Blood for the Baron!

I know we're talking about toys, but still, there's no need to be childish like that!

Sadly Bleaching, Hydrogen Peroxide 30% solution bath in the sun, and the many other potential yellowing treatments have failed. Bleach causes an instability in the plastic making it extremely brittle in the classic hard plastic figures. The only known way to restore the original plastic colour, except paint, is sanding with a fine grit sandpaper but alas that leaves the sanded areas rather unsightly.
While were discussing yellowing a few facts, yellowing is inevitable It might take as little as a week or a century. I worked at one plastic plant and we had to make plastic trays some yellowed in a weeks period. Once something yellows it isnt even regrindable to be melted for another sheet batch. The only thing that helps is to leave any Classic figures, especially any of the infamous Joe culprits (Storm Shadow, CC, Spirit), if they are to be stored for any time in well ventilated Glad Ziplock bags or loose in a climate controlled enviroment. As little tempature change as possible will of course prolong the life of most toys..... Except Bendy who is aparently from Krypton (Bend-El??)

Also If you collect any toy lines that have plastic parts with metalic flake in the material be very gentle if there from the 80's or before as they will turn brittle with no warning. The Plastic and metalic flake do not get along chemically so baby them and be prepared for the day that it just snaps with no provocation. Damn toy company's should have researched there materials a little better before giving us our hobby. Just remember enjoy your toys, age catches up with us all, even our little armies.

Thanks for the info ! I wasnt overly keen on the bleaching/peroxide method anyway, although I was intrigued about the results and was prepared to give it a go ... not so sure now tho ...

Thought I'd chip in here and say I'm loving these so far Andy. And I'd love to see a pink Stormy - the comedic potential would be vast! What next? A green one, for the jungle?

SteveD wrote:Thought I'd chip in here and say I'm loving these so far Andy. And I'd love to see a pink Stormy - the comedic potential would be vast! What next? A green one, for the jungle?

I used to have an army of yellow lead miniature ninjas, so I am tempted to make the next one yellow, not too keen on dyeing this time tho ! we shall see .... I have just received a Red ninja viper from the US so thats one more to build my ranks !

Yellow Ninja? Pink Ninja? ..This is starting to sound like the Power Rangers..

Thundershot wrote:Yellow Ninja? Pink Ninja? ..This is starting to sound like the Power Rangers..

Storm Shadow will never be as cheesy as the power rangers !!

although I see your point ! i think I should avoid the pink one ?

Andy1672 wrote:i think I should avoid the pink one ?

I hand the mic to SteveD...

The Baron wrote:

Andy1672 wrote:i think I should avoid the pink one ?

I hand the mic to SteveD...

ROFL!