This article will discuss the damage caused by aging to figures/dolls. As most of you already know, it's disappointing to see a figure turn yellow or show cracks.
As the title suggests there is no way to prevent this from happening but there are steps we cam take to delay it significantly.
What are the issues?
Plastic Discoloration - This happens to all figures/dolls but is most noticeable in white plastic because it turns yellow. Other colors tend to become darker.
Cracking/Hardened Rubber - Black rubber commonly found in vehicle tires/treads and joints tend to crack. They may also become soft and warped or hard and brittle. Color rubber tends to become sticky (e.g. Monstructor Shells, Raya's belt).
Rusting - This is mostly common in screws and metal spokes used to keep the figure together. Note that painted metal does not suffer from rusting if it hasn't been chipped away but it does fade in color.
What causes this damage?
The cause of these problems is the oxidation of metal, plastic, and rubber when oxygen is present. In basic terms, air causes it which is why it cannot be prevented only delayed.
Oxidation occurs everywhere, when you see a fruit begin to rot or a nail begin to rust. It's just natures way of breaking everything down. Depending on what type of chemicals are used, they all age differently. For example, you may see discoloration of one section only.
Oxygen and/or UV light triggers the process and heat rapidly accelerates it. This is why it's suggested to keep your figures out of sunlight or humid rooms.
If you ever had an experience where your figure was kept in great conditions but still yellowed. It's more then likely that the oxidation process was already triggered (exposed to UV light/Humidity) when you bought it.
Although this cannot be prevented, it can be significantly delayed. Here are some tips in delaying the process.
Although the zip lock bags aren't ideal, they will get the job done. For Transformers fans, this applies to Alternators/Bineltech and Masterpieces (especially Prime).
