Tech Hub Guide

How UV Light Damages Action Figures & Cardbacks

UV exposure is one of the fastest ways to ruin colour, print and plastics — especially on mint-on-card (MOC) pieces and loose figures on open shelves. This guide shows the most common UV damage signs and the simple steps collectors use to reduce it.

Damage signs Light sources Prevention Display tips

QUICK REALITY CHECK

UV damage is usually permanent. The goal is to reduce exposure and avoid pressure points with the right case depth + support.

Display Armour Case Finder

What UV actually does to packaging & figures

UV light accelerates chemical reactions in inks, coatings and plastics. On carded figures this shows up as print fade, washed logos and uneven colour shift. On loose figures, UV can cause plastic discolouration and sometimes a chalky, dull finish.

Collector truth

Damage can be slow and subtle — until you compare it to a protected piece.

Not just sunlight

Bright windows are worst, but some room lighting can contribute over long periods.

Goal

Reduce exposure + keep the piece stable (no bubble pressure, no card bowing).

UV damage signs to look for (MOC + loose)

  • Cardback fade: areas exposed to light look paler than protected areas.
  • Logo washout: brand marks and character names lose contrast.
  • Bubble yellowing: clear blisters take on a warmer tint over time.
  • Uneven colour shift: one side of the card/figure looks different (window side vs room side).
  • Loose figure discolouration: whites/greys shift, bright colours dull, paint pops less.
Quick check: If you rotate a piece and the “light side” changes over months, that’s your warning.

Where UV exposure comes from in real homes

Direct sunlight (windows)

The fastest path to fading. Even “indirect” sun can bounce and still hit your display.

Bright room lighting

Slower than sunlight, but long exposure adds up — especially with high-output bulbs close to shelves.

Display position

Top shelves and window-facing walls usually take the biggest hit.

Collector move: assume the brightest area in your room is “high risk” and plan your grails around that.

How collectors reduce UV damage (simple, practical)

Do this
  • Keep high-value pieces away from window lines.
  • Use UV-resistant acrylic for displayed MOC and loose figures.
  • Choose the correct case depth so the bubble isn’t under pressure.
  • Rotate display positions periodically (especially summer).
Avoid this
  • Mounting grails in direct sun “because it looks good” (it will cook them).
  • Using cases with extra slack where the card shifts & rubs.
  • Forcing a deep bubble into a standard case (pressure marks happen).
  • Leaving loose figures on open shelves in bright rooms long-term.
Important: UV-resistant materials can help reduce exposure, but no setup makes a collectible “sun-proof”. Best results = smart placement + the right case.

Case depth matters (standard vs deep vs extra-deep)

UV is only one part of long-term protection. The other killer is pressure — when a bubble is too close to the front panel, you can get stress points and contact marks. Picking the right depth tier helps keep your piece stable.

Standard

For shallow/average bubbles. Cleaner fit, less movement, better wall alignment.

Deep

For noticeably protruding bubbles (line-specific). Prevents bubble compression.

Extra-Deep

For oversized/irregular bubbles. Maximum clearance for high-value pieces.

Good to know: “Deep bubble” is only relevant on certain lines (mainly Star Wars and a few others). Most ranges are standard depth by default.

Related Tech & Guides

Keep going — these are the pages that pair best with UV protection.

Case Types Explained Standard vs Deep vs Extra-Deep — avoid bubble pressure points. SecureRail™ Technology How we support cards + reduce movement inside the case. Why MOC Needs Specialist Protection What actually damages cardbacks (and how to stop it). Browse All Collections Jump straight to your toy line and the correct case sizing.

UV damage FAQ

Is UV damage reversible?
Typically no — once inks fade or plastics discolour, you’re managing it rather than reversing it. Prevention and exposure reduction are the win.
Do cases stop UV completely?
No case makes a collectible “sun-proof”. UV-resistant acrylic is designed to reduce exposure, but smart placement (away from harsh light) is still the biggest factor.
Does UV only matter for MOC?
It matters for both. MOC shows fade fast because of printed cardbacks and bubbles. Loose figures can also discolour and lose paint vibrancy over time.
How do I pick the correct case if I’m unsure?
Use the Display Armour Case Finder to match your toy line and figure style — no measuring, no guesswork.

Want to reduce UV risk the easy way?

Use the Case Finder to match your toy line + figure style to the right case depth. Then browse the collection built for your cards.

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