How to Clean Your Action Figures
The common culprits that can destroy your collection of action figures are dust, moisture, heat and sunlight, cold, fluctuating temperatures, gravity, and oil and dirt. Even when the items are boxed and unopened, you still need to keep them in good condition.
Dusting
Dust isn’t as damaging as water and heat but it could make the display look less attractive. Dust could also get into tight spaces that are difficult to clean such as the action figure’s hands and the folds of the costume. If left for a long time, the dust will also form a cake. Keep them in closed shelves or cabinets to prevent dust from getting into them. Most collectors use canned air to blow out dust, clean cloth like a microfiber cloth to wipe off dirt or a duster called Swiffer duster that absorbs dust.
Washing
For dirt that cannot be removed by dusting or if the figure you bought is second-hand, fill a basin with lukewarm or cool water. Don’t mix detergent in the water just yet. Never use hot water because that could ruin the plastic and paint. If the figure can be disassembled, take it apart first. If the figure has decals and stickers, however, it’s best to spot-clean instead of soaking and brushing the figure. Soak the figure for at least 5 minutes in the water. Use liquid detergent, preferably something mild and unscented, and a soft-bristled brush to remove the dirt. Rinse with cool water then pat-dry. Lay out the figurine on the towel to dry. Don’t use a blower.
Spot-Cleaning
For action figures with stickers, decals and materials other than plastic, there is no need to submerge them in water. Figures made of metal should not be washed as well. Use a cotton swab instead. Moisten the tip with then wipe the dirty surface. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush for other stains.
Fabrics
Some action figures come with sewn clothes. Do not try to wash these miniature clothes if there is no need to do so. But if the garment looks dirty, check the box for the care instructions. Don’t soak the clothes in the water too long. Use cool water and mild detergent then swish lightly. Air-dry under the shade and avoid ironing the clothes.
Polishing
Wiping the action figure with clean cloth will do the trick. There is no need to use polishing materials unless stated in the instructions on the box. Use a microfiber cloth to prevent scratches. Rub the surface in a gentle circular motion. Avoid rubbing on the stickers and decals because they could come off. Figures made from PVC like Nendoroids get sticky over time when left in the plastic boxes for too long. You should take them out once in a while.
Storage
The best way to prevent action figures from getting dirty is to avoid too much handling and exposure to the elements. Pick a glass case to display your collection and make sure you keep them away from children (most action figures are for people aged 15 years old and above). Don’t place them near heat sources or where moisture can easily form.
How Action Figures Are Made
The beauty of action figures is that they are not like your regular plastic toys made for minors aged 15 and below. Action figures for hobbyists and collectors are usually hand-made and hand-painted by artisans using only the best materials. They are also not mass-produced and some are even made of rare materials like metals and glass.
The Prototype
The first step in creating an action figure is to pick which character should have an action figure. You will often see characters from popular anime, comics and video games. A design is then made through sketches, taking note of the character’s signature poses, items and facial expressions. After that, a prototype is made using clay and aluminum wires. The wires form the frame of the figure while the clay gives it shape. The clay is then carved or shaped then baked. All the details are added, with the face usually made last.
Materials Used
Most action figures are made using plastic resin like the acrylonitrile butadeine styrene or ABS. Other types of plastic such as polyethylene and polypropylene are also used. For hand-sewn costumes, the most commonly used fabrics are nylon and rayon. To put in all the details, artists use acrylic paint. There are also action figures that contain electronic components for voice, sound and lights. Exclusive editions are sometimes made using bronze, glass and other metals.
Molding
Using the prototype, molds are created from the various parts of the figure. Action figures usually have removable parts or articulation. This requires the manufacturers to create the figure piece by piece and not as one single plastic (that is for figurines, not action figures). The joints or points of articulation contain washers and small gears that will allow them to move.
Assembling
When all the parts have been produced, the pieces are assembled to form the figure. Some parts are fused together using either glue or a technique called high frequency vibration. The clothing made from fabric are produced separately from the parts. Then all the details are placed and painted on such as the face, costume and accessories. These are very detailed and must be done with precision so that the figures look as close as possible to the characters.
Box and Packaging
Most action figures are placed in a cardboard box with a plastic window. Others come in a plastic blister with a cardboard backing. There are products that are placed in PVC packaging with a bubble for the action figure and its accessories. The PVC is sometimes shaped like a tube. The packaging is also important in determining if you’ve purchased licensed and original action figures. The details should be correct and accurate. Some manufacturers also place stickers as an additional guarantee.