How To Clean, Restore, and Care for Vintage Star Wars Action Figures
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ส.ค. 2013
- This is a complete end-to-end guide on Cleaning, Restoring, and Care/Storage for Vintage Star Wars action figures and playsets.
This video includes some unique Pro Finishing Tips for Vintage Action Figure Restoration that will help preserve them much further into the future and add that extra bit of enhancement to your collection.
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This video saved my collection. THANK YOU so much for your knowledge! Please make more videos.
This video saved my collection. I did my entire vintage Star Wars, Thundercats & He-Man figures to start and they look amazing. Black Magic Pro Shine is the way to go... except I don't think they manufacture it anymore, which stinks. But it's definitely the best product for this. Thanks for the vid!
i've used windex on my nasty figures with a sink full of really warm water handy to rinse and after they come out of the rinse and dry on the fiber towel they feel very clean and look really good with no paint missing. basically the chemicals in the windex breaks down the oils and dirt from peoples hands and what not and they get clean. i do not let it sit on there for very long and will agitate a certain spot if really dirty and then rinse with plain water that is very warm and almost hot. as hot as you can stand to handle the figure under water and have gotten very good results. however, you are very detailed in the way you do them and talking to a chemist was a smart move given the age and how delicate these items can be. so props to you for showing us a very informative video on care for these vintage toys. thanks. and may the force be with you.
Thanks for the compliment! As a matter of fact, Windex used to be my go-to chemical for cleaning old toys and collectibles as well! Once I discovered this combination of techniques, however, I never went back. Waaay safer long term, and results were much more satisfying, at least in my case.
Very helpful. I tried some of these techniques and was amazed with my very complete vintage collection. My millennium falcon was so yellow and is really white and shiny now. What i learned from you that was essential was essential was about restoring the plasticers. My collection is worth alot of money and you did me a big favor with this knowledge. Thanks.
Thanks! That really makes me happy to hear that! Always made me sad to know that nothing lasts forever. At least we can try to make them last a really, REALLY long time!
BTW, just received a Mint-Condition Sealed 12" Sideshow Bib Fortuna in the mail today. His brain-tails (head tentacles) are totally melting down now. Sticky and wet to the touch. Going to be restoring him with exactly this technique this weekend! Same with 12" Sideshow Boushh's boots. This is directly a result of people keeping these in their original sealed boxes in a non-temperature/moisture-controlled environment. They need to 'breath'!
It's been 8 yrs, has the product protected your toys? I was hesitant as long term it may damage the plastic/rubber?
@@GeorgePangTC Hey thanks for asking! I just posted some pics in my Community Tab of those SAME figures today. They still look great and they are not sticky or tacky either. Joints still work fine. I would strongly recommend letting them air dry for about a week after applying. Don't store them in airtight plastic for years on end either:
www.youtube.com/@buriedegg8636/community
Hi
Just finished cleaning my 100+ collection of Heman using your method. They now look great!
Thanks for the video.
So glad to hear it! Happy Thanksgiving if you're States-side!
Paul Bullock I was wondering how this affected HeMan figures. Are you still happy with the results? Any problems with the paint, like the head?
Oh thanks so much for this cause I have my 3po case full of these vintage figures that were sticky and so worried that they were ruined. I am so happy to be able to fix them ,you rock ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
You're very welcome! So glad this video helped!
Did the stickiness come off?
Very informative video, man. I have a small collection that I've acquired through the years and I'm curious as to how dirty my figures are. Will definitely give this a try on some of my Star Wars figurines. Thank you!!
Glad to hear it! I just tried it on some vintage He-Man figs last night. Worked like a charm! Good luck!
BTW, just received a Mint-Condition Sealed 12" Sideshow Bib Fortuna in the mail today. His brain-tails (head tentacles) are totally melting down now. Sticky and wet to the touch. Going to be restoring him with exactly this technique this weekend! Same with 12" Sideshow Boushh's boots. This is directly a result of people keeping these in their original sealed boxes in a non-temperature/moisture-controlled environment. They need to 'breath'!
polypropylene bags are the best way to store your figures and thanks for the advice on cleaning.
Vintage starwas and g1 transformers are the best!!! They paved the way for all of these others coming in the last 15 years or so.
ABSOLUTELY! Vintage Star Wars practically invented the 3.75" scale. They were the sole reason I got into this hobby at age 4! But the G1 Transformers are definitely the greatest action figure line to come out of that era. There is nothing, NOTHING like the tactile sensation of handling, transforming and just manipulating a G1 in your hand. Even today. All of that die-cast metal combined with the plastic sculpting was (and is) just a unique and complete end-to-end experience! Just the weight of those things, man! Nothing like them...
