The Energon Pub

I just finished collecting most of the big items I had my sights on.... 3 tak mp seekers, mp-01 and his variants, 2 full sets of classics/henkei seekers....etc

Now that I have too many big things to keep out all at once, I will have to start storing.

Here's the question.

When i store TFs (or even trading cards for that matter) for long periods of time, should I be doing anything to prevent mold or other forms of deterioration?


Locking them up in a plastic box with not air circulation seems like a perfect environment for something destructive to happen?

Or is a box a safe place as long as it isnt damp?

I am most likely over thinking things..... but these things are not cheap, so better safe I suppose

Thanks!

Plastic storage containers are fine. I don't think mold is much of a concern. Just make sure there's no sun light exposure.

El Duque wrote:Plastic storage containers are fine. I don't think mold is much of a concern. Just make sure there's no sun light exposure.

When they're not on display, I tend to keep my TF's stored in plastic storage boxes and I've never had any issues. All I would suggest is make sure that the box isn't damaged in anyway and that the lid is on nice and tight, that way nothing can get in. With that you should be OK.

Perhaps some silica gel to prevent rusting pins? Make sure the boxes aren't exposed to extremes of temperatures. Lofts/attics get extreme heat and cold.

El Duque wrote:Plastic storage containers are fine. I don't think mold is much of a concern. Just make sure there's no sun light exposure.

What is the danger of the sun light exposure ?

I display my TF movies toy collection in my living room, and they are exposed to direct sun light for about 1-2 hours in the morning every day ...

Thanks for the advise !

Direct UV light exposure can discolor the plastic. This is especially evident in white figures which yellow.

I keep my animtated and Movie bots in plastic storage containers and its just the ticket.never expireinced any problems.

LOST Cybertronian wrote:Direct UV light exposure can discolor the plastic. This is especially evident in white figures which yellow.

Humm ... it is time to buy some new dark-colored curtains. The oldest toy in my ROTF collection is about 1 year old, so I hope none of them is significantly discolored.

Thanks for the hint.

Xterminator wrote:

El Duque wrote:Plastic storage containers are fine. I don't think mold is much of a concern. Just make sure there's no sun light exposure.

What is the danger of the sun light exposure ?

I display my TF movies toy collection in my living room, and they are exposed to direct sun light for about 1-2 hours in the morning every day ...

Thanks for the advise !

Oh my, get those figures out of direct sun light ASAP! Or at least get some good light blocking curtains. The UV light will discolor the plastics, especially any white plastics. It will turn them a dingy yellow.

Many thanks again for the hint.

Yesterday evening already, I removed all TF toys that are exposed to sun during the morning and placed them on a shelf at the opposite wall. That wall never gets direct sunlight. Is indirect sun light also a problem ?

I also checked my TF toys, and I couldn't notice any discoloration. The fact that I live in the Netherlands should have helped: at least 2/3 of the days in any year are completely clouded !

Another interesting fact, none of my TF movie & ROTF toys have white plastic: only Leader Megatron and the arms of Voyager Demolisher are light gray. Even so, I couldn't notice color differences throughout the figures.

Anyway, just to be on the safe side, they never will be displayed again where they can get direct sun light.

Indirect sunlight is definitely better than direct, but zero sunlight would be best. Even office lights that produce small amounts of UV light are technically bad for them. They just produce such a low amount of UV radiation it would take many years to notice any ill effects. I've went to the extreme and basically sunlight proofed my display room, zero sunlight gets in there. Seems extreme, but considering there's well over 25K worth of figures in there, most of which are G1's, it seemed like a pretty good idea. The newer figures may be less prone to yellowing, but I've heard of yellowed Classics Jetfires, Ultra Magnus's, and Ramjets already.

El Duque wrote:Indirect sunlight is definitely better than direct, but zero sunlight would be best. Even office lights that produce small amounts of UV light are technically bad for them. They just produce such a low amount of UV radiation it would take many years to notice any ill effects. I've went to the extreme and basically sunlight proofed my display room, zero sunlight gets in there. Seems extreme, but considering there's well over 25K worth of figures in there, most of which are G1's, it seemed like a pretty good idea. The newer figures may be less prone to yellowing, but I've heard of yellowed Classics Jetfires, Ultra Magnus's, and Ramjets already.

I did the same man.I got shaded lining for the window in my collection room.

El Duque wrote:Indirect sunlight is definitely better than direct, but zero sunlight would be best. Even office lights that produce small amounts of UV light are technically bad for them. They just produce such a low amount of UV radiation it would take many years to notice any ill effects. I've went to the extreme and basically sunlight proofed my display room, zero sunlight gets in there. Seems extreme, but considering there's well over 25K worth of figures in there, most of which are G1's, it seemed like a pretty good idea. The newer figures may be less prone to yellowing, but I've heard of yellowed Classics Jetfires, Ultra Magnus's, and Ramjets already.

Indeed, I was thinking about that this morning: maybe the new plastic materials are less prone to discoloring. Anyway, my toys are "too young" as most of them were acquired within the last 6 months and I do not own any vintage toy.

The UV-proof room is also a good idea. However, it is difficult for me to not display them in the living room. The collection just looks too awesome and I love to stare at them while resting in my couch. Also my guests get completely impressed with the display. For now I will stick to a compromised solution: prevent direct sun light (done), add really dark curtains to the living room.