Let’s face it, everyone has something they like to collect. Whether it’s model trains, Star Wars figures, Barbie dolls, Lego toys, or even trading cards and sports memorabilia. We here at 2B are complete buffs about art toys and Bearbrick figures, so please don’t judge us. The most important thing is to perfectly display your precious items and reduce clutter and chaos, and of course, maintain them.
To start, don’t confuse a collection for disorganized clutter. When displayed the right way, the collection you love can make a true artful statement in your home. We are here to inspire new and creative ways to make your Bearbrick collection more than just a group of dust collectors.
Storing Your Bearbrick Figures
- Create a Gallery Wall
Your precious Bearbrick figures deserve the best place in the house. The most obvious place to arrange them is on the wall, and by this, we mean on fixed or even floating shelves. We guarantee your favorite Bearbrick figures will look surprisingly sophisticated when lined up neatly on a shelf. Unfortunately, “little fingers” can still easily reach them at playtime.
- Cabinets and Cloches
Showing off the size of your Bearbrick figure is definitely a call for special treatment – And what better way to exhibit them than some small display cabinet. By giving them their own place to shine transforms Bearbrick figures into an even greater work of art. One of the most important things is to keep the Bearbrick figures away from direct sunlight. UV lights can be extremely damaging for plastic toys and the packaging of most figures. We recommend never placing your figures in direct sunlight, and keep them away from windows when they’re in storage. The combination of heat and UV light can harm the plastic and cause paint to peel.
Store your Bearbrick figures at room temperature in a dry area. Avoid extreme changes in temperature and humidity, cause they can be especially damaging for figures that are still in their original packaging. Try to find sealed storage containers for your most valuable figures. For Bearbrick figures worth over $100, we recommend buying a sealed glass storage container. Open the container and carefully position your figure inside. Then, close the container and seal it according to the directions. The container will protect it from dust and dampness, and of course, give them that “special touch”.
Use a display case if you have a large collection. Many collectors like to keep their Bearbrick figures on display. Look for a case that has glass doors to protect your figures while still showing them off. Position your figures on the shelves so that they’re visible but not overly crowded, which can damage them.
Cleaning Your Bearbrick Figures
- Dust your Bearbrick figures at least once a month with canned air and a brush or a dust cloth. The first step to keeping your figures clean is removing dust regularly. Start by dusting the shelves with a duster if they’re on display, and then use a soft bristle brush, such as a makeup brush or paint brush, to remove particles from your figures and packaging. For delicate figures, spray them with pressurized air to remove the dust without touching them.
- Use water and effervescent tablets to clean your Bearbrick figures. Place dirty or sticky plastic figures in a bowl of warm water. Then, drop an effervescent dental tablet into the water, and wait for it to start bubbling. Once the tablet is about halfway dissolved, flip your figure over in the water to clean the other side.
- Rub soap and water on stainson your Bearbrick figures. Make a mixture of 1 cup of water and 1-2 drops of mild dish soap, stirring until bubbles form. Then, dip a cotton swab or microfiber cloth into the water, and remove excess water by squeezing or pinching. Rub the stained area until the mark disappears, and wipe the area with a dry towel to soak up any leftover water. It may take a few sessions of scrubbing for the soap and water to remove the mark completely. Sometimes you have to be patient and use more soapy water as needed and your Bearbrick will look shiny and new.
- Use isopropyl alcohol to remove ink and other stains. Dip a cotton swab into 70-90% isopropyl alcohol, and then dab the alcohol over the mark. Keep dabbing until the mark disappears, and then wipe the area with a damp towel to rinse it. Dry your figure with a towel and inspect the area to make sure there is no discoloration. Leaving the alcohol on your figure can cause extreme discoloration. Be sure to rinse it completely before putting it into storage.
Keeping Your Bearbrick Collection Safe
- Wear gloves whenever you have to handle your collection of Bearbrick figures. To prevent oils from your hands from transferring onto your figures and degrading the plastic, put on a pair of cloth gloves before you touch them. If your figure has a base, try to hold it by the bottom as much as possible to prevent damage to the top portion. This will especially look classy when showing off your Bearbrick collection.
- Consider getting insurance for your collection. If you have an extensive collection, you might want to contact an insurance company to appraise and insure the collection in case of accidental damage or a natural disaster. To get an insurance policy, make sure you have a detailed list of which figures are in the collection, pictures of each figure, receipts, or some other proof of purchase for each figure.
Once we know all that, your Bearbrick collection will be safe and sound, and you’ll be proud to display them in your home.
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