How to display and protect your Gunpla collection

A finished kit can last for decades if you protect it from the three things that damage plastic models: dust, sunlight and stress on joints.

Keep dust off

Dust settles into panel lines and is hard to remove from detailed kits. A closed glass or acrylic display cabinet is the best long-term solution. For single kits, small acrylic display cases work well. Clean with a soft makeup brush or a gentle air blower.

Avoid direct sunlight

UV light causes white plastic to turn yellow over time and makes colors fade. Display your kits away from windows, or choose cabinets with UV-filtering glass. A matte top coat with UV protection also helps.

Don't stress the joints

Extreme poses held for months can loosen joints or make a kit fall. Use an action base for dynamic poses, and keep heavy weapons supported. Polycap joints last longer than all-plastic ones under load.

Storing kits

Keep unbuilt kits in their boxes, stored flat and away from damp. For built kits you want to put away, wrap them in soft tissue and store them in a box with a few silica gel packets.

Lighting

LED strip lights inside a cabinet make a collection look great and produce very little heat. Choose a neutral or cool white for accurate colors.