Protect Your Action Figures from the Sun: How to Keep Your Collection Safe
As an action figure collector, protecting your prized possessions from the harmful effects of sun exposure is essential to maintaining their value and aesthetic appeal. But how can you “protect your action figures from the sun”? In this blog post, we will explore various methods and solutions to shield your action figures from the sun, ensuring their longevity and vibrancy for years to come.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the dangers of sun exposure to protect action figures.
- Utilize UV-blocking solutions such as acrylic cases and glass cabinets for optimal protection.
- Implement creative techniques like room dividers, curtains/blinds, and strategic shelving placement to ensure preservation in storage.
Understanding the Dangers of Sun Exposure
Sun exposure can result in irreversible UV damage, including color fading, yellowing, and warping, which can significantly reduce the value and aesthetic appeal of your action figures. Even filtered sunlight through a window or on a cloudy day can cause harm to your cherished collection. That’s why many collectors take measures to protect their action figures from sun damage, such as choosing a location with limited exposure to sunlight, employing UV-blocking display solutions, and using creative sun-blocking techniques.
Once you comprehend the perils of sun exposure, appropriate measures can be taken to protect your action figure collection, maintaining their pristine condition for the foreseeable future.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Collection
Selecting the perfect location for your action figure collection is crucial in minimizing sun damage. Ideally, you should store action figures in a cool environment with no UV light, such as a room with only artificial light. This can help preserve the color and condition of your action figures, preventing fading and discoloration caused by exposure to UV light.
Considering a closet to display your action figures? Constructing shelves to accommodate your collection could be a cost-effective solution. Choosing a space devoid of exposure to natural sunlight or windows significantly cuts down the risk of sun damage to your valuable possessions.
Utilizing UV-Blocking Display Solutions
UV-blocking display solutions, such as acrylic cases with UV filters, glass cabinets with UV protection, and customized UV-resistant display case, provide added protection for your collection from harmful UV rays.
Let’s examine these solutions in more detail, focusing on certain points of their specific advantages and disadvantages.
Acrylic Cases with UV Filters
Acrylic cases with UV filters are designed to reduce ultraviolet light exposure, protecting collectibles like action figures from potential damage caused by UV radiation, such as fading and degradation. Showcasing and safeguarding your figures inside these cases will limit their exposure to harmful UV light, thereby preserving their original hue and condition.
However, keep in mind that acrylic cases with UV filters only shield action figures from certain UV rays, and should still be kept out of direct sunlight. A combination of acrylic cases with other sun-blocking techniques can offer the most extensive protection for your collection.
Glass Cabinets with UV Protection
Glass cabinets with UV protection offer a stylish and effective way to display your action figure collection while shielding it from sun damage. These specialized display cases feature:
- Glass doors or panels with UV-blocking properties
- Prevention of harmful UV rays from entering
- Preservation of the quality and longevity of your action figures
When selecting a glass cabinet with UV protection, consider the size and shape of the cabinet, the type of UV protection it provides, and the items you plan to display. Regularly clean the glass and inspect for any signs of damage to ensure the maintenance of the cabinet and the effectiveness of the UV protection.
Customized UV-Resistant Displays
Customized UV-resistant displays offer tailored protection for your specific collection, safeguarding your action figures from the damaging effects of UV radiation. These displays are usually constructed from UV-resistant acrylic or glass, providing optimal protection from fading, discoloration, and other forms of damage resulting from extended exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light sources.
When selecting a customized UV-resistant display, take into account the size and shape of the items to be protected, the degree of UV protection required, and the overall aesthetic of the display. By investing in a custom display, you can ensure your collection remains protected and visually stunning.
Creative Sun-Blocking Techniques
In addition to the UV-blocking display solutions and led lights mentioned earlier, there are creative sun-blocking techniques that can help protect your action figures from direct sunlight and ensure they receive indirect sunlight instead.
Let’s investigate how the use of room dividers, curtains or blinds, and strategic shelving placement can amplify the protection of your collection.
