Protecting Your Collectibles for Years to Come
At Razmataz Comics, we want your collectibles, games, and hobby items to maintain their condition and value for years to come. Proper care and storage are essential for preserving your investments and ensuring you can enjoy them for decades. Here’s our comprehensive guide to caring for different types of collectibles and hobby items.
Comic Book Care and Storage
Essential Comic Storage Supplies
Acid-Free Materials Only:
- Comic Bags: Use only acid-free polypropylene or polyethylene bags
- Backing Boards: Acid-free boards cut to comic book dimensions
- Storage Boxes: Acid-free comic storage boxes (short or long boxes)
- Dividers: Acid-free dividers to organize by series or date
Proper Handling Techniques
Before Handling Comics:
- Wash and dry hands thoroughly
- Remove rings, watches, and jewelry that might catch on pages
- Work on clean, flat surfaces
- Handle one comic at a time
Safe Handling Methods:
- Support the comic from underneath when lifting
- Never lift by grabbing just the cover or a few pages
- Open comics gently – don’t force pages that seem stuck
- Turn pages carefully from the corner, not the middle
- Never eat, drink, or smoke while handling comics
Storage Environment
Ideal Conditions:
- Temperature: 65-70°F (18-21°C) with minimal fluctuation
- Humidity: 45-55% relative humidity (use dehumidifier if necessary)
- Light: Store in darkness; UV light fades colors and damages paper
- Air Quality: Avoid basements, attics, or areas with poor ventilation
- Position: Store upright, never stacked flat for extended periods
What to Avoid:
- Direct sunlight or fluorescent lighting
- Extreme temperature changes
- High humidity (causes mold and paper degradation)
- Very dry conditions (makes paper brittle)
- Storage near heating/cooling vents
- Damp basements or hot attics
Long-Term Storage Tips
Organization Best Practices:
- Separate issues by series and number them sequentially
- Use dividers to prevent comics from sliding and bending
- Don’t overfill storage boxes – leave room for easy access
- Label boxes clearly with contents and date ranges
- Store valuable issues separately from reading copies
Maintenance Schedule:
- Check storage conditions monthly
- Replace bags and boards every 5-10 years for valuable comics
- Inspect for signs of pest damage or environmental issues
- Rotate position of comics occasionally to prevent permanent bending
Model Train Care and Maintenance
N-Scale Train Storage
Proper Storage Solutions:
- Display Cases: Dust-free display cases with foam inserts
- Storage Boxes: Padded individual compartments for each locomotive and car
- Track Storage: Flat storage with protective sleeves to prevent scratches
- Vertical Storage: Store locomotives and rolling stock upright when possible
Regular Maintenance
Cleaning Schedule:
- Weekly: Light dusting with soft brush during active use
- Monthly: Detailed cleaning of wheels and contact points
- Seasonally: Complete teardown and lubrication of moving parts
- Annually: Professional servicing for valuable or frequently used items
Cleaning Techniques:
- Use denatured alcohol on cotton swabs for electrical contacts
- Soft toothbrush for removing dust from detailed areas
- Compressed air for hard-to-reach spaces (use low pressure)
- Specialized track cleaning cars for maintaining rails
Operation Best Practices
Pre-Operation Checks:
- Inspect track connections and cleanliness
- Test all electrical connections
- Check for loose details or parts
- Ensure proper lubrication of moving parts
During Operation:
- Start with low voltage and gradually increase
- Monitor for overheating, especially during long sessions
- Keep spare parts and tools readily available
- Document any performance issues for future reference
Storage Environment
Ideal Conditions:
- Temperature: Stable room temperature (65-75°F)
- Humidity: 40-50% relative humidity
- Dust Protection: Covered storage or display cases
- Vibration: Stable surfaces away from foot traffic
Board Game and Card Game Care
Game Component Protection
Immediate Protection:
- Card Sleeves: Use quality card sleeves for frequently played games
- Component Bags: Separate small pieces in labeled zip bags
- Box Inserts: Custom foam inserts or organizers to prevent damage
- Rulebook Protection: Store rulebooks in plastic sleeves
Handling Guidelines:
- Shuffle cards gently to prevent creasing and edge wear
- Handle game pieces by edges when possible
- Keep food and drinks away from gaming area
- Clean hands before handling games, especially card games
Storage Solutions
Game Storage:
- Store boxes upright like books to prevent warping
- Don’t stack heavy games on top of lighter boxes
- Use shelf dividers to prevent boxes from falling
- Climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight
Card Game Specifics:
- Trading Cards: Individual sleeves plus deck boxes or binders
- Collectible Cards: Top-loaders for valuable cards, penny sleeves for others
- Game Cards: Sleeve entire decks, especially for frequently played games
- Storage Boxes: Acid-free storage boxes for long-term card storage
Preventing Common Damage
Box and Component Care:
- Avoid rubber bands on cards (causes permanent indentations)
- Don’t write directly on cards or components
