Action figure collecting isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a serious hobby (and sometimes investment) that requires care and strategy. Whether you’re displaying mint-in-box collectibles, rare variants, or your favorite open-display figures, how you store and showcase them has a direct impact on their condition and long-term value.
At Better Display Cases, we offer premium acrylic display cases specifically designed to protect action figures from damage while highlighting them in style. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best practices for storing and displaying action figures without decreasing their value—so you can enjoy your collection with confidence.
Why Proper Storage and Display Matters
Even minor environmental factors can cause serious damage over time. Exposure to UV light, dust, temperature changes, and accidental handling can:
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Fade paint and packaging
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Yellow plastic parts
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Weaken joints and adhesives
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Lower resale or appraised value
That’s why choosing the right acrylic display case and display method is essential for preserving your collection.
1. Use UV-Protected Acrylic Display Cases
One of the biggest threats to action figures—especially those with printed packaging or bright paint—is ultraviolet (UV) light. Sunlight and even indoor lighting can cause fading and yellowing.
🛡️ Solution:
All Better Display Cases are made with UV-protected acrylic, offering essential defense against light damage while keeping visibility crystal clear.
🛒 Explore our Collectibles Display Cases designed specifically for figures, toys, and statues.
2. Avoid Open-Air Shelving or Exposed Storage
Storing action figures on open shelves may seem convenient, but it leaves them exposed to dust, moisture, fingerprints, and accidental bumps. Over time, this can deteriorate packaging and degrade figure joints or finishes.
✔️ Better Solution:
Use enclosed acrylic display cases that protect your items from environmental exposure while still letting you—and your guests—enjoy the full view.
🧼 Plus: Acrylic is easy to clean and doesn't fog or haze like lesser materials.
3. Select the Right Case Size for Your Figures
Figures come in all shapes and sizes—from 3.75-inch vintage Kenner figures to towering 1:6 scale models. Choosing the right fit is crucial to avoid warping packaging or crowding accessories.
🛠️ Use our Search by Size Tool to find the perfect dimensions for your specific figures.
🔍 Display Tip: Leave a bit of extra space in the case to prevent accessories or weapons from pressing against the sides.
4. Use Color-Coded Risers for Themed Displays
Better Display Cases offers colored risers (gold, black, red, blue, silver, and more), letting you create themed layouts by franchise, era, or rarity.
🎨 Creative Ideas:
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Use red or black risers for Star Wars or Marvel figures
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Choose blue or silver for classic cartoon figures
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Use mirrored bases to highlight figure back detailing or capes
🛒 Customize your setup in our Collectibles Case Collection.
5. Keep Packaging Intact for Mint Value
If you collect mint-on-card (MOC) or mint-in-box (MIB) action figures, keeping the packaging in flawless condition is key to preserving resale and collector value.
✔️ Display Solution:
Our acrylic cases with custom risers or clear bases allow you to show off boxed figures without ever opening them—maximizing visibility while maintaining pristine condition.
6. Rotate Displays to Reduce Exposure
If you have a large collection, rotating your figures seasonally helps reduce prolonged exposure to light or pressure on any single piece.
📦 Store off-display items in a cool, dry place—ideally in their own protective case or original packaging with silica packets to reduce moisture.
🧠 Pro Tip: Keep a digital inventory of what’s stored vs. displayed so you can rotate efficiently.
7. Add Custom Nameplates for Professional Polish
Want to turn your display into a true collector’s gallery? Add a custom engraved nameplate to label figures, list characters or release years, or share special info like edition numbers.
🛒 Learn about our custom nameplate options.
Final Thoughts: Display With Style, Protect With Purpose
Your action figure collection tells a story—of fandom, nostalgia, and dedication. By using high-quality acrylic display cases from Better Display Cases, you’re not only making that story visible but preserving it for years to come.
Whether you're a lifelong collector or just getting started, protecting your figures with the right case is the key to maintaining their value and appearance.
🛒 Browse our full selection of acrylic display cases for action figures and collectibles today and build a display that lasts a lifetime.