The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Acrylic Display Case for Your Action Figures | Display Armour

If you collect vintage or modern figures, choosing the right acrylic display case for action figures is one of the most important decisions you can make. From classic Kenner heroes to modern Star Wars TVC releases, the right case doesn’t just protect your collection – it keeps cards flat, bubbles safe and colours vibrant for years to come.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to choose the best acrylic display case for your figures, explain why size and depth matter, and show you exactly when to use standard versus deep cases. We’ll also link to our most popular ranges like Star Wars acrylic display cases, WWF Hasbro display cases and TMNT Playmates display cases.

Why Proper Protection Matters for Carded Action Figures

Carded figures are more fragile than they look. Over time, even “mint on card” items can suffer damage from light, temperature and poor storage. Without a rigid UV acrylic display case, you’re likely to see:

• Card warp or curl caused by humidity and temperature changes.
• Bubble yellowing or fading from UV light and harsh indoor lighting.
• Corner dings and edge wear from handling and shelf movement.
• Surface scratches and dust if figures are displayed openly.
• Bubble damage when cases are too tight or offer no structural support.

A premium, rigid 4 mm acrylic display case prevents all of this, especially when it’s sized specifically for the toy line you’re collecting. For high-value figures – particularly WWF Hasbro figures, vintage Kenner Star Wars and MOTU – the right protection can make a big difference to long-term value.

Acrylic Display Cases vs Soft Plastic Protectors

Many collectors start with soft PET protectors because they’re cheap and easy to find. However, there is a big difference between a thin plastic sleeve and a rigid acrylic display case for collectibles.

Soft Plastic Protectors (PET)

• Thin and flexible – offers minimal structural support.
• Scratch easily and can look cloudy over time.
• Usually do not provide meaningful UV protection.
• Can still allow pressure on the bubble and card.

Premium Acrylic Cases (Display Armour)

• 4 mm thick UV-protected acrylic for serious strength and clarity.
• Rigid structure prevents bending, twisting and card curl.
• Museum-style presentation for high-end pieces.
• Designed around specific toy lines for a consistent, snug fit.

If you are protecting rare, graded or sentimental figures, a proper UV acrylic display case for action figures is the best long-term choice.

Choosing the Right Case Based on Card Style

Not all cardbacks are created equal. Kenner, Hasbro, Mattel and Playmates all used different card sizes, bubble depths and layouts. That’s why Display Armour designs specific cases for each line, rather than using a “one size fits all” approach.

Kenner Star Wars (Vintage & Retro Collection)

Vintage Kenner Star Wars and modern Retro Collection figures use tall, relatively slim cards which are known to be prone to edge wear and warping. Our dedicated Star Wars acrylic display cases are sized to keep the card upright and fully supported, without squeezing the bubble.

Hasbro WWF Hasbro (Series 1–11)

WWF Hasbro cards are iconic and highly collected. Some figures sit perfectly in a standard case, while others – especially those with oversized or deeper bubbles – require a deep WWF Hasbro display case. You can browse the full range on our Wrestling display cases collection.

TMNT Playmates (1980s/1990s)

TMNT Playmates cards are wider and often feature chunky sculpted bubbles. That combination makes them particularly vulnerable to corner dings and bending if not properly supported. Our TMNT acrylic display cases are designed specifically around original Playmates dimensions to keep figures like Leo, Raph, Donnie and Mikey safe and straight.

Kenner M.A.S.K.

Kenner M.A.S.K. figures use medium-sized cards, but certain characters and vehicles have deeper bubbles that need more internal space. A properly sized M.A.S.K. acrylic display case stops the bubble from touching the front panel while keeping the card fully supported.

Masters of the Universe (MOTU)

MOTU cards are known for bright, bold artwork and a variety of bubble shapes. A premium Masters of the Universe display case not only protects the blister, it also shields that classic artwork from fading and UV damage.

Ghostbusters, RoboCop & Super7 ReAction

Lines like Kenner Ghostbusters, RoboCop and modern Super7 ReAction figures have their own quirks in card size and bubble depth. Using a case designed around these ranges ensures a clean fit and a professional-looking display.

Common Mistakes Collectors Make (and How to Avoid Them)

When upgrading from loose storage or soft protectors to acrylic, a few common mistakes crop up time and time again:

• Choosing a case that’s too tight – this can press against the bubble and eventually crack it or crease the card.
• Using cases that are too deep – the figure leans back or rattles around and doesn’t sit right on display.
• Assuming one size fits all toy lines – Kenner, Hasbro, Mattel and Playmates all used different card dimensions.
• Storing figures near direct sunlight – even with protection, constant sunlight is never ideal.
• Buying cheap acrylic that clouds or scratches quickly – this can make a valuable figure look dull.