Yes! Thank you for this good advice! I was just looking at these as a longer term option. Polypropylene bags are what I used to store my comics in when I was a kid. Originally, wasn't sure about it's chemical interaction with PVC action figure plastic, but they are confirmed to be safe by collectors everywhere.
I'm curious this has been 8 years ago how are your figures doing now ? Has this made them worse or better or no noticeable difference.
@@villarrealblue72 Hi and thanks for asking! I actually just pulled them all out of the Darth Vader case to transfer them out of the little sandwich snack bags, so I checked them out. My figures are looking very shiny and joints have move buttery smooth movement. No stickiness. No tackiness. Also, interesting to note: I have NOT had to do the whole above cleaning/conditioning process again over these last 8 years. The original cleaning I did in this video was enough to last almost a decade. Hope that is helpful!
Thank you this is VERY helpful & hopeful.
I know they won't last forever but if it helps them just that much longer I will try.
Very informative !!! I subbed .
Thanks!
I love this video man, this hopefully will be a game changer for my vintage tmnt figures. I’ve been looking everywhere for something to get rid of the natural sticky plastic, but always come short, until now that is. I do want to ask you the the exact product name for that car spray you’re using in the video. I know you mentioned it in the video, but I just want to make sure I get the right one, and not end up damaging my figures even more. Thanks so much, I am greatly thankful for this find.
great video thanks! have you tried this to a, OT Stormtrooper? If yes, did it work as well?
ty. very informative👍👍
some great tips
Very nicely done congrats
+TheDarthvalen Thanks!
Hey a couple questions for you:
1. Does this plasticizer process reverse yellowing?
2. If not, have you tried it after a Retrobrite restoration? And what were the results?
3. How has the treatment held up? How many years ago was your oldest examples?
I remember whenever I’d open A Vintage Star Wars figure back in The 1980’s One thing I remember , The Action Figures had Such A fresh Plastic type of smell they had And they actually smelled in A Strange way So Good !
I did find a draw back. After polishing my vintage figures, they did turn out like new. It was a long process. However the joints will be looser, and the guns won't stay in some of the hands because of being so slippery. That it was important to share. But overall I'm glad I did this with my entire vintage line. Like I said, they all look brand new and it is important to protect your figures BEFORE they get tacky and/or paint chips off, etc.
Thanks! Remember to polish and rub that stuff in really well. Also, in about 3 days to a week the slipperiness will go away as the plastic soaks in the chemical, and you will see that the weapons and accessories, indeed, stay firmly in the figures' grips once again! Thanks again for the input and the share!
Buried Egg Well it only happened to a few. Some of them NEVER did hold the damn gun well. Showcasing my vintage collection with a very bright light is amazing. My Millennium Falcon was very yellow, and filthy. It looks brand new and shiny as well. Thanks again.
super glue them babes to there hand
Shane Graef try using the warm water to get the plastic back to its original shape
Awesome vid and very informative. I've started using 6% hydrogen peroxide with a bit of Oxi and I can see results after a couple of days in the sun. The only question I have is regarding your plastic restorer spray you use. I'm in the UK and cannot get the one you use, any recommendations that I could get in the uk?
really good video
I hope it helped people out!
+Christian Brayshaw
@Christian Brayshaw - Good question! Black Magic Pro Shine Protectant is a petroleum-based. I guess you would have to look for a product in the UK that is also petroleum-based (rather than Alcohol-based).
Thanks for the response. Do you think that will help with the smell? They ought to make that a requirement on Ebay to divulge whether it is a smoking or non smoking house.
Thanks much for your reply.
Will the liquid cleaner affect the paint anyway? I will try to do this on a vintage 1978 electronic r2. It was passed on from my father to me haha
I just recently left my phase 2 commander cody action figure in my pocket and it went through the wash and it has all this blue stuff on it and i tried this method and it didn't really come out so do you have any ideas on how to get it off. It would be much appreciated! Thanks!
Hi, I have a figure [Batman Begins Collector Edition].
Recently the joints of the figure starts 'emitting' sticky gooey stuff every time I bend them. Its not just sticky, but it also produce a residue. The product is the same residue you get when rubbing your hands together, just that its stickier and no matter how I tried to rub it off or wash it off it keeps spreading and doesn't go away... Are these the same thing as what you've mentioned as plastic melting? It only happens to the joints btw..
Please advise on how to fix the figure...thank you in advance!
Is the same Black Magic protectant still available?
Looking online and not finding it.
If its not available anymore, what else would you use to give the figures that shine?
I still see it on Walmart’s website, but you can really use any “dashboard protectant”. Meguires or Mother’s brand works just as well. In my experience, meguires is a little more greasy than mothers. Would choose mothers brand between the two.
Do you have a way to clean mint in package toys? I have a ton of marvel legends figures but the clear packaging is turning yellow to where you can't hardly see the figures.
good video, thanks
Thanks for the kind words!
