How To Display Action Figures and Collectibles

[Errex]

Well, since I'd rather spend the cash on figures than in stepped displays, I started making my own out of the cardboard keyboard boxes I had left over from work.



I tried to spruce up the look by adding some texture to the first one I made, but even though he end result was not too bad, I think I'll need to experiment a little more. I am thinking of themed custom steps for specific lines, maybe.





As for blueprints, well, these are made from refuse cardboard. Experiment and ruin a few sheets until you find a design that works for you.

All I'd add is that using a hot glue gun is recommended to work with the larger sections, but as the piece nears completion you'll need the extra setting time afforded by regular white glue.

[fishmilkshake]

They look great Errex.

[Errex]

Recently, I started fooling around with mini display shelves made from cardboard. I think I may give them also some texture or color some time in the future, but for the time being I just needed to un-clutter some spaces.





The more immediate improvement would be to make the shelves deeper, I think, but it's still an ongoing learning process.

[FB]

The Cardboard actually works a hell of a lot better than i would have thought.Very clever idea Errex,the Mini Shelves work great for individual Displays.
I actually need to make Step-like Displays in the future myself and this seems like a much more appealing alternative to using Wood.What did you use for the texturing?

[Errex]

I mixed some sand with very diluted PVA glue for the texture on the "stone" steps. Then I realized I could have saved some glue if I had just mixed the sand in with very diluted black or gray acrylic paint.

[fishmilkshake]

I mixed some sand with very diluted PVA glue for the texture on the "stone" steps. Then I realized I could have saved some glue if I had just mixed the sand in with very diluted black or gray acrylic paint.

Really clever stuff Errex and they look great. It's not easy to come up with good displays without it costing a fortune but you've really done a great job there.

As for the paint/sand you should always add a little PVA to help it bond.

[NiteOwl]

Looking good.

[FB]

I mixed some sand with very diluted PVA glue for the texture on the "stone" steps. Then I realized I could have saved some glue if I had just mixed the sand in with very diluted black or gray acrylic paint.

I once picked up some Textured Stone Paint from a Craft Store.There's different colours and it actually looks really effective when applied.There was even one that looked very close to Bitumen.Might be good for this sort of thing.

[Errex]

I remember there were cans of "fake marble" spray paint in stores at some point. Might be a good idea to look for those, although I don't know if they are still made nowadays.

[PAPA BIG JIM]

These are all great ideal everyone has given but how do you display them if still their original package?  This includes all the 6" figures that have been put into plastic clam shell to protect them! Taking them out would solve that problem but I prefer to keep them in packages. Any type of help would be highly appreciated !!!   

[fishmilkshake]

These are all great ideal everyone has given but how do you display them if still their original package?  This includes all the 6" figures that have been put into plastic clam shell to protect them! Taking them out would solve that problem but I prefer to keep them in packages. Any type of help would be highly appreciated !!!   

It really depends on the packaging. If it's the type of clamshell that stands on its own then any kind of bookcase can serve as a display stand. However, most collectors would kill for something like this which is one step below getting something custom built.



Your other option would be to just have a large sheet of MDF and create your own peg hooks that you can hang your figures from.

Also, keep and eye out for retail stores that are going out of business as they often sell their shop fittings. I got these cabinets from a music store that was closing down. They were $100 each.

[Scotty]

I have been looking in to this very issue, and have found sites like that sell cases for individual figures like this one:

http://www.theearthtoymall.com/discas.html

Does that suit what you're looking for?

Again, welcome aboard!

Andy

[PAPA BIG JIM]

Thank you for your ideals! Look on the site posted and the clam shells I get at a local collection place here called Frank and Sons! A big warehouse full of venders competing for your dollars so prices are pretty good! I was hanging them up in groups but that limits you with wall space. Just moved so trying to redisplay them in their own room or as my wife would say the " Toy Room "! Keep throwing me ideal guys and first chance I get I will post picture of my collection!

[fishmilkshake]

Thank you for your ideals! Look on the site posted and the clam shells I get at a local collection place here called Frank and Sons! A big warehouse full of venders competing for your dollars so prices are pretty good! I was hanging them up in groups but that limits you with wall space. Just moved so trying to redisplay them in their own room or as my wife would say the " Toy Room "! Keep throwing me ideal guys and first chance I get I will post picture of my collection!

"Toy Rooms" are never big enough 

[PAPA BIG JIM]

Is that not the bloody truth!!