[arnoldfrederick]

I was just wondering if someone could tell me what kind of effects prolonged exposer to sunlight has on the color of typIcal action figures? I know through experience and browsing Eurobricks that LEGO, which is ABS plastic, changes color, or at least the white bricks do, turning quite yellow, and I think the other colors may change too, not enough to be noticeable though, but I was wondering what kind of effect this may have on the color of the plastic on action figures, or even the color of the paint on action figures. Also, could exposure to sunlight cause action figure paint to peel?

Thanks.

[kenm2474]

Last time I talked about this was 9 years ago. Yes Sunlight dose affect the color and can make them brittle over time. Color change happens quicker. I have long window curtains that are then Tacked to the wall to prevent any light from entering on my figures. After 9 years and no change in any of my collection I feel comfortable with this method.

[bmorr]

White plastic is the most common to yellow. a good example to look at this is the old kenner storm troopers. Do a quick ebay search and you'll see most of the listings having yellow and semi yellowed items.

[arnoldfrederick]

Okay, thanks for the help, someone can close this thread if they want.

[jestermon]

Unless you have black out blinds the curtains won't do any good and regardless of if you don't have them in direct sunlight they will eventually breakdown and colors will fade the UV protecting chemicals in them only last so long.

There are things you can do not to accelerate it but you can't stop it.

[kenm2474]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jestermon

Unless you have black out blinds the curtains won't do any good and regardless of if you don't have them in direct sunlight they will eventually breakdown and colors will fade the UV protecting chemicals in them only last so long.

There are things you can do not to accelerate it but you can't stop it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by arnoldfrederick

Okay, thanks for the help, someone can close this thread if they want.

Dont worry about what he said. True everything breaks down eventually. I've seen figures made from plastic 40 years old and look brand new without the help of Blackout shades. You'll be fine with the method I mentioned. You could also put cardboard or tinfoil on your windows.

[jestermon]

Yes and there are figures from the 90's and early 2000's that have completely broken down or discolored.

[kenm2474]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jestermon

Yes and there are figures from the 90's and early 2000's that have completely broken down or discolored.

And I have most of those and are perfectly fine.

[Iceman]

Plastic isn't all created equal. Certain types and colors will be more apt to fade while others are made to last much longer if taken care of.

[jestermon]

Yes, I am just telling the poster it's luck of the draw about plastic there is no solid rules about discoloration.

[kenm2474]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jestermon

Unless you have black out blinds the curtains won't do any good and regardless of if you don't have them in direct sunlight they will eventually breakdown and colors will fade the UV protecting chemicals in them only last so long.

There are things you can do not to accelerate it but you can't stop it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jestermon

Yes, I am just telling the poster it's luck of the draw about plastic there is no solid rules about discoloration.

Ok. You didn't mention that in your first post(Luck of the Draw). You were scaring the guy the way you stated it. They way you posted it makes it sound like the figures will decay days after opening.