Collectors of figurines/GK know that the material of a figurine plays a key role in determining its preservation and longevity. To help you extend the life of your figurines and keep them in the best condition, we’ll take a detailed look at common figurine materials such as PVC figurines, Cast resin (PU resin), and epoxy resin figurines, and provide practical preservation tips.
Detailed Breakdown of Figurine Materials
1. Cast Resin (PU Resin) Figurines
Cast resin, commonly known as PU resin, is a non-foaming polyurethane resin produced by Japan’s HEI-CAST company. This material is favored for its fine texture and excellent malleability, making it a popular choice for GK model figurines. By mixing agent A and agent B at a 1:1 ratio, the resulting figurine has a smooth surface and is capable of capturing intricate details.
Advantages of Cast Resin Figurines:
- High Detail Reproduction: The fine texture makes it ideal for creating high-precision figurine models.
- Lightweight: Compared to other materials, it’s lighter, making it easier to collect and transport.
- Malleability: The simple production process makes it easy to work with, allowing for convenient coloring and modification.
How to Preserve Cast Resin Figurines?
To prevent cast resin figurines from aging or discoloring, avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures. Regularly clean the surface to prevent dust accumulation.
2. PVC Figurines – How to Avoid Oiling and Yellowing?
PVC figurines are the most common material on the market, valued for their low cost and flexibility. However, over time, PVC figurines may experience “oiling” and “yellowing,” caused by the leaching of plasticizers in the PVC material.
What is Oiling?
Oiling refers to the migration of plasticizers to the surface of PVC figurines, resulting in an oily residue. This not only affects the appearance of the figurine but can also lead to yellowing and brittleness, impacting its long-term value.
Example of Oiling:
If you ever noticed a rubber eraser sticking to a plastic ruler as a child, this was due to the migration of plasticizers in the PVC material. Similar phenomena can occur with figurines, especially when stored in high-temperature environments.
Preservation Tips for PVC Figurines:
- Store in Cool Conditions: Keep figurines in a cool place to prevent high temperatures from accelerating plasticizer migration.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Sunlight can accelerate the aging and yellowing of PVC figurines. Use UV-protective film for display cases to reduce UV exposure.
- Regular Cleaning: Use soft cloths for surface cleaning, and avoid organic solvents.
3. Epoxy Resin Figurines – Characteristics and Preservation Tips
Epoxy resin is a transparent, high-hardness material often used for making transparent figurine parts or decorative elements. It’s ideal for recreating special effects like crystal or glass, making it an essential material for high-end figurine production.
Advantages of Epoxy Resin Figurines:
- High Transparency: Perfect for creating glass-like or special light effects.
- Durability: The material is hard and resistant to wear, ensuring long-lasting quality.
How to Preserve Epoxy Resin Figurines?
Avoid prolonged exposure to strong light, as it can cause the material to yellow or lose transparency. Additionally, prevent knocks and scratches to maintain the figurine’s appearance.
4. Poly Stone Figurines – Pros, Cons, and Preservation Tips
Poly Stone figurines are made from a mix of resin and stone powder, often used for larger statue-type figurines. It is a lower-cost material but is also more fragile and prone to breakage.
Advantages of Poly Stone Figurines:
- High Heat Resistance: Suitable for making large statue-like figurines.
- Heavyweight: Its dense feel makes it great for display purposes.
How to Preserve Poly Stone Figurines?
Avoid impacts and drops, and store them in sturdy display cases to prevent damage.
Five Key Preservation Tips for Figurines
No matter what material your figurines are made from, proper preservation methods can significantly extend their lifespan. Here are five key tips to keep in mind when preserving your figurines:
- Store in Cool Conditions: Avoid exposing figurines to high temperatures, as heat can accelerate the oiling and aging of PVC figurines.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV rays in sunlight can cause aging and yellowing, especially for PVC figurines.
- Regular Cleaning: Use soft cloths or brushes to clean the figurine’s surface to prevent dust buildup, which can affect the appearance.
- Prevent Compression and Deformation: When storing figurines, choose stable positions to avoid deformation caused by long-term gravitational stress.
- Use UV Protective Film: Applying UV-protective film to your display cases can significantly slow down the aging process of your figurines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What should I do if my figurine starts oiling?
Oiling is a result of plasticizer leaching from the PVC material. You can gently wipe the surface with a soft cloth, but avoid using organic solvents. Storing your figurines in a cool place can also reduce oiling.
Q2: Can yellowed figurines be restored?
Once a PVC figurine has yellowed, it’s challenging to fully restore it. Prevention is key—avoid direct sunlight, and consider applying UV-protective film to your display cases.
Q3: How should I clean my figurines?
Use mild detergents or water for cleaning. Avoid harsh solvents that could damage the surface. Use cold air to dry figurines, as high heat can cause deformation.
Conclusion
The material of a figurine plays a major role in determining its lifespan and collectible value. By understanding the characteristics of different materials and adopting proper preservation methods, you can ensure that your figurines remain in optimal condition. Whether it’s preventing oiling and yellowing in PVC figurines or carefully preserving resin-based figurines, the right preservation techniques can help protect your cherished collection against the test of time.
We hope these tips help you protect and preserve your valuable figurines!
