How to care for a collectible figurine so it doesn't fade

A hand-painted figurine can last decades if you avoid three common mistakes. Here's what they are.

Mistake one: direct sunlight

UV fades acrylic paint faster than you'd think: a year on a windowsill is enough for reds and oranges to visibly wash out, and the resin can yellow slightly. Put the figurine where direct sun doesn't reach it — a shelf across from the window works, the windowsill itself doesn't.

Mistake two: a damp cloth

Dust comes off with a dry, soft brush — an ordinary makeup brush or a clean art brush both work fine. Work from top to bottom, and use a lens-cleaning air blower for the spots you can't reach.

A wet cloth pushes dust into the crevices and can snag on delicate parts. If there's a greasy mark, lightly dampen a cotton swab with water and dab it on that one spot, without pressing.

Mistake three: transporting it unsecured

The most vulnerable parts are thin protrusions — blades, wings, spears. Transport the figurine in the box it arrived in, with padding packed around it. No box? Wrap it in soft paper, secure any weapon separately, and don't leave empty space where the figurine can shift around.

What to do if a piece comes unglued

Don't slather on superglue: excess turns white on the surface and leaves a visible film. A single small drop of gel cyanoacrylate at the joint is enough — hold it for half a minute and let it fully set for an hour. If a piece broke off with paint on it, message us and we'll walk you through touching it up invisibly.

Where to display it for the best look

Figurines look best under side lighting: it brings out the relief the paintwork was built to create. Direct light from above flattens the details. If you're lining up several figurines, don't align them ruler-straight — angle each one differently, like in a staged photo, and the whole display comes alive.