The best way to protect a model collection is a closed display cabinet away from direct sunlight and heat sources, a stable environment without big swings in temperature and humidity, and careful handling – hold a model by the body or base, never by the wings or mirrors. Remove dust dry with a soft brush, without chemicals.
Below you will find a practical guide: which cabinet to choose, how to light it, where not to put your collection, how to clean and how to handle models. The advice is based on recommendations from museum conservators and manufacturers.
What harms models most
| Risk | What it causes | How to prevent it |
|---|---|---|
| Direct sunlight and UV | faded paint and graphics, yellowing and brittle plastics | away from windows, UV filter, UV-free LEDs |
| Heat | warped plastic parts, faster ageing of materials | away from radiators, halogen lamps and attics |
| High humidity and fluctuations | mould, cracking, corrosion of metal parts | humidity below 65%, no cellars |
| Dust | settles in details; cleaning risks breaking parts | closed cabinet or cover |
| Handling | broken wings, antennae, mirrors | hold by the body or base, support from below |
Cabinets and covers: what to choose
A single-model cover
A clear cover with a base is the simplest protection against dust and touch. The Bburago Signature 1:43 range comes in a clear box, and separate covers with bases exist for 1:18 models. They suit individual showpieces on a desk or bookshelf.
Wall-mounted or free-standing cabinet
For a larger collection, a cabinet with shelves is more practical. When choosing one, look for:
- Closing doors – open shelves do not keep dust out.
- Shelf depth to suit the scale: shallow shelves are fine for 1:43, a 1:18 F1 car needs around 30 cm of length.
- A mirrored back – it makes the space look bigger and shows the rear of the car.
- Door material: glass resists scratches; acrylic (Plexiglas) is lighter and less brittle but scratches more easily.
Arranging the collection
Arrange models by season, team or driver and keep one scale per shelf. A tidy collection looks better and makes gaps you want to fill easier to spot. For inspiration see Formula 1 models.
Light: how much and what kind
According to the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI), light damage is proportional to light intensity multiplied by exposure time: 200 lux for 200 hours causes the same damage as 100 lux for 400 hours (CCI). The damage is cumulative and cannot be reversed.
- No direct sunlight. For plastics, CCI recommends avoiding UV and sunlight altogether (CCI – caring for plastics). Do not place the cabinet facing a window.
- LED instead of halogen. Ordinary LED sources emit minimal UV and little heat; halogen spotlights warm up the cabinet.
- Light only when viewing. Cabinet lighting on a switch or timer greatly reduces the total light dose.
- Light from outside, not inside, if the cabinet allows – a source outside the closed space heats the models less.
Temperature and humidity: where not to put your collection
Plastics and rubbers age faster in warmth and with swings in temperature and humidity. CCI recommends always keeping relative humidity below 65% to prevent mould and avoiding heat sources such as radiators (CCI).
- Unsuitable places: window sills, above radiators or fireplaces, attics (summer heat), cellars and garages (humidity, fluctuations).
- Suitable places: a living room with stable temperature, an inner wall, shade.
Materials and their weak points
| Material | Typical models | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Die-cast (zinc alloy) | Bburago, Minichamps, Ixo, Solido, Jada | humidity; “zinc pest” in very old models |
| Resin | Spark, LookSmart | fragility, knocks, heat |
| Plastic (ABS and others) | LEGO, plastic parts of models | sunlight, heat, warping |
| Rubber (tyres) | most models | heat, contact with other plastics |
Zinc pest is corrosion of zinc alloys containing lead impurities, mainly affecting castings from the 1920s to 1950s; high humidity can accelerate it. Items made after 1960 are usually considered free of the risk (Wikipedia). You need not worry about it with modern models, but a dry environment benefits all metal parts.
Dust and cleaning
The best cleaning is the cleaning you don't have to do – hence a closed cabinet. If you do need to clean a model:
- Use a soft brush (e.g. a make-up brush) and gently sweep dust out of the details.
- For larger surfaces a microfibre cloth is enough, without pressure.
- Do not use solvents, cleaning agents, waxes or erasers – CCI explicitly advises against them for plastics (CCI).
- Use canned air carefully and from a distance; a strong jet can loosen small parts or decals.
For cleaning bricks, LEGO recommends hand-washing in water up to 40 °C, optionally with a mild detergent, and drying away from direct sunlight – never in a dishwasher, washing machine, oven or with a hair dryer (LEGO). A built model, however, is better just dusted carefully.
Handling: how to pick up a model
- Hold the model by the body or the base, never by the front or rear wing, mirrors, antennae or wheels. CCI generally advises supporting objects from below and never holding them by protruding parts.
- Work over a table with a soft mat – an accidental drop then ends without damage.
- Keep your hands clean and dry; skin oils leave marks on glossy paint.
- Don't remove models from their base unnecessarily. Screws on 1:43 and 1:18 models are tiny and easily lost; if you do unscrew them, keep them in a small box.
- Resin models are more fragile than metal ones – take extra care with Spark or LookSmart models.
Storing models you don't display
- Keep the model in its original box, inside a closed plastic container (e.g. PP) that protects against dust and humidity.
- Store containers in the living area of your home, not in the attic or cellar.
- Don't stack boxes too high so the bottom ones don't get crushed.
- Keep a simple inventory (maker, scale, car, driver, race).
Display helmet models the same way as cars – out of the sun and ideally under a cover. You will find them in helmet models. The full model range is in models.
Frequently asked questions
Should I keep models in their original box?
If you are not displaying the model, yes – the box protects against dust and light and, for collector models, adds value if you ever sell. Keep the boxes for displayed models too; they are useful when moving.
What should I use to dust a model?
A soft brush or a fine make-up brush, or a microfibre cloth. Do not use solvents, cleaning agents or waxes – the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) explicitly advises against them for plastics.
Is LED lighting in a cabinet harmful?
LED sources usually emit little UV and heat, so they are better suited to cabinets than halogen lamps. Light damage is cumulative, though – switching the lights on only when you are looking at the collection is always gentler.
How should I store built LEGO models?
Away from direct sunlight and heat sources, ideally in a closed cabinet to keep dust out. If you need to wash them, LEGO recommends hand-washing in water up to 40 °C and drying away from direct sunlight, never in a dishwasher or with a hair dryer.