Using Room Dividers
Room dividers can be an effective solution for blocking sunlight from reaching your action figure collection without the need for closed blinds or UV filtering cases. These dividers can be made from various materials, such as wood, fabric, or plastic, and can be easily installed in your display area.
While room dividers may not provide full protection from the sun and may not be visually appealing to some collectors, they can still offer a cost-effective option for shielding your collection from direct sunlight. To ensure maximum protection, position room dividers in a manner that obstructs the most direct sunlight and consider using a combination of room dividers and other sun-blocking techniques, such as curtains or blinds.
Covering Displays with Curtains or Blinds
Curtains or blinds can offer an excellent balance between protection and visibility for your action figures. By installing curtains or blinds on your display, you can effectively:
- Block sunlight
- Maintain the condition of your action figures
- Prevent fading or discoloration
- Provide privacy for your collection
- Still allow easy access to your collection when desired
To install curtains or blinds on your display, follow these steps:
- Measure the size of the display and purchase the appropriate size of curtains or blinds.
- Attach them to the display using the necessary hardware.
- Maintain them by regularly dusting, vacuuming, and checking for any signs of wear and tear.
Strategic Shelving Placement
Strategic shelving placement can help minimize sun exposure for your action figure collection. By positioning shelves away from windows or in darker areas of a room, you can reduce the risk of sun damage to your prized possessions.
Maximizing shelf space and utilizing prime spots are also essential aspects of strategic shelving placement. Employ vertical space, adjustable shelves, and corner shelves to make the most of your display area. Place the most sought-after items in the most visible areas, such as at eye level or at the end of aisles, to showcase your collection effectively.
Maintaining Optimal Environmental Conditions
In addition to protecting your action figures from sunlight, it’s crucial to maintain optimal environmental conditions, including temperature and humidity, to preserve their condition and value. It is advised to store action figures at a temperature of approximately 70 °F (21 °C) and maintain a humidity level of 35-45%.
Careful monitoring and maintenance of these environmental conditions can guarantee the longevity of your action figure collection while minimizing the risk of damage caused by temperature and humidity fluctuations.
Caring for Your Action Figures in Storage
Properly caring for your action figures in storage is essential for ensuring their longevity and protection from sun damage. Using UV-protected containers and monitoring environmental conditions can help preserve your collection’s condition and value.
For collectibles worth over $100, consider using sealed glass storage containers for added protection. Regularly monitor the temperature, humidity, and light exposure of your storage area to maintain optimal conditions. Taking these precautions provides peace of mind that your valued action figures will remain safe and well-preserved for many years.
Summary
In conclusion, protecting your action figure collection from the sun’s damaging effects is vital to preserving their value and appeal. By understanding the dangers of sun exposure, choosing the right location, utilizing UV-blocking display solutions, and employing creative sun-blocking techniques, you can effectively safeguard your collection. Additionally, maintaining optimal environmental conditions and properly caring for your action figures in storage will ensure their longevity and protection. With these strategies in place, you can confidently display your cherished action figures, knowing they will remain vibrant and valuable for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you protect action figures?
Protect loose action figures from heat, contact and other elements that may cause them to warp by storing them separately. Use custom acrylic display cases or resealable food containers for optimal protection. Display them in a glass-door case with enough space between them to avoid damage.
What materials can block UV rays?
Synthetic and semisynthetic fibers such as polyester and rayon, as well as heavy and tightly woven fabrics like wool, denim or corduroy, are effective at blocking UV rays.
What colors can block out UV rays?
Dark colors such as dark blue, black, and dark red are the best for blocking UV rays from your skin, according to the Cancer Council in Australia. Lighter colors like white or pastel fabrics absorb less UV radiation.
Do action figures melt?
Yes, action figures can melt in extreme heat or direct sunlight. PVC figures, which make up the majority of action figures, melt at around 100oc (212oF). Heat from an enclosed car and attic spaces can easily reach temperatures high enough to cause warping and melting.
What are the primary dangers of sun exposure for action figures?
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause irreversible damage to action figures, such as fading, yellowing and warping, thus reducing their overall value and appeal.
