by Thita (admin)
on December 6, 2010
LEGO comes in many beautiful and vibrant colors. I have LEGO from the 70s that is just as bright as if it would have come from a set purchased today.
LEGO won’t get discolored, nor would the colors fade, if you keep one thing in mind; avoid strong light!
If LEGO gets exposed to direct or strong indirect sun (like midday sun through a window) on a regular basis, it will eventually get discolored. Discoloration can also happen from artificial light that is too bright and too close to your display.
This will especially be visible on white and blue bricks. (White will turn yellowish, and blue a brownish dirty-blue.) Look at the bricks below; all 3 of them are white, but the middle one was exposed to too much sun!
So, if you are planning to showcase some of your Lego collection on a shelf, or other open area, make sure the location won’t get exposed to strong sunlight any time during the day. And any lamps and other artificial lighting should be soft and a few feet away.
Although my room has lots of windows, I have my LEGO displays facing North, so even with the curtains open, they are never exposed to direct sunlight.
If you are displaying your LEGO for long periods of time, it is also a good idea to check on them every six months or so. Remove a couple of bricks and see if you see any difference between the sides that have been exposed to light, to the sides that are touching other bricks.
If you see any discoloration, change the lighting or relocate your display to another location. Or, just take it all apart and build something new!
As a LEGO enthusiast with a deep understanding of the factors affecting LEGO preservation, I can attest to the accuracy of the information provided in the article by Thita. Preserving the vibrant colors of LEGO bricks is not only a matter of aesthetics but also a concern for collectors and enthusiasts who value the longevity and quality of their LEGO collections.
The key point emphasized by Thita is the impact of light exposure on LEGO discoloration. This aligns with my firsthand experience and knowledge in LEGO care. Sunlight, both direct and strong indirect sun, can indeed lead to discoloration over time. The article correctly points out that white and blue bricks are particularly susceptible, with white turning yellowish and blue acquiring a brownish, dirty hue when exposed to excessive light.
Furthermore, the mention of artificial light is crucial. Bright and close artificial lighting can also contribute to discoloration, reinforcing the need for careful consideration when displaying LEGO creations. The precautionary measures suggested, such as keeping displays away from strong sunlight and using soft, distant artificial lighting, are practical and effective ways to mitigate the risk of discoloration.
The article's advice to periodically check LEGO displays for discoloration every six months and take corrective action is a proactive approach to maintaining the quality of LEGO collections. This reflects a thorough understanding of the potential long-term effects of light exposure on LEGO bricks.
In summary, Thita's insights align with my expertise in LEGO care, emphasizing the importance of preventing strong light exposure to maintain the vibrant colors of LEGO bricks. This includes both natural sunlight and artificial lighting considerations. Implementing these recommendations will undoubtedly contribute to the preservation of LEGO collections for years to come.
FAQs
LEGO won't get discolored, nor would the colors fade, if you keep one thing in mind; avoid strong light! If LEGO gets exposed to direct or strong indirect sun (like midday sun through a window) on a regular basis, it will eventually get discolored.
Can Legos get sun damage? ›
Even so, LEGO products can start to show signs of wear with time, particularly if they are played with frequently. Factors such as extreme temperatures, humidity or strong direct sunlight can lead to premature wear, as can contact with cleaning materials or some cosmetics.
What causes legos to discolor? ›
Over time, the plastic used in Lego® pieces can become exposed to UV light and oxygen, which can cause the plastic to be yellow or discolored.
How to fix sun faded LEGO? ›
Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be effective at restoring the original color of your Lego pieces, but it should be used with caution.
Can you undo sun damage? ›
While medical professionals cannot reverse the effects of sun damage entirely, there are treatments that can help with collagen production, skin turnover, improvements in the appearance of dark spots and more. These include: Topical treatments containing retinol.
Why do my white Legos turn yellow? ›
We all know that long term exposure to ultraviolet light has a detrimental effect on LEGO bricks. Somewhere in your collection are white pieces that could be mistaken for tan, a blue part that has faded and has an off tint, and some old grey that is a little more yellow than when it was new.
Why did LEGO people stop being yellow? ›
According to LEGO Ideas Design Manager Samuel Johnson, using skin tones (rather than yellow minifigures) gives builders 'the opportunity to see themselves in one of these characters'. “We wanted to make everyone feel represented,” he explained to Brickset. “It's about representation, diversity and inclusivity.
When did LEGO stop using yellow? ›
It was through partnerships with movie franchises like Star Wars and Harry Potter that Minifigures of different sizes and skin tones began to be produced – in 2002, the Yoda Minifigure was the first with short legs and, from 2004 onwards, all licensed LEGO Minifigures no longer had yellow faces.
What happens if you leave LEGO in the sun? ›
Also, don't leave them in direct sunlight to dry. When the bricks get really hot they may change shape, which means they won't work anymore!
Do LEGOs deteriorate over time? ›
"Yes," Lego bricks can break. Even these seemingly indestructible bricks can suffer wear and tear over time. Just like any other toy, they can break if mishandled, subjected to excessive stress, or not handled with care.
They were able to determine how much the weathered LEGOs had been worn down by ocean waves, sand, and salt over time. They then projected it takes between 100 and 1,300 years for the bricks to completely disintegrate.
Why does LEGO fade? ›
UV damage is a HUGE issue. If you can't store them anywhere else for the time being, cover them with sheets of fabric to block the UV radiation before it can yellow the pieces.
Why are all Legos yellow? ›
First created in 1975, LEGO minifigures were originally chosen to be yellow in order to promote the idea of racial neutrality. LEGO, at one time, explained on its website: “We chose yellow to avoid assigning a specific ethnicity in sets that don't include any specific characters.
Is vinegar bad for Legos? ›
Tubs of LEGO are put into laundry bags and run through our modified washer with vinegar. The vinegar disinfects, deodorizes, and de-greases the bricks without leaving toxic residue.
Can sun damaged paint be repaired? ›
If your car does NOT have a clear coat, your best option would be to get it repainted by a professional instead of taking on the task yourself. If your car does have a clear coat, this makes it easier to repair the sun fade on your own. All you need is a few supplies, including: A car buffing compound.
How do you clean discolored LEGO bricks? ›
We recommend that you clean your LEGO® parts by hand using water no hotter than 104°F / 40°C and a soft cloth or sponge. Higher temperatures may affect the quality of the parts. You can add a mild detergent to the water - please rinse them well with clear water afterwards and you're done!
