November 11, 2016 – And so it’s another weekend night, you don’t have a date, your friends have disappeared, and it feels like the world is falling apart.
Why not watch this Zen-like video of someone else cleaning their vintage Star Wars action figures? It’s soothing and calming in a weird sort of way.
Of course, we always have questions:
1) Why do the action figures always end up feet down, heads up?
2) Why do some figures bob and float while others sink? Does that mean some are not authentic?
3) What’s that sticky, tacky film we sometimes feel on our old action figures? Is the plastic melting?
4) What’s that brown stuff being poured into the bubble bath?
5) Is that the same toothbrush he uses to brush his teeth?
6) What kind of camera is being used?
7) Why is there no toy shark or scuba-diver in the background?
8) Would MCA Records, the copyright holder for the shark-attack theme from Jaws, grant permission to use their audio track?
9) Did you know that John Williams composed the music for Jaws? And Star Wars, E.T.: The Exta-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, and many more movies?
October 5, 2014 – So you’ve finally brought home a missing action figure or vehicle to add to your vintage Star Wars collection (1978-1985), whether from online, a flea market or some other vendor. You eagerly unwrap/unbox the item, ready to inspect and admire it further when – HORRORS! – you notice for the first time how filthy and sticky it is.
There are many reasons why the plastics are dirty or tacky to the touch:
● Foremost, there is a 99% chance your new find has never been washed, scrubbed and cleaned over the decades.
● Exposure to air contaminants, such as cigarette smoke and vaporized cooking grease, will cause discoloration and grime build-up to adhere to the plastic.
● Improper storage, such as a damp basement or hot, unventilated attic, can cause your action figures to literally smell moldy (mold spores are in every home).
● Chemical decomposition: Regrettably, the chemical compounds in your plastic figures are breaking down and the plastic is literally melting ever so slowly. You notice this in the thinner plastic segments, such as light saber tips and “bendy” parts, which are deformed from their original shape. You also notice color discoloration in the previously all-white storm troopers, Taun Taun and Wampa snow creature.
The good news is that much of this neglect and decay (except for the chemical color discoloration) can be reversed with a thorough soapy cleaning and drying, followed by application of a restorer. (CAUTION: Look for a premium water-based protectant. Other “protectants” are petroleum-based and can cause long-term degradation.)
TIP: Can’t tell the difference? Water-based formulas are milky in color. Petroleum-based solvents tend to be clear. They may also have one or both of the following written on the bottles: “Contains Petroleum Distillates” and “Flammable”.
The following video offers some helpful tips on how to thoroughly clean and restore your priceless figures and vehicles:
If your vintage plastic toys are exceptionally dirty – or if the stickers are peeling off here and there – watch the following video for some great tips:
NOTE: This article was updated 16 June 2015 to remove text references to Black Magic Pro Shine, which is petroleum-based and which, some