You've ordered a prop, it arrived in perfect condition, you took it to a convention and it was a hit — and now it's sitting on the floor of your closet leaning against the wall. We've all been there. Your props deserve better, and storing them correctly will keep them looking great for years to come. Here's how to do it right.
Displaying Props: Showing Them Off Between Cons
The most satisfying thing you can do with a prop is display it somewhere you can actually enjoy it. Here are the best options depending on what you have:
Wall Mounts for Weapons
Horizontal sword mounts and weapon wall brackets are available from most hobby and gaming retailers and look incredible. A 120cm Darkmoon Greatsword or Dragonslayer mounted on a wall is a conversation piece in any room. Make sure the mount is secured to a wall stud (not just drywall) for longer or heavier weapons. Most of our weapons weigh between 500g and 1.5kg, so any decent mount will handle them fine.
Stands and Easels for Helmets
Foam wig heads or display stands designed for cosplay helmets work well for most of our helmet designs. Position the stand so the helmet sits balanced and level. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight — UV exposure will fade paint over time, even sealed paint. A cool, dry shelf away from south-facing windows is ideal.
Shadow Boxes and Display Cases
For smaller props — the Vorpal Blade, Knifey, the Gravity Gun, pistols — a wall-mounted shadow box or display case looks fantastic and protects against dust. IKEA's BESTA and DETOLF cases are popular choices in the cosplay community because they're affordable, look clean, and come in multiple sizes.
Storing Props: Protecting Them When Not on Display
If you're not displaying a prop permanently, storing it correctly matters a lot. Here's what to avoid and what to do instead:
Avoid: Leaning Against Walls
This is the most common way props get damaged between conventions. A tall sword leaning at an angle for weeks will gradually develop a warp, especially in warm environments. Always store large weapons horizontally, supported at multiple points along the blade, not just at the handle.
Avoid: Storing in a Hot Garage or Car
PLA plastic softens at sustained temperatures above about 60°C (140°F). A car in summer sun can reach interior temperatures of 70–90°C. A hot garage does similar damage over time. Store your props in a cool, climate-controlled space — inside the house is almost always fine.
Do: Use Foam-Lined Cases or Tubes
For transport and long-term storage, a foam-lined equipment case is the gold standard. You can buy pre-made foam inserts or cut your own from craft foam to cradle the prop perfectly. For swords and long weapons, hard cardboard tubes (available from moving supply stores) padded with bubble wrap inside work extremely well and cost almost nothing.
Do: Hang or Lay Flat
Helmets are best stored flat on a padded surface or hung on a hook by their interior padding. Never store a helmet under a stack of other items — pressure can crack or warp the shell over time. A fabric drawstring bag over the helmet keeps dust off without creating pressure.
Long-Term Care
Every few months, give your props a quick inspection. Look for any chips in the paint or sealer, especially on high-contact areas like handles and edges. A small touch-up with matching acrylic paint followed by a coat of clear sealer takes five minutes and keeps the prop looking freshly finished indefinitely.
If you have questions about the best way to store or display a specific prop you ordered from us, get in touch — we know these pieces inside out and we're happy to advise.