Do you recommend doing the last part (after the washing) to new Falcon from Hasbro to prevent it from yellowing?
No. I don't start the conditioning process until they collectible is very old and actually requires it.
Hi, you seem to be the only person I can find on the internet who is using any kind of protective liquid/spray for your figures. Everything you said in your video and previously in other comments below make a lot of sense. I recently purchased a bunch of old Masters of the Universe figures for my son and I was wondering if I should or shouldn't use the Black Magic on the figures since he'll be handling and playing with these. On the Household Products Database it states that there are no carcinogens in it, but I'm just wondering what your advice would be. Thank you for your time. :)
Great question! As far as safety for the figures themselves, Black Magic is great for vintage He-Man figures. Just did some last week.
I don't have any hard data on child safety, but I don't see any safety warnings on the bottle. For what it's worth, my 4yr-old and I have been cleaning the car together with that stuff for the last 2 years. We take microfiber cloths soaked in the stuff and just go to town on the car. We also do the figs together. His and my hands are drenched in the stuff by the end of a session. I don't imagine that they would recommend a product to be applied so generously to all the car's interior surfaces if it wasn't safe to be in contact with little one's skins.
Again, though, no hard data. Just my perception. Thanks!
I actually don't have any vintage He-Man figs at the moment. Used to have a huge collection!
I would have to inspect the materials they are made from in-person before I would give my official "okay" to use a these cleaning products on them. I will say that I have NOT come across a plastic yet that didn't respond very well to these dashboard cleaner products. I hope that helps.
I would most likely go right ahead and use it but I say, again, that I would need to see the plastic first-hand before
i have a landspeeder. i want to reapply the decal on the dashboard. how can i remove the windshield. can i spray the backs with spray adhesive and reapply them
Great video. I'm wanting to display my figures standing up in a display case. Do you know of a recommended "ticky-tack" type product that can be used to help them stand up that will not damage the figures?
Nathalie McDonald All Right! So glad you asked this question! I've been dying to post up a
vid on this technique but haven't had time (moving/buying new house).
Before I answer, though, I need to know if these are 3.75" vintage Star Wars and G.I.Joe types of figures, or modern larger format figures like NECA or Hot Toys, which have complex paint jobs and are considerably heavier and more pose-able than vintage 3.75" figs. Its important!
Buried Egg Thanks for your response. My figures are the 1977 vintage 3.75" Star Wars figures. I have found the clear, round, plastic stands for pre -'84 figures. Would that be a better option than trying to find a sticky substance to help them stand up?
Nathalie McDonald Okay, it's funny that you should mention those small disc-shaped figure foot stands we've all seen everywhere! I actually automatically assumed you wanted a way to stand them up with no obvious foot stand or support wires/rods. The classic old "go-to" solutions have always been those disc stands and/or "FunTak". FunTak is great but it *does* lose its elasticity and 'stickiness' over time. It also won't support heavier figures and there's always a chance that it can creep out from under the figure's feet and spoil the illusion with it's ugly "goo" appearance.
I was even thinking that the 'floor' of your display case, on which they will be standing, is glass and that was why you didn't go for the "old standby's". Glass, obviously, would reveal what's
underneath the figure's feet. Otherwise the above solutions would work as long as people can't see under the feet.
Anyway, check this out! Polyurethane Varnish! (aka "Clear Coat")
If you want perfectly disguised support and adhesive qualities Polyurethane Varnish is it! It's completely transparent and it dries into a rubbery flexible sort of 'skin'.
You can buy it at any store that sells Acrylic Paints. This means craft stores like "Michael's" and big box hardware stores like "Lowes". With a small detail brush, or even a toothpick, paint a
tiny amount of it onto the bottoms of the action figure's feet, and then quickly stick em' down onto your glass surface. This will act like a weak glue so keep in mind you won't be able pick them
up and handle them once they're mounted down. Now you might want to consider applying just a small dot of it on the bottom of the feet. Otherwise, to remove the varnish you'd need a chemical
stripper. If its just a dot you can pick it off with your fingernail if you ever needed to move, unmount, or rearrange your display figures.
Now, another trick (NOT tested yet!) is to paint, with a small detail brush, just a 1-3 thin layers onto the bottoms of the feet and let dry. Then paint a couple layers of it onto the display
'floor' in the form of little 'footprints'. The idea is that the feet are permanently 'tacky' and the invisible footprints yo've just painted onto your wooden, plastic, or even glass display
flooring is also semi-sticky. Now you *should* have (in concept!) a perfect mounting system that will allow you to pick up, rearrange, or just play with the figures and then place them right back
on their sticky little footprints and it's all totally invisible! I'm building a new display system right now and I will be testing this idea out eventually.
