Long Term Minifigure Storage

_viator · March 2021

Hi all,

Was hoping i could get some advice on the best method of long term storage for minifigures and other lego parts. My figures are currently stored in small grip-seal bags but ive been reading about gradual chemical/acid leakage and how it can react with the ABS of the minifigures. Should i be using polypropylene or polyethylene grip seal bags as these are chemically inert? Is one better than the other? And presumably the figures should be protected from as much UV light as possible and kept in a fairly stable environment with regards to temperature/humidity?

This all started when, to my horror, i noticed my Queen Amidala head had turned yellow on the part that was not covered by the head-dress. It was stored in a small grip seal bag in the dark in a polypropylene box.

Ive emailed LEGO direct about this but they wont tell me anything concrete and have actually been very evasive about the entire subject. The best advice they could give me was to not keep them in the kitchen!!

Would really appreciate any help with this. Thanks in advance!

Paperballpark · March 2021

I keep all my minifigs in a large plastic storage box ;)

karrit · March 2021

I contacted them a few years back about degradation of some wheels & tires I've had stored away forever in Lego storage tubs with other pieces that appeared to have melted. The were very non-commital about anything other than possible extreme heat causing damage over the years. They couldn't replace parts due to some of them being very old like from the 1960's and others from the 1990's but they did send me a nice set to make up for the loss of the older pieces. Sorry I don't know what the answer is to properly store minifigs to avoid future damage/degradation. I honestly don't think anything is a 100% perfect solution other than possibly totally separating all the pieces. I think the bulk of my problems were an adverse chemical reaction between the composition of the tires & the plastic of the bricks because the bricks appear to have actually melted where the tires were touching them.

Astrobricks · March 2021

In order to remain flexible, tires probably contain a plasticizer. When this is left in contact with other plastics too long it can soften them.

I recommend freezing in carbonite ;-)

NateMN2020 · March 2021

To answer the original question, I keep all my minifigs in big plastic bags, sorted by theme. Will they maybe degrade somewhat over time? I have no idea. But now all I can think about is the Uber tire forming in the big storage drawers I keep them all in together. That kind of stuff keeps you up at night!

catwrangler · March 2021

Astrobricks said:

In order to remain flexible, tires probably contain a plasticizer. When this is left in contact with other plastics too long it can soften them.

I recommend freezing in carbonite ;-)

Would it theoretically be safe to just keep all the wheels together in a cardboard container, or do the various types of tyre made over the years have different enough composition that being in contact with each other would cause the same problem?

I could also see an issue with the hubs... I suppose the lesson in this is that nothing, even Lego, is forever, but it's an interesting materials since challenge I guess... god only knows how much work museums must put into dealing with this kind of issue!

Astrobricks · March 2021

Good questions @catwrangler. I don’t know the answers. I keep my tires separate from hubs, although I’ve never encountered a melted hub or a tire stuck to one. It’s certainly possible that other environmental factors come into play, such as temperature.

We may be overthinking the issue. Probably the only things worth worrying about are the ones we all know happen, like bricks turning brown, or becoming brittle. And other than keeping Lego out of the sun and peroxide treatment (which seems to be temporary), there doesn’t seem to be much we can do. But not storing in vinyl seems like good advice.

CCC · March 2021

Those rubber tyres won't survive 50 years as they are anyway. Look at cars from the 60s and 70s, so many have perished tyres. Even ones that have not been touched for 40 years look great, but give them a spin and they crack or crumble. They harden and tighten up as they age.

karrit · March 2021

catwrangler said:

Astrobricks said:

In order to remain flexible, tires probably contain a plasticizer. When this is left in contact with other plastics too long it can soften them.

I recommend freezing in carbonite ;-)

Would it theoretically be safe to just keep all the wheels together in a cardboard container, or do the various types of tyre made over the years have different enough composition that being in contact with each other would cause the same problem?

I could also see an issue with the hubs... I suppose the lesson in this is that nothing, even Lego, is forever, but it's an interesting materials since challenge I guess... god only knows how much work museums must put into dealing with this kind of issue!

The old tires from the 60's are the gray rubber that basically has dried out so they are pretty much disintegrating. The next batch from the 80's-90's are the ones that caused bricks they were touching and also some of the hubs they were on to "melt". I have since removed all stored tires from their hubs and have them in separate compartments of a parts container.
I fear that some of the more rubbery headpieces, wigs & accessories for minifigs may over time eventually result in a similar meltage issue like the tires caused.

AllBrick · March 2021

Ours are kept in various ways, in a cabinet on display, bags, boxes and out for playing with.

After reading the OP I’m going to start wrapping up figures in brown paper and keeping them in card boxes.

Could finally be the useful calling my empty Lego set boxes have been waiting for.

samiam391 · April 2021

emmawats said:

Hey pal, Have you made all these Minifigures yourself? Why are you worrying about these chemical reactions and acid leaks occurring by storing them in plastic bags? Why don't you prefer a self-storage unit to keep it for long. During our home renovation, I had shifted all the toys of my son to a nearby self-storage unit. After the renovation, we have taken it back without any damage. They came to our home and collected all the things. Their storage services helped me a lot and I was very happy with their service. You should definitely try a storage unit, it will be easier for you to keep your Minifigures for a long time, it's from my personal experience.

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