How to Care for Your Creation: Display, Cleaning & Long-Term Preservation

You've received your custom creation. It's perfect. Now what?

With proper care, your creation will look just as vibrant decades from now as it does today. Here's everything you need to know.

Understanding Your Materials

First, know what you're working with.

Lifelike Quality (Mimaki Full-Color)

• Material: UV-cured photopolymer resin
• Color: Printed directly with UV-cure ink (10 million+ colors)
• Durability: Handle with care for best results
• Water resistance: Waterproof
• UV resistance: Excellent (UV-stable inks)

Our Lifelike creations are vastly superior to traditional sandstone creations in every way.

Displaying Your Creation

The Ideal Spot

Do choose:

• Stable surfaces (no wobbly tables)
• Away from high-traffic areas
• Visible but protected locations
• Temperature-stable environments

Avoid:

• Direct sunlight (even UV-resistant materials benefit from shade)
• Near heat sources (radiators, sunny windows, electronics)
• High humidity (bathrooms, kitchens)
• Areas prone to vibration

Display Cases

For valuable or sentimental pieces, consider:

• Glass domes: Classic, protective, dust-free
• Acrylic cases: Lightweight, shatter-resistant, modern
• Shadow boxes: Great for wall mounting
• Lighted displays: LED lighting showcases details (avoid heat-producing bulbs)

Creative Display Ideas

• Floating shelves: Clean, modern look
• Bookcases: Among books and objects
• Mantlepieces: Traditional, prominent
• Office desks: Daily joy and conversation starter
• Dedicated collections: Alongside other creations or memorabilia

Cleaning Your Creation

Dust happens. Here's how to handle it.

Regular Dusting (Weekly/Monthly)

Best method: Soft brush

• Use a clean, soft-bristled brush (makeup brushes work great)
• Gently sweep dust from surfaces
• Work from top to bottom
• Get into crevices carefully

Alternative: Compressed air

• Use short, controlled bursts
• Hold can upright
• Keep distance (no frost damage)
• Good for detailed areas

Deeper Cleaning (As Needed)

For Your Lifelike Creation:

1. Use dry cleaning methods primarily
2. If absolutely necessary, use a barely damp cloth only
3. No soap or cleaning products
4. Pat dry immediately
5. Handle with extra care when damp

What NOT to Do

• No abrasives: No scrubbing, no rough cloths
• No chemicals: No cleaning sprays, solvents, or alcohol
• No soaking: Even waterproof doesn't mean "please submerge me"
• No dishwasher: Seriously, don't
• No ultrasonic cleaners: Too aggressive for creations

Long-Term Preservation

Climate Control

If you're serious about preservation:

• Maintain stable humidity (40-50% ideal)
• Avoid temperature extremes
• Consider silica gel packets in display cases
• Climate-controlled rooms for valuable collections

Handling Best Practices

When you need to move your creation:

• Wash and dry hands first
• Hold by the base when possible
• Support multiple points for larger pieces
• Never grab protruding elements (arms, accessories)
• Move to a safe surface before examining closely

Documentation

For insurance and sentimental purposes:

• Keep order confirmation and any certificates
• Photograph from multiple angles
• Store documentation with the piece or digitally
• Note any customizations or special meaning

Dealing With Damage

Minor Dust Accumulation

Regular cleaning (see above).

Surface Scratches

Minor surface scratches on resin may be permanent, so handle with care to avoid scratching.

Chips or Breaks

Small chips:

• Save any broken pieces
• Contact us about repair options
• Some damage can be professionally restored

Major breaks:

• Don't attempt DIY glue repairs (often makes it worse)
• Contact us—we may be able to reprint
• Keep all pieces together carefully

Color Fading

If you notice fading despite our UV-resistant materials:

• Move away from direct light immediately
• Consider a UV-protective display case
• Document the change (photos for records)
• Contact us if it's significant

Special Situations

Moving House

• Original packaging is ideal
• Wrap in acid-free tissue paper
• Surround with soft packing materials
• Mark box as fragile
• Transport in climate-controlled vehicle if possible

Storage

If you must store (not display):

• Clean thoroughly first
• Wrap in acid-free tissue
• Place in archival box
• Climate-controlled storage
• Check periodically

Photographing Your Creation

• Soft, diffused lighting works best
• Rotate creation rather than moving lights
• Clean before shooting
• Plain backgrounds showcase best
• Macro mode reveals details

When Things Go Wrong

We stand behind our products. If you experience:

• Manufacturing defects
• Premature deterioration
• Significant color issues
• Structural problems

Contact our support team. We'll work with you to make it right.

Your Creation's Story

With proper care, your creation will outlast most other possessions. It will be there when you move, when you celebrate, when you remember.

Treat it well, and it will be around for the next generation to treasure.

Questions about our materials or quality? Contact us and we'll be happy to help.