Another method I've used in the past is simply clear double-sided tape. Check out Lowes or Home Depot. The 3M and Scotch brands out there have some really powerful stuff nowadays! Read the packages
and decide how much grip and how permanent you want it to be. Be careful when you get up to level of the Outdoor application double-sided tapes! That stuff is strong enough to hold Greyhound Bus to
the side of your house! Just get some moderately strong "Clear" 2-sided tape and make sure it's not the wimpy paper-based office application stuff. You want something rated for hanging pictures or
home repairs. Then just cut out teeny-tiny little discs and stick em' to bottoms of the feet. Done!
If you're still curious about the FunTak and foot-stand disc solutions all the way at the beginning of this super-long post, here's how I use them:
Footstands can be unsightly but they are 'classics' and a good solution if you're just doing a quick temporary display (like for a toyfair diorama or something). Only problem is that the pegs don't
always fit the figure snugly enough. This is where a small blob of FunTak placed on top of the peg can help. The FunTak should just stuff itself right into the foot's peg hole and hold the little
guys firmly. Another more reliable and longer lasting method (FunTak dries out eventually) is to heat up a soldering iron and gently, lightly "stab" the pointy hot tip directly into the center of
the footstand's peg. You want to be careful to only stab a tiny (less than a millimeter deep!) bit of the way in. This will slightly mushroom the peg making it a REALLY tight fit. I used this for
nearly all of my NECA figures early on. NECA figures are inexpensive, yet beautiful works of art that absolutely will not stay standing without support.
Try one or all of these out and come back here to let everyone know what worked best!
Buried Egg One more really helpful thing: That Polyurethane Varnish (aka "Clear Coat") that I mentioned has been my life-saver for figures with loose joints (I'm looking at YOU vintage G.I.Joes!). When a figure's legs or shoulders start getting floppy and too loose to stand upright or hold a tactical command radio up to his ear, it time to apply 3-4 thin coats of Polyurethane Varnish right inside the joints. Let dry after each application and then, when done, BOOM! a rejuvenated tight jointed poseable figure again!
I even use this on my 10" scale Kai PlayArts figures! Solid Snake was unposeable until I applied this to the ball-socket joints where his thighs connect to his waist/crotch housing. Now, "When Snake sneaks out at night, his hips don't lie!" ...Sorry, couldn't help it. But it works. It really works and its totally transparent and lasts forever.
Recently purchased a Vintage collection figure and found out that the bubble never was glued correctly to the card bellow the feet. Any ideas?
So is it better to buy old action figures open box rather in box? because if they are melting inside the box, theres no way to clean them. correct?
+Roger Toledano Each collector collects for their own reasons or purposes, so I wouldn't judge and say one thing is "better" than another. I know that these figures are not going to last forever, but neither will the earth! Eventually, in a few billion years, our Sun will go super-nova and burn the Earth to a crisp! So, I still collect mint-on-card vintage Star Wars figures.
Bottom line:
1. If you want to play with them, buy open-box, but keep in mind that you'll have to take steps (like what I've outlined in this video) if you want to preserve them for more play!
2. If you want to collect Mint-On-Card figures for display-only go right ahead. I think they're great! Just be aware that they're actually melting! Nothing lasts forever.
Good luck and happy collecting!
Great video! Very helpful. I’ve been using 3 in 1 Silicone Spray on my sticky Marvel Legends figures. It works fine. But when I wash them again with dish washing liquid, the stickiness returns and I have to treat them again with Silicone Spray. Does it also happen with Black Magic? TIA.
Learned about the Silicone spray during my Rubik’s cubing days. It seems safe on vinyls.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video! I haven't had any recurring stickiness after applying the Black Magic conditioner. I wonder if in a few years it might recur, though. From what I've been told from restoration professionals and chemists, the process of plastic chemically breaking down can begin again over time. It hasn't happened to me after about 3 years so far.
Buried Egg Thanks for the reply. But you have not washed them with dish washing liquid and water for 3 years too, right?
Ronaldo Moraleta Correct. I only wash and brush them first time. Only to release the years of dirt or neglect. After that they should never have a reason to get dirty again if stored properly. Just occasionally re-apply conditioner as-needed.
Where'd you get the Death Star playset? What State? Man, I had one, complete, and never put the stickers on. It was left in my mom's friend's garage in storage and when we moved, we never returned to retrieve our stuff in storage.
Top tip - you are more likely to get the restorer into all the nooks and cranny if you spray it directly onto the figure rather than onto a clothe.
That's a good one!
Hi, i have collectible figures from neca mcfarlane and mezco to be specific, i dont know if those and the star wars figures are made of the same materials but some of them are getting sticky and are like sweting some kind of oil, and i when i wash them it damaged the paint do you recomend just put the black magic product and not wash them i hope you can advice me it may sound silly but i got really sad see my figures like this
I don't know about that. I'm a big NECA collector and I just don't know how the paint on those figures would hold up to a plastic conditioner. NECA is really fragile.
