PVC vs ABS Figures: What's the Difference?

If you have browsed any anime figure listing, you have seen the letters PVC and ABS. Every figure in our catalog uses one or both of these materials. Here is what they actually mean and why it matters for your collection.

PVC — The Standard

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the most common material for anime figures worldwide. It is a soft, flexible plastic that holds paint exceptionally well and allows sculptors to create fine details like hair strands, fabric folds, and facial features. The vast majority of our figures — from the ₪11 Genshin Impact Paimon to the ₪76 Demon Slayer Nezuko — are made primarily from PVC.

Pros: Excellent paint adhesion, fine detail capability, smooth surface finish, widely available.
Cons: Can lean or warp in extreme heat (above 35°C), softer than ABS so slightly more prone to scratches.

ABS — The Reinforcement

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a harder, more rigid plastic. You know ABS from LEGO bricks — it is tough, heat-resistant, and holds its shape under stress. In anime figures, ABS is typically used for structural parts: bases, joints, accessories, and load-bearing sections.

Pros: Very durable, heat-resistant, holds shape long-term, good for structural parts.
Cons: Does not hold paint as well as PVC, less suitable for fine sculpt detail, can feel more toy-like on its own.

PVC+ABS — The Best of Both

Many figures in our catalog are labeled PVC+ABS, meaning they use both materials strategically. The Gojo & Toji Sitting Pose (₪19) and the Hatsune Miku Cheerleader Style (₪43) both use PVC for the detailed body sculpts and ABS for bases and structural elements. This combination gives you the best detail quality with the best durability.

Does Material Affect Price?

Not directly. Price is determined more by size, detail level, licensing, and production run than by material choice. A ₪14 PVC figure can look just as good as a ₪40 PVC+ABS figure at half the size. Material choice affects durability and long-term care more than visual quality.

Care Tips by Material

• PVC figures: Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not leave near a window in Israeli summer — 40°C heat can cause PVC to soften and lean. Room temperature is fine.
• ABS parts: More forgiving with temperature but can become brittle over many years. Handle bases gently.
• Both: Dust regularly with a soft brush. Avoid chemical cleaners — a slightly damp cloth is enough for stubborn spots.

Now that you know the difference, browse our full catalog with confidence — you will know exactly what you are getting.