Choosing a correctly-sized rigid acrylic display case tailored to the card style eliminates all of these issues and gives a consistent, clean look across your shelves.

Why UV Protection Is Essential

UV light is one of the biggest enemies of long-term figure preservation. Even if you don’t display your collection in direct sunlight, ambient light and LEDs can still contribute to:

• Yellowing or discolouration of the blister bubble.
• Faded card artwork and logos.
• Overall “aged” appearance much earlier than expected.

That’s why Display Armour uses UV-resistant acrylic across our premium case range. For high-value lines like Star Wars figures, WWF Hasbro, TMNT and Masters of the Universe, UV protection is a must-have rather than a nice-to-have.

How to Measure Your Action Figure for the Right Acrylic Case

Getting the right size case starts with accurate measurements. Here’s a simple three-step method to measure any carded figure before choosing an acrylic action figure display case:

1. Measure the Full Card Height

Measure from the very top edge of the card to the lowest point – this often includes the bottom of the blister bubble if it sits lower than the card artwork.

2. Measure the Card Width

Measure the widest point of the card, from the left edge to the right edge. Don’t just measure the printed artwork area – include any rounded corners or hang tab cut-outs.

3. Measure the Bubble Depth

Finally, measure how far the bubble sticks out from the card. This helps you decide whether you need a standard depth acrylic display case or a deep acrylic display case.

Once you have these three measurements, it becomes much easier to choose the correct product from our action figure display case collections page.

Standard vs Deep Acrylic Display Cases

One of the most important choices you’ll make is whether to use a standard or deep case. The right choice ensures there’s enough breathing room for the bubble without leaving the figure swimming in excess space.

When to Use Standard Cases

Standard cases are ideal for figures with more modest bubble depth, such as:

• Most Kenner Star Wars and modern Retro Collection releases.
• Many standard WWF Hasbro carded figures.
• GI Joe and similar slimmer card styles.
• Most Super7 ReAction figures.

When to Use Deep Cases

Deep cases are designed for bubbles with extra depth or more dramatic sculpts, such as:

• TMNT Playmates figures with chunky, rounded blisters.
• Selected WWF Hasbro figures with oversized bubbles.
• Certain M.A.S.K. characters and vehicle-based cards.
• Many MOTU and other fantasy lines with large or shaped bubbles.

Using a deep case where needed ensures that the bubble never touches the inside front panel, preventing long-term pressure damage and keeping your figure presentation clean.

Display Tips for a Clean, Professional-Looking Collection

Once your figures are in the right acrylic cases, a few small tweaks can make your collection look even more premium:

• Use the same brand of case across a shelf so heights and depths match visually.
• Leave a small gap between cases to avoid micro-scratches when moving them.
• Use softer, indirect lighting instead of harsh spotlights.
• Avoid placing cases above radiators or on exterior walls that get cold and damp.
• Clean acrylic gently with a non-abrasive cloth to maintain clarity.

A row of matching premium acrylic display cases dramatically improves shelf presence and makes even a small collection feel like a curated gallery.

Why Display Armour Acrylic Cases Stand Out

Display Armour cases are built by collectors, for collectors. Every design is centred around three things: protection, fit and presentation.

• 4 mm thick UV acrylic for serious protection and a premium feel.
• Crystal-clear finish for maximum visibility of the figure and card art.
• Precision sizing for specific toy lines like Star Wars, WWF Hasbro, TMNT, MOTU, M.A.S.K. and more.
• Secure slide-bottom designs to keep figures stable and dust-free.
• Designed in the UK with collectors and long-term preservation in mind.

If you’re searching for a reliable, long-term acrylic display case solution for action figures, Display Armour has you covered.

Find the Perfect Acrylic Display Case for Your Collection

Still not sure which case you need? You can use the Display Armour Case Finder to instantly match your action figures to the correct Display Armour display case or explore every line we support on our All Display Armour collections page, or head straight to:

• Star Wars acrylic display cases
• WWF Hasbro and wrestling display cases
• TMNT Playmates acrylic display cases
• MOTU / Masters of the Universe display cases
• Super7 ReAction display cases

Your collection deserves more than a thin plastic sleeve. With the right UV acrylic action figure display case, you can protect, preserve and proudly show off every mint-on-card hero you own.