I have vintage 1988 ninja turtles still unopened in the case..but i have noticed sum white dryish reaction on their green skin ..could the heat be a factor on why thats happening ???
If you rub it to much will it scrub some of the paint off?
Hey man I was wondering if I could make a video using your method on cleaning figures cus I have a vintage Darth Vader figure that is getting that tacky gooy plastic break down feeling and I would give full credit to you and the name of your channel I just wanna help spread the word!:)
Absolutely! Go for it! I might have been the first person to think of this but I don't believe that I, or anyone, can "own" this idea. No one can "own" an idea. Spread the word if it's useful. If you want to give credit to me, I would only ask that you make sure to post a link to my channel or video, as well, while mentioning me. Just makes it easier for folks to find my channel among all of TH-cam's random auto-recommendations. Thanks and good luck!
I found one on google. It’s the same brand same name, but this is in a black bottle. Do you know if it’s the same product, just with a different packaging?
I was just wondering if you still feel this is the best way to protect the figures. I understand it's a do it at my own risk kind of thing but, you sound very knowledgeable on the subject.
jayc3472 Yep, still using this method! It's worked great for years and I haven't had any negative or otherwise unwanted side effects. It's a great feeling to finish restoring a large batch of vintage collectibles like this. Very rewarding and the only 'cost' is "hard work"!
Buried Egg Glad to hear that it worked out for you with no side effects. I bought some black magic the other day so I'll be finishing up my figures shortly. Thanks for the reply and info.
Hey buddy, I took your advice with the cleaning and restoring of some of my vintage Star Wars items with the Magic Pro Shine. They look great. However, I've read from some people on the net that this can actually damage the figures long-term, because it has a petroleum base. Did your friend happen to mention anything about this, and have you noticed any adverse effects on your stuff yet?
No adverse affects whatsoever when using the "Black Magic Pro Shine". I even ran it by NASA's Artifact Restoration Team (at Udvar-Hazy Air & Space Museum) and they said those claims are baseless. We had a few trolls on here awhile back in the comments claiming it "could" cause long term damage but they had nothing to back up their claims.
I will post pictures of my figures this weekend in these comments. The very same figures cleaned 3 years ago in this video. You'll see they are like new as if it was 1980 again!
Furthermore, those people claiming that plastic conditioners might damage Vintage Star Wars figures long-term ought to take a look at what happens to old plastic action figures when they DON'T get treated with the conditioner. Maybe it's time to post up some pics of melted gooey Vintage Star Wars figures!
Thanks, buddy. I appreciate the fast response. I've used Pro Shine for awhile now, and have loved the results I've had. It really works wonders on those old figures.
hi wanted to ask does the toothbrush trick remove yellowing too? sad to say some of my gi joes and star wars figures have gone a bit yellow and i wanted to know if running it under warm water and brushing it for a few minutes whitens it again. thank you :)
Good question, and a very frequently asked one too! I mentioned to another user here, that I have an all-white Vintage ANH Princess Leia with some yellowing on it. It appeared to help a bit but after drying it overnight and examining under white colorless lights it really didn't seem to make enough a difference for me to claim any benefit.
The general consensus amongst collectors is that there is no cure for yellowing. There is a lot of discussion regarding using a 3% Hydrogen Peroxide solution followed by sunlight. Apparently, it really works but there are HUGE CONCERNS about the possible long term effects. It is unknown whether this will end up damaging the plastic even more so I wouldn't try it on anything you value. Maybe a 3-5 year experiment would be appropriate first!
Buried Egg
thanks for the reply i guess ill just have to leave it, shame though i had a gi joe toy where some parts of his body is really yellow then other parts are white so he looks a bit odd haha, i did try brushing him but it only seemed to help a tiny bit but nothing major. i did hear washing powder worked but im more concerned of the paint coming off so i dont want to risk it.
this did help my star wars figures though it cleaned my stormtroopers good some yellowing but it helped a lot with them :)
unknownfilms Yeah, I have an original 1983 Stormshadow with the same problem. Nothing I can do. However, to tighten up those loose joints I do have a solution! Use polyurethane varnish (also known as "Clear Coat"). Take a small brush and just dab/drip it into the joint. Works better if you take the figure apart and apply to joints. Then let dry and test. May take additional coatings. Enjoy!
Buried Egg
cool thanks :)
What do you recommend I do to get rid of the stickiness of vintage figures? Just a bath?
+Guernicaman Its all there in the video, my friend.
someone got a greasy sunscreen feel on my G1 Optimus Prime. Will this method of cleaning work on G1 Prime? please reply.