- Replace worn sleeves before they damage cards
- Keep original packaging materials when possible
Collectible Figure Care
Display and Storage
Display Best Practices:
- UV Protection: Keep away from direct sunlight
- Dust Control: Display cases or regular dusting schedule
- Stable Surfaces: Secure display areas away from vibration
- Temperature Control: Avoid extreme temperature changes
Storage Methods:
- Keep original packaging for maximum protection
- Use acid-free tissue paper for wrapping if repackaging
- Separate figures to prevent paint transfer or scratching
- Document condition with photos before long-term storage
Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular Care:
- Gentle dusting with soft brush or compressed air
- Avoid water or cleaning chemicals unless specifically recommended
- Check for loose parts or deteriorating materials
- Store accessories separately in labeled containers
Handling Precautions:
- Support figures at multiple points when moving
- Avoid touching painted surfaces when possible
- Never force moving parts or joints
- Handle packaging materials carefully for future storage
3D Printed Item Care
Material-Specific Care
PLA (Polylactic Acid) Items:
- Store away from heat sources (can soften above 60°C/140°F)
- Clean with mild soap and water
- Can be painted with acrylic paints
- UV exposure can cause brittleness over time
PETG and ABS Items:
- More heat resistant than PLA
- Chemical resistant – can use stronger cleaning agents
- Less UV sensitive than PLA
- More flexible but can stress-crack if overtightened
Maintenance and Repair
Cleaning Methods:
- Warm soapy water for most items
- Isopropyl alcohol for stubborn residues
- Soft brushes for detailed areas
- Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch surfaces
Basic Repairs:
- Small cracks can often be repaired with plastic cement
- Sanding can smooth rough surfaces
- Touch-up painting with acrylic paints
- Contact us for complex repairs or reprinting options
General Storage Guidelines
Environmental Controls
Climate Considerations:
- Consistent Temperature: Avoid areas with temperature swings
- Humidity Control: Use dehumidifiers in damp areas, humidifiers in very dry conditions
- Air Circulation: Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent mold and mildew
- Pest Control: Regular inspection for insects or rodents
Organization Systems
Inventory Management:
- Catalog System: Document what you own and where it’s stored
- Digital Photos: Photograph valuable items for insurance purposes
- Condition Notes: Record condition at time of storage
- Regular Inspections: Check stored items periodically for problems
Insurance and Documentation
Protecting Your Investment:
- Photography: Document valuable items with detailed photos
- Appraisals: Professional appraisals for high-value collections
- Insurance: Discuss collectible insurance with your insurance agent
- Purchase Records: Keep receipts and certificates of authenticity
Red Flags: When to Take Action
Environmental Warning Signs
- Musty odors: Indicates mold or mildew problems
- Visible moisture: Condensation or water damage
- Temperature fluctuations: Rapid changes can cause expansion/contraction damage
- Pest evidence: Droppings, chewed materials, or live insects
Item Condition Changes
- Color fading: UV damage or chemical degradation
- Brittleness: Paper or plastic becoming fragile
- Warping: Moisture or temperature damage
- Adhesive failure: Bags, labels, or repairs failing
Professional Services and Restoration
When to Seek Professional Help
- High-value items: Professional conservation for expensive collectibles
- Damage assessment: Evaluation of damaged items for insurance claims
- Climate control: HVAC consultation for serious storage rooms
- Restoration: Professional restoration for damaged but valuable items
Resources and References
- Local expertise: Comic shops, hobby stores, and collector groups
- Professional organizations: Conservation and restoration specialists
- Online communities: Collector forums and social media groups
- Educational materials: Books and guides on specific collecting areas
Product-Specific Recommendations
Recommended Products We Carry
Contact us for current availability of storage and care supplies:
Comic Storage:
- Acid-free bags and boards in various sizes
- Short and long storage boxes
- Comic dividers and organization supplies
Model Train Care:
- Track cleaning supplies and tools
- Locomotive maintenance kits
- Display cases and storage solutions
Game Protection:
- Card sleeves and deck boxes
- Game organizers and storage solutions
- Protective cases for valuable games
Contact Us for Specific Advice
Our team at Razmataz Comics has extensive experience with all types of collectibles and hobby items. Don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized advice:
Email: contact@razmatazcomics.com
Subject: “Care and Storage Advice”
Include in your message:
- Type of items you’re storing/displaying
- Current storage conditions and challenges
- Specific questions or concerns
- Photos if helpful for assessment
Remember: Proper care and storage are investments in preserving your collectibles’ condition and value. Taking time to implement these guidelines will pay dividends in the long-term enjoyment and value of your collection.