt or fleece cloth inside display cases. Alternatively, you may apply 3M removable adhesive pads to the feet—these can be peeled off without leaving residue when no longer needed.
B. Flocking
Flocking is a process that uses static electricity to create a raised pile. The substrate is grounded or at zero charge, while the flock fibres carry a negative charge. The fibres are attracted to the adhesive-coated surface and accelerated vertically onto it. Maintaining flocked surfaces relies on three key factors: proper cleaning to prevent yellowing, ensuring adhesive durability to prevent blistering and peeling, and maintaining the substrate to prevent deformation. The preservation methods are similar to those for electroplating, including protection against heat, moisture, and organic solvents.
1. If liquid is spilled onto a flocked surface, gently blot it with a soft white cloth. Do not use a hairdryer.
2. For soiled areas, prepare a solution of 95% warm water and 5% neutral soap (without bleach). Dip a soft cloth into the solution and gently rub from the inside outward. Once the stain is fully removed, use a dry cloth to absorb any foam, then rinse with clean water and blot dry. Ensure no soap residue remains on the flocking, as this may cause discolouration over time.
Summary for ABS: The preservation of ABS materials is similar to that of PVC. Electroplated and flocked finishes require extra care. Protect them from high temperatures, moisture, organic solvents, abrasive scratches, and hand perspiration.
PU and Polystone
Compared to PVC and ABS, PU and Polystone are relatively stable materials. Collectibles made from these materials are less prone to deformation and greasiness. The primary preservation concern is preventing breakage from impacts, as these materials can be hard and brittle.
1. Anti-collision
Such collectibles are not suitable for frequent handling and should be treated with care, especially during photography. Even when placed in a display cabinet, ensure they are positioned securely to prevent shaking or tipping over.
2. Protection from sunlight and moisture
Although PU is relatively stable, prolonged exposure to sunlight can still cause cracking. Additionally, certain resin materials may develop mould in damp environments.
3. Avoid organic solvent cleaners
PU material has a natural creamy-white colour. The rich colour effects seen on PU and Polystone collectibles are hand-painted. Organic solvents are highly damaging to these paint layers, so protect the coating during both storage and handling. When cleaning soiled areas, exercise caution with alcohol—including alcohol wipes and cleaning solutions. Unless absolutely necessary, avoid using medicated oils (such as wind‑medicated oil) to clean your collectibles.
Summary for PU and Polystone: The key preservation points are to avoid collisions and to protect against damage from organic solvent cleaners.
How to clean up the dust?
Dust accumulation is a challenge for any collector. It is worth emphasising because dust not only detracts from the appearance of your toys but can also cause irreversible damage if left uncleaned for extended periods.
First, let us discuss the tools. A laptop or camera cleaning kit is ideal for this purpose, as it typically includes a soft cloth, an air blower (similar to an ear wash bulb), and a soft‑bristled brush. Now, for the cleaning technique: use the air blower to remove loose dust from large surfaces, then gently wipe with a dry, soft cloth. Never use wet cloths or organic solvent cleaners. For recessed areas, gently brush a few times with the soft bristle brush. If you encounter a stubborn stain, dip a soft cloth in lukewarm water and wipe gently. If the stain persists, add a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to the water and wipe again gently.
You may now be familiar with the essential measures for preserving collectible toys made from different materials. Ideally, a lockable display case with controlled temperature and humidity would provide the perfect environment to keep your collectibles safe and out of reach of curious hands. Ultimately, however, the joy that collectibles bring—despite their limited lifespan—is invaluable. Whether you display them, photograph them, or simply store them away for occasional admiration, I hope you continue to enjoy them for years to come.