The smell, like I mention in the video, might actually be the odor of the plastic breaking down. That plastic after 20-30 years starts 'melting' and giving off an odor very similar to cigarette smoke. I used antibacterial dish detergent to clean mine and then Black Magic Pro-shine Protectant to polish them ad the smell was gone. After about 2 months I noticed they faintly smelled like that again. Just like maintaining a car, these action figures might need regular repeated polishings.
Toy Pollie I have a question I have a 1982 admiral ackbar figure with some weird almost looks like candy on his foot and I’ve tried everything to get it off any idea onto how to get it off
You might wanna check whose video you commented on.
Do you do the same cleaning with the plastic capes? What about the felt capes?
+Tavis Malmstrom Great question! AB-SO-LUTELY! The capes are made of Vinyl and these automotive conditioners are specifically made to treat Vinyl as well.
For cloth capes, use Scotch tape (or that super strong clear packing tape!) and dab the sticky side onto the cloth to pull out any gunk, dirt, or light stains. Just keep sticking the tape onto the cloth, and then pulling it straight up and away to remove everything from pet hair to knotted fabric to 35yr old sticky candy!
Thank you! So, should I undress them and how do I redress?
Tavis Malmstrom NO! So far I've only had to clean the "Emperor's Royal Guard" and "Tessek" cloth capes. They are NOT removable. I just use the tape method while they're on the figure. If I could remove them I would have actually washed them!
does this process clean yellowing as well? or is there a different process to clean up the yellowing off vintage toys?
I have an all-white Vintage ANH Princess Leia with some yellowing on it. It appeared to help a bit but after drying it overnight and examining under white colorless lights it really didn't seem to make enough a difference for me to claim any benefit.
The general consensus amongst collectors is that there is no cure for yellowing. There is a lot of discussion regarding using a 3% Hydrogen Peroxide solution followed by sunlight. Apparently, it really works but there are HUGE CONCERNS about the possible long term effects. It is unknown whether this will end up damaging the plastic even more so I wouldn't try it on anything you value. Maybe a 3-5 year experiment would be appropriate first!
Buried Egg ok thanks....btw I used your technique for a g2 yellow devastator set and used some repro stickers and they look awesome:)
Can you clean the vinyl capes in the same way?
Sry for the late reply. Yes, absolutely! That's how I got many of my original Vintage (instead of repro) capes. I would buy the cheaper priced dirty wrinkly ones on eBay for waaay less. Then I'd clean them and massage them with the plastic conditioners. They look like new! All smooth and flattened, shiny!
So if I did this with my vintage Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collection it wouldn't hurt the collector value?
You opened them from the package and now you want to know about "collector value"?
Buried Egg I only opened some of the newer toys. All my opened vintage or early 2000s figures were already out of the box when I got them.
just about to go get some in bisbee
Shit. I wish I could get some. My wife hasn't given me any action in like 3 months!
Buried Egg I meant vintage figures mate
Yeah, I know. Was a joke. Going through a drought. Needed to vent.
Go to 4:06 to finally see the restoration
you say all figurines are slowly melting down but I read somewhere that PVC which is what most figures are made of never beaks down or decomposes? if they are releasing chemicals could that be bad for our health? a lot of my figures are from the 80's, 90's and I haven't noticed any takiness, mainly ninja turtles and he man
I used to think that too ...until I opened a vintage Imperial E-Web Cannon I got MIB on eBay and it practically poured out of the original plastic bag it was sealed in inside the box. Same with some vintage SW figures I got from a guy on craigslist. Couldn't figure out why they smelled so strong, almost like cigarettes, but not quite. The guy didn't smoke. I saw where they were stored. It was the smell of the plasticizers leaching out. It depends on the temperature and moisture levels they are stored in. That's why you might have not run into it yet. But you will if you collect long enough. Regardless, all figures eventually will melt. Just a matter of time.
hi my friend how can i restore my darth vader case like you??
thank you
Arturo Perez Oh, its easier than most people think!
1. Just make sure to wipe it thoroughly with a DRY microfiber cloth first!
2. After that, you can use simple dish detergent to scrub the decades of grime, slime, chewing gum, etc.
3. And finally (once you're SURE its dry), treat it with a serious automotive dashboard/plastic conditioner. I personally use "Black Magic" brand only because it shined and restored that *dark* black color better than any other products in my local area (Mid-Atlantic/Northeast, US).
You really have to massage that conditioner in hard and use lots of it too. It took me 4 full applications of the conditioner over two days until my Vader cases retaining their shine. You'll notice right away, that the first couple of times you apply the conditioner, the case just sucks the moisture right into it's plastic! Your case will look completely dry in an hour or less the first time! That's how much plasticizer these things have lost since the 1970's!
