"Leaky" Attacktix

[immortaljedi]

So, maybe "leaky" isn't the best word, but I've kept my Attacktix plastic storage drawers and when I remove them there is a ring of moisture that is left behind. Not soaking wet, but a thin grease-like substance. It is also there if I leave the Attacktix for a couple of days on a sheet of cardboard that I battle on.

I am aware of the date and guarantee you this isn't an April's Fool joke or anything. I just wanted to know if anyone else has had this happen to them, and/or if anyone knows why it happens?

[sfx5000]

This hasn't happened to me, but I think I know what the problem is. There have been reports of 'tix leaving a greasy trail from their tix. It's a lubrcant used to ease the gears inside the base. I have had a few small shiny trails from my new 'tix in the past but they went away after their first round or so.

I suggest you let your 'tix and air out for a while (perhaps a week or so) and see if the greasiness goes away. Like fine wine or cheese sometimes Attacktix figures need to be aged.

[skankinpezhead]

I have noticed this same occurence when pulling new figures out of their original bags. The way I see it, it is either the grease from the gears, or an oily manufacturing film left over from their creation. Either way it does seem to dry up fairly quickly.

[50sithlords]

This happened to me too. My Battle Case had a bunch of streaks of fluid all over it.

[Phoenix]

I thought this was interesting and somewhat troubling. It is a response to a "Ask Mark" question about putting your figures in plastic bags (specifically airtight ziplock bags) and why this is such a bad idea. The residue you may be seeing could have to do with attacktix plastic breaking down in those plastic bags they ship them out in with the high temps they are stored in some places.

As plastic deteriorates it puts off gases. In an air tight container (like a Ziplock bag) the concentration of gases can speed up the deterioration of the plastic. In fact, the deterioration of the relatively thin (unstable) baggies themselves can contribute to the problem as well. Even in a cool, dry environment, figures sealed in an airtight bag will deteriorate faster than if they were left out of such bags. Every situation is going to be different, but in all cases you're better off not placing your action figures in airtight bags. Sturdier (more stable) plastic shells, or acrylic coffins are a much better storage option, but even these should be watched carefully and changed once every couple years or so.

We all have figures in our collections that have a slimy, shinny, or mottled look to them. This deterioration is a direct cause of the chemicals within the plastic they are made of and in the end inevitable. There are other elements like mold that attack from the outside, most commonly attributed to the transfer of oils in our fingers by touch. Given time and given human contact these are all things that will effect plastic toys and detract from their appearance. The best environment to slow this process down is a cool, dry, and dust free environment; something that is at times difficult if not impossible to provide. While Ziplock bags may seem like a viable option, they can hasten the decay we are trying to prevent and should be avoided whenever possible.

from Rebelscum "ask mark", last question here:
www.rebelscum.com/story/front/Question_Mark_208_97810.asp

ETA: I didn't really believe this but after some more internet research it is true. Regular food storage bags may interact with the plastic of your action figures, so be sure to get the ones made from Mylar (what they usually use for comic books), or another kind of archival quality material. Just to be sure I emailed Ziploc officially tell me this is true. They said they will respond to me in 1-2 business days.

UPDATE: Ziploc wrote me back and said that collectibles should only be stored for 1-2 years in their bags.

[AWOL]

And all along I thought my figures were just sweating from overuse