When it comes to taking care of plastic miniatures, everyone seems to have their own way of doing things. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution yet. It really depends on what you plan to do with your minis. Whether you’re looking for a display case, something for wargaming competitions, or just an easy storage option, the choice varies. We’re here to chat about some pros and cons of the most popular options among mini enthusiasts.
Options of storing miniatures
Like I said earlier, how you store things really depends on what you’re using them for, how far you’re traveling, and what benefits you’re looking to get. So, think about these factors when choosing the best option for your needs.
Foams
Storing your miniatures at home, especially if you don’t take them out often, is super common and makes a lot of sense. It’s quick and easy! Sometimes you can find foam inserts that are perfectly shaped for specific games, usually made by the same companies that produce the games. But if not, there are plenty of third-party options out there too. One cool thing about using foam is that you can pop it into any travel bag or box—it doesn’t have to be an official miniature case. There’s this type called 'pick and pluck’ foam where you can customize it by pulling out bits to fit your minis just right. Plus, you can keep the leftover pieces to protect any figures that don’t quite fit in the slots.
You can even DIY it! Just grab a big piece of foam and cut around your minis yourself. The downside? Well, taking them in and out a lot might rub off some paint over time, which could make them look a bit worn out. And yeah, when you’re starting out with this method, it’s easy to forget how everything fits back together perfectly—so snapping a pic of your setup is definitely handy!
Boxes from plastic
When you hit up a hardware store, you’ll find tons of plastic boxes for all sorts of uses. These boxes come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Most folks use them to stash clothes, toys, papers, or little knick-knacks. But hey, they’re also awesome for board game lovers! You’ve got your screw boxes, ornament boxes, and tackle boxes with handy compartments that you can adjust however you like. It’s like having a box that’s totally customized just for you.
Then there are the ones with wheels—kind of like mini trolleys—which are super handy if you’re traveling with a bunch of minis. They’re perfect if you’ve got a big collection and often come with foam inserts or magnetic trays to keep everything secure.
Now let’s chat about storing just one miniature in a box. These are more like display cases than travel cases since they mainly keep dust and scratches at bay without the extra padding inside. You might need to tweak the interior a bit—maybe add some bubble wrap or foam—to make it work for displaying on your shelf.
With so many options out there, picking the right box can be tricky! But it’s all about getting creative and imagining what your ideal display box would look like—and then making it happen by exploring different solutions and ideas!
Magnets for minis
Magnets are definitely the go-to for keeping your miniatures secure during transport, so you don’t have to worry about them shifting around. Just glue some magnets to the base of your figures, and they’ll stay put. Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind when using magnets. If you’re heading to a convention or games tournament, expect your miniature storage to get scanned by security at an x-ray machine. Also, be sure to double-check the polarity so everything sticks together as it should!
Custom thermoforming
You probably know it as vacuum-formed plastic. Up until now, no one has been making custom boxes for specific games or armies. They just sent you a molded plastic form in a box that fits the miniatures perfectly. Plus, you can actually use the packaging it comes in! It makes traveling with your figures way easier, so don’t toss it out!
Inserts from wood and cut by laser
These are typically made to fit the size needs of games like Warhammer 40K. With wooden inserts, each miniature gets its own divider, which is pretty cool. You can swap around the inserts or trays as long as your minis fit in the dividers, making it a super flexible option. However, there aren’t any trays or magnets to keep the miniatures from shifting around. So there’s a chance they might move during transport. To help with this, you can always throw in some bubble wrap or foam to keep them from sliding around too much.
Display cases
These display cases are all about letting you enjoy your miniatures. They’re perfect for collectors who have special pieces that aren’t meant for gaming or tournaments. The cases mainly keep dust off your minis since there’s no foam or extra protection inside. Picture them as clear cubes with one side that opens up so you can easily place or remove a miniature. If you’re not into these, you could always go for classic glass cabinets or wooden stands instead. Feel free to get creative and modify the cases—like adding LEDs to highlight your favorite figure even more! Just remember to keep them out of direct sunlight, as it can mess with the paint on your miniatures over time. Check our cases – Hybrid Messenger and Victory can fit up to 360 miniatures regardless the game.
Storage cases
If you’re more into building an army rather than just collecting minis, this might be the perfect option for you. It’s kind of like a tackle box but way more secure and precise, especially when you’re traveling with your precious painted miniatures. There are several companies out there that make carrying cases specifically designed for storing and transporting these figures. Typically, you’ll find one or more trays with foam; the trays let you fit as many minis as possible while the foam keeps them safe from damage or scratches.
Army Case has come up with a game-changing idea by adding a magnetic system to their trays so you can stick your minis on them using magnets—no need for foam trays! This keeps your treasures firmly in place inside the carrying bag. You can adjust the number of shelves yourself and order extras from their website if needed. The steel frame is lightweight, water-resistant, and durable, finished off with a comfy handle that makes it look just like a regular travel bag.
Army Case launched three types of cases aimed at tabletop game fans. They all have similar features but differ in size: Hybrid Messenger and Victory can hold up to 360 miniatures regardless of the game type. They weigh about 3 kg without any filling and are perfectly sized to fit as carry-on luggage. On their website, you can pick your bag’s color while keeping the frame black. Thanks to their magnetic system, Army Case products stand out as unique—you can customize how much foam or how many trays you want based on your needs.
No matter which option you choose or what opinions you have about collecting miniatures, there are some tips to keep them in top condition for as long as possible: First (for painters), avoid cheap pigments since they tend to wear off quickly over time. Second, keep an eye on sunlight exposure—your unpainted minis dislike it just like cleaning supplies that could harm them do! Check out special forums where experienced users share advice on cleaning miniatures safely.
Thirdly—a bad case is better than no case at all; even if you’re not thrilled with yours right now—it still offers some protection for your minis! Lastly try handling them less often because every touch risks rubbing away paint over time!