Great video! I'm a huge fan and collector and right now I'm troop building vintage Snow troopers from ESB. Soon I will be making my own castings for replacement blasters but right now the probem I have is the torso section yellowing due to what I guess is oxidation. Their arms and legs never yellow but head to torso can get really bad. I was keeping them submerged in peroxide, brushing them with a toothbrush on and off and it worked on some--someone just told me to put them in ziplock, fill it with peroxide, get rid of the air and let the sun hit it--I did and it's a painfully slow process. Any ideas?? Also I help out on a toy forum called OG13.com and we talk about this stuff all day!
Good question, and a very frequently asked one too! I mentioned to another user here, that I have an all-white Vintage ANH Princess Leia with some yellowing on it. Scrubbing with the toothbrush and cleaner appeared to help a bit but after drying it overnight and examining under white colorless lights it really didn't seem to make enough a difference for me to claim any benefit.
The general consensus amongst collectors is that there is no cure for yellowing. There is a lot of discussion regarding using a 3% Hydrogen Peroxide solution followed by sunlight. Apparently, it really works but there are HUGE CONCERNS about the possible long term effects. It is unknown whether this will end up damaging the plastic even more so I wouldn't try it on anything you value. Maybe a 3-5 year experiment on a non-valuable figure would be appropriate first!
Someone just showed me a few links on this as I posted for help in our forum. If they're legit, I'll drop them here and see what you think. I've also heard in the last few days to try Oxyclean and that can be mixed with peroxide and even diluted bleach--though that seems incredibly caustic!
Could you put a list of ingredients for the spray in the about section, then people worldwide can source similar in their country. Thanks
Good idea. The label has a ton of warnings but only one sentence that actually references any contents: "DANGER: Contains Petroleum Middle Distillates".
The product is called Black Magic. Here is their website: www.blackmagicshine.com/pro-shine-protectant.php
Most importantly, there is a lot of talk out there about certain products actually CAUSING premature dryness and cracking. This is especially discussed amongst car-enthusiasts and, believe it or not, Hot Toys collectors looking to preserve the rubber bodies and leather/rubber clothing of their figures. Some say water-based products will dry them out. Others say oil-based or alcohol-based products will dry them out. Many are almost unanimously warning against Armor-All! I just learned that recently, actually.
All I know is that the ingredients in Black Magic are deemed safe for these plastics. I recently sat down with the Restoration Team at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and discussed this product. (We were actually discussing having me come in on the weekends to come in and restore their vintage models and even spacesuits!) They said Black Magic is a superb restorative that will NOT damage ABS or other plastics. If even NASA is telling me to use it, I'm satisfied! ;-)
Not exactly what you asked for but, I really hope this helps!
@buriedegg8636
It’s been 10 years since this video. Can you give an update on how your figures look, and that the stickiness never came back?
I’m trying to determine if I should pay $40 for discontinued Black Magic Pro Shine or if there is another cheaper protectant that is safe and just as effective in 2024. None of them seem to be petroleum based anymore.
Hey thanks for asking! I just posted some pics in my Community Tab of those SAME figures today. They still look great and they are not sticky or tacky either. Joints still work fine. I would strongly recommend letting them air dry for about a week after applying. Don't store them in airtight plastic for years on end either:
www.youtube.com/@buriedegg8636/community
How I can clean my AT-TE because now it's little bit yellow
would clean the World of Warcraft DC Action figures the same way?
I don't have any of those so I wouldn't know.
I just wanted to add, that I actually did think of one plastic that I would NOT use this treatment on. NECA figures. I would NEVER use this treatment on NECA figures because of the delicate paint jobs applied to them. NECA's plastic is so soft I'm not sure it would react well either.
would dawn be a good soap to use?
Yes.
How do I get a yellow sandtrooper from 1980 white again?
You put it in a clear jar of Hydrogen Prodixde. If it is really yellow, let his set in there for 5-7 days. If it's not, it wouldn't take that long.
Dude my marvel legends figures smell like smoke I put them in a plastic bag and a dryer sheet and smelled like faint smoke still after 4 weeks... what else do I do? How do I remove the smell without damaging the figure??
Carlos Guajardo Plastic bag and a dryer sheet?? Did you try any of the steps I outlined in this video?
Buried Egg not yet, I’m leaving them in a ziplock bag with sheet dryers but with baking soda for two more days. Then I’ll take them out and wash them by hand. Some people put them in the dish-washer... if I was then by hand with normal soap will the scent go away?? How did you get that scent out?
same thing for the ships?
I did the entire Vintage Falcon like this. I took it apart first and removed the electronic components and the cardboard inserts, of course! Also did the entire vintage Death Star Playset.
