How to display, store and clean diecast cars

Humidity and the monsoon

Damp is the biggest threat to a diecast collection in much of India, especially near the coast and during the monsoon. Moisture can warp cards, encourage mould and spotting on packaging, and in bad cases lead to corrosion on metal parts and axles.

A few simple habits go a long way.

• Keep cars off outside walls and away from walls that show damp patches. Leave a small gap between shelves and the wall so air can move.
• Put silica gel sachets in closed cases and storage boxes. Replace or dry them out when they stop working. Many sachets change colour when saturated.
• Avoid storing collections in bathrooms, kitchens, basements or near windows that let rain in.
• Check stored boxes after heavy rain. Catching a damp patch early can save a whole box of cards.

Heat and direct sunlight

Sunlight fades printed cards and boxes surprisingly quickly, and it can make clear plastic blisters turn yellow over time. Heat adds to the problem and can soften glue on blister cards.

Choose a spot that never gets direct sun, even for part of the day. Watch out for light coming in from a window at an angle in the afternoon. Keep cars away from heaters, lamps that run hot and the tops of fridges or TVs. LED lights are a good choice for lit cabinets because they give off little heat.

Displaying your collection

A good display keeps dust off, keeps hands away and still lets you enjoy the cars. The best option depends on space and how many cars you have.

• Acrylic display boxes: single-car or multi-car cases are ideal for your favourite loose cars, especially premium models from MINI GT or INNO64.
• Closed display cabinets: glass or acrylic-fronted cabinets protect larger collections from dust far better than open shelves.
• Wall displays: shallow wall-mounted cases with small compartments suit 1:64 cars well. Fix them to a dry inner wall, not an outside one.
• Carded walls: some collectors hang carded cars on pegboards or hooks. Keep these well away from sunlight, since cards on the wall fade first.

Protecting carded cars

If you keep cars sealed, the card is part of the value. Bent corners, creases and crushed blisters all reduce it.

Clear plastic protector packs, sometimes called clamshells, fit over a standard card and stop corners getting bent and blisters getting dented. They are worth using for your best or most valuable cars. Store cards upright or flat, never squashed tightly together, and avoid rubber bands or tape anywhere on the card.

Cleaning loose cars

Dust builds up quickly on open shelves, especially in cities. Clean gently and only as often as you need to.

• Use a soft brush, such as a clean make-up brush or soft paintbrush, to lift dust from panel lines, grilles and wheels.
• Wipe with a dry microfibre cloth. Use light pressure, as tampos and fine details can rub off.
• A gentle puff of air from a hand blower helps with tight spots.
• For sticky marks, use a cloth very slightly dampened with plain water, then dry the car straight away.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, household cleaners, alcohol and polish. They can damage paint, printed details and clear plastic windows.
• Never soak a diecast car. Water trapped inside can cause rust on axles and rivets.

Storage and handling

For cars you are not displaying, use sturdy plastic storage boxes with lids rather than cardboard, which absorbs moisture. Add silica gel, label each box and keep it off the floor. Divided organiser boxes stop loose cars rubbing against each other and chipping paint.

Handle loose cars by the body sides or base, not by mirrors, spoilers or antennas, which break easily. Wash and dry your hands first, since oils and sweat can mark paint over time. If you are just starting out, our guide to starting a collection covers keeping records alongside storage.

Every car we send from Pondy Diecast is packed in a rigid box so it arrives in the condition shown in the listing. Our shipping page has the details, and you can browse the shop for your next display piece.