[BioBlade]

Hey all; got a quick question for ya! See, I'm started planning on how to put a lot of my toys (mostly Transformers) into long-term storage. Unfortunately, this means cramming EVERYTHING into 4 of those deep tub-type boxes; this means there will inevitably be a lot of expensive toys stacked on top of other expensive toys (I may have a bit of a hoarding problem ^^. I'm thinking my best solution here would be bubble wrap! It protects the figures from scratching against each-other, and is transparent enough that I can still open the tubs and find a specific toy easily without needing to unwrap anything. Still, I've heard some nasty horror stories about how certain chemicals or materials can cause VERY unfortunate reactions if left in prolonged contact with various types of plastics or paints; discoloration, brittleness, flaking, etc. Unfortunately, I know next to nothing about bubble wrap and what chemicals/materials might be involved in them, so I have zero clue if there's anything in there that could put my toys in jeopardy! I've tried doing the research on my own, but questions on sales sites like Amazon or Home Depot have mostly yielded variations of "I dunno" from all parties involved. Is there anyone here who has some experience with this, or just knows enough about the topic to weigh in with a definitive answer? If it turns out bubble wrap CAN harm figures if left on them too long, do you know of there brands that don't have this problem? Heck, I'll also take suggestions for alternatives to bubble wrap, so long as the price is decent and it has proven 100% safe in the past.

Thanks all!

P.S. My time searching for answers on other sites has left me with a burning question, so consider this an off-topic follow-up: Is anyone else here annoyed by folks who see an honest question on a formal website, don't know the answer, yet still feel the need to weigh in and say as much? If a person doesn't know the answer to a question on a site (Amazon being a good example), then DON'T ANSWER. It makes it more likely that people who DO know the answer will ignore the question, seeing that a response was made and assuming the issue has already been solved! I'm speaking mostly of commercial and Q&A sites here; forums are a bit different, and exist more for discussion than answering the questions of random folks. I've still seen it be a problem on certain forums, but the more casual and community-based nature of webforms like this demands a bit of leeway on that.
Also, for goodness sakes people, STOP REVIEWING STUFF YOU HAVEN'T EVEN PURCHASED!!!
.........yeah, just finished a 3-hour marathon on Amazon, so I may have a TINY bit of aggravation built up in regards to this particular issue. ^_^;

[jwyss234]

I don't have a definitive answer on bubble wrap but my gut reaction is that it's not safe for toys. Collector friendly supplies are kind of their own thing and box stores typically don't carry them. I've searched for collector friendly and polypropylene bubble wrap without any luck.

I've been using polypropylene zip bags for the past few years to protect my figures and I've been very happy with them. I've mainly stored Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and Neca figures in them but I've also used them a couple of times for Transformers without any problems. I first came across an article on OnePerCase.net about using poly bags which you can read here: One Per Case: PSA: How to Store Action Figures Like a Boss. I purchased my bags from the same company listed in the article, GT Zip. While the prices may seem high, you are getting 1,000 bags in your order. Not every bag GT Zip sells is made of polypropylene so stick with the Ultra Clear Zip line of bags. GTZIP.com - 2 Mil Lock Top Zip ® Bags Wholesale

I'm sorry I wasn't able to definitively answer your question about bubble wrap but hopefully you'll find the OPC article helpful. Hopefully your long term storage is a closet in your house and not a storage unit. Even if you use the best collector grade materials, extreme heat and critters can still damage your figures.

[faelon]

A friend works with historical artifacts. This is his advice. I assume the same applies with toys. Bubble Wrap like any plastic can outgass over time and react with the surface of whatever it is wrapped around. His protocal is to wrap the object in Acid Free Tissue Paper before wrapping it in Bubble wrap. That seems to solve any potential long term problems.