Use of these plastc "protectants" creates dependence and degradation in the long term... just a fair warning from someone with 15yrs of experience in toy restoring. If you really feel that you must do so though, look for the premium water based versions that are available on the market.
Thanks for the input. Is that definitely true? I've heard it back and forth about the dependency thing amongst car detailers too. Some say it makes the dashboard plastic become dependent on the conditioners and some say its just a rumor. This is interesting. I really did speak with the Restoration Team at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum (see comments below). They said they weren't aware of any dangers with these products. They also are not allowed to use any "products" at all on their historical pieces, though. There is a rule against "adding" anything to historical pieces they are restoring. It was really sad to see the rubber joints and seals on the space suits they showed me degrading and them not allowed to add any plasticizers to them. They can only clean and moisturize things.
Please help me with any examples or studies on this dependency issue. Its important and collectors seem to have no clear consensus. Thanks!
Buried Egg
I have searched for definitive answers on this topic myself, but I'll speak from my personal experience, as I've not yet found a definitive answer. It's interesting that you should mention car detailers, as my professional background is auto-body repair, and (proper) car detailing is very important in automotive body shops.
The removal of residues from the repair process i.e. buffing compound, paint over-spray, etc. is of the utmost importance - nothing is worse than a beautiful repair being undermined by poor detailing.
In my almost twenty years in the trade, I've seen more than my fair share of cars with ruined interior cabin plastics, often the cars in question being merely 2-3 years old! Now what I can't do, is say that there are no safe products on the market, as there is always something new and companies are constantly re-working their current formulas.
But I personally would not use these products on my own car interior, nor on my vintage toys, as these products were first developed to bring life back to plastics and rubbers that were past their use by date. In essence, these products are a last ditch attempt for imbuing life into something that's had it's time under the sun (so to speak).
Based on my research, slathering plasticizers onto the surface of something we hope to preserve, really doesn't make sense from the chemical nature of plastics perspective either. The longevity of plastic is purely up to the plastic item itself, and the best we can do to ensure it's longevity is to treat these items with care while they are still in good order.
I think the approach of the restoration team at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum speaks volumes. As evidence that I'm not just some opinionated dude with a couple of action figures in his collection, please check out a small sample of my collection on flickr - www.flickr.com/photos/49660795@N05/
And I wanted to mention that I do appreciate your video, it's good stuff for beginners.
kaijuchevrolet Wow! Love the Flickr page! Great customized stuff. I don't have the 25 years you have in restoration. More like 10 if you count my own personal car projects. You are definitely senior to me in this field so I will try to learn what I can from you.
So, since this conditioner has worked so well for vintage action figures for me so far (5-8 yrs), can you estimate a time frame for the dependency/breakdown to start occurring? In other words, how long until certain toy plastics start breaking down specifically due to the application of these conditioners? Its okay if you don't have a solid answer. This is not a challenge and I believe you that this is possible. I just want to know if this is a long, lonnng term thing and I can keep treating my collection once per year, or if this is something immediately detrimental.
The non-conditioned stuff at NASA/Smithsonian looked terrible. Even the restoration crew was sad about the rule banning products. They wanted to get the rule changed before they lose everything from the 60's. I don't think it will change, though.
Thanks again for lending your vast experience to this thread and for your great photos!
Buried Egg Oh, one other thing. I did this video because I met a "collector" a few years back who was using WD-40 to keep his 1980's Darth Vader carrying case shiny. I couldn't believe what people were doing to clean and polish these things and this is the safest restoration technique for vintage toys that "appear" to be hopeless or uncleanable. Thanks again!
Do you have any specific advice for cleaning vintage He-Man figures? Would you just do what you did here? What about getting a bad smell from the He-Man figures? It's possible cigarette smoke...I'm not quite sure...but it's nasty. Thanks for your time.
Has anyone ever used Just plain dish soap
you sound alot like a 70s mark hamill haha
Thanks! I could swear I've seen this comment before. Anyway, I whine like him too! "Uncle Owen! I was gonna go to Tahashi Station to pick up some power converters!".
I wanted to watch all the video... but it bothered me the way you waste so much water
Awesome video. I love it. Fantastic job. Please take a look at my channel. I would appreciate to know what you think of it. Thank you buddy and keep up the fantastic work!
I really disagree. There is a reason why Star Wars figures are still in condition now some 40 years later. I don't suggest putting anything on any piece. Dashboard cleaner is a short term polish. I suspect even a mild acid. I'm sure that will not last 40years. Soap and water and preserve what is now
Anyone know if you use black magic or armor all does it make them un-grade-able? Like hydrogen peroxide does
Damn what a waste of water lol....
Nerd
Stop wasting water!
Does this guy have to repeat everything 50 times we get it dude and enough with the cigarette references we get it momma's boy
Way too much commentary, get to the point. No stories, just useful information. Short and sweet!