How to Restore Action Figures

Restore action figures to their former glory.

Action figures are collector's items. Whether you enjoy collecting figures from comic books or films, or prefer figures with specific themes, you likely want to keep them in good condition. If one of your action figures becomes damaged from improper storage or you find one at swap meet in less than perfect condition, you may want to fix it up. You can restore your collector's items so that they look as good as new with just a little bit of effort.

Things You'll Need

• Baby wipes
• Can of compressed air
• Dish soap
• Soft bristle toothbrush
• Cotton swabs
• Goo Gone
• Blow dryer

Instructions

1. Wipe down the action figure with a soft baby wipe, removing any lose dirt or grime. Do not scrub or rub too hard to avoid removing designs or damaging the parts on the figure.

2. Spray compressed air into the details or tiny gaps that could not be reached by the baby wipes. Spray into the openings or the cavities of the action figure to remove buildup inside. Do not spray in one spot too long. Keep the nozzle a few inches away from the surface of the figure because the chemicals in compressed air can damage or discolor the plastic.

3. Wash the action figure in warm water and dish soap. Scrub gently with a soft bristle toothbrush to remove dirt and buildup and give the figure a clean shine.

4. Apply Goo Gone with the tip of a cotton swab to sticky buildup or stains. Rub the Goo Gone into the area gently with the swab. Take care around designs because they can become dulled by cleaning. Wash with warm water to remove the cleaner.

5. Blow dry the action figure with a blow dryer on the low cool setting. Dry the figure completely, then store in a plastic or glass container. Clean the figure every few months to keep clean and in top shape.

References

• McFarlane's-Figures: How to Clean Your Action Figure