Whether you’re a long-time collector or someone who just bought your first custom figure, you’ve probably noticed one thing:

Different materials age very differently.

PVC becomes sticky or yellow
Resin cracks or chips
Soft vinyl (sofubi) becomes oily or deforms

So a question we often hear from clients is:

“Is there one universal way to preserve all types of figures?”

The short answer:
Some rules apply to all figures, but each material needs its own care method.

As a manufacturer specializing in custom PVC figures, resin statues, and soft vinyl toys, this guide summarizes what we have learned from years of production and customer support.

Let’s break it down by material, so you can protect your collection for the long term.

1. Why Different Materials Need Different Preservation Methods

Because each material has its own weaknesses:

Material	Characteristics	Common Issues
PVC	Flexible, durable, slightly soft	Yellowing, warping, sticky surface, color transfer
Resin	Heavy, detailed, high-end texture	Brittle, cracking, paint chipping, moisture damage
Soft Vinyl (Sofubi)	Soft, squeezable, lightweight	Oil seepage, dust adhesion, deformation

Understanding these characteristics will help you choose the right storage methods.

2. How to Preserve PVC Figures (Key: Prevent Yellowing & Softening)

PVC is among the most popular materials for collectible figures.

1. Keep them away from direct sunlight

UV light is the main cause of yellowing and aging.

Best practice:

• Display them inside a closed display case
• Avoid placing shelves near windows
• Use UV-blocking curtains if needed

2. Control the temperature

High temperatures can soften PVC and deform parts like weapons or hair.

Ideal temperature: 18–28°C (64–82°F)

3. Prevent color transfer

PVC easily absorbs dyes from:

• Dark fabrics
• Leather props
• Cheap foam packaging

Avoid long-term direct contact with dark or oily materials.

4. Clean gently (no alcohol!)

Alcohol damages the surface coating.

Safe cleaning methods:

• Soft brush for dust
• Mild soap + warm water for general cleaning
• Eraser for stubborn marks

3. How to Preserve Resin Figures (Key: Avoid Cracking & Paint Damage)

Resin statues are beautiful but fragile.

1. Keep them in a low-humidity environment

Moisture can cause micro-cracks.

Ideal humidity: 40–60%
Use:

• Dehumidifier
• Silica gel packets

2. Protect them from bumps and falls

Resin doesn’t bend—it breaks.

Display tips:

• Use a sturdy cabinet
• Move statues with both hands
• Avoid frequent assembly/disassembly

3. Keep away from heat sources

High heat may soften resin’s paint layer.

Temperature: below 30°C (86°F)

4. Clean with extreme care

Resin paint chips easily.

Do NOT use water for painted surfaces.
Use:

• Air blower
• Soft dry brush

4. How to Preserve Soft Vinyl Figures (Key: Prevent Stickiness & Deformation)

Soft vinyl (soft vinyl monsters, sofubi, art toys) has a unique warm touch but needs careful preservation.

1. Do NOT store them in sealed plastic bags

Soft vinyl releases plasticizers over time.
Sealing them causes:

• Stickiness
• Surface staining
• Plastic bag adhesion

Best practice:

• Store in a ventilated display case
• Cover with dust-proof covers but avoid sealing

2. Avoid stacking or squeezing

Soft vinyl can permanently deform under pressure.

Display them individually and avoid tight spaces.

3. Maintain stable temperature

Soft vinyl becomes harder in cold environments and softer in warm ones.

Ideal range: 18–28°C (64–82°F)

4. How to fix oil seepage

A common issue with older soft vinyl toys.

Cleaning method:

• Wipe gently with baby oil or makeup remover
• Rinse with warm water
• Air dry completely

5. Universal Storage Rules for All Types of Figures

Whether your figure is PVC, resin, or sofubi, these rules apply:

✔ Use a glass display cabinet

Protects from dust, UV, and accidental touching.

✔ Avoid direct sunlight

UV damages all materials.

✔ Maintain stable environmental conditions

Temperature: 18–28°C (64–82°F)
Humidity: 40–60%

✔ Clean regularly

Dust accelerates aging.

✔ Avoid oily and rubber objects nearby

They may cause staining or chemical reactions.

✔ Never use alcohol-based cleaners

They dissolve paint and damage surfaces.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

“Can yellowed PVC figures be restored?”

Slight yellowing can sometimes be reduced, but the methods often damage the surface. Prevention is better.

“What if my resin figure chips or cracks?”

Professional repainting is recommended. DIY fixes often leave visible marks.

“Why does my soft vinyl figure smell like plastic?”

It’s normal with new soft vinyl. Just ventilate it for 1–2 weeks.

7. For Brands, IP Owners, and Designers

We are MIHOX (Xinmeihui Cultural Creative Co., Ltd.),
a professional manufacturer specializing in:

• Custom PVC figures
• Custom resin figures & statues
• Custom soft vinyl toys (sofubi)
• Prototyping, painting, and packaging
• Full production from design to mass manufacturing

With 15+ years of experience serving global brands, we can help you choose the right materials and provide long-lasting preservation solutions.

If you’re planning a new figure project, feel free to contact us—we’re happy to help

Contact us today and let’s create something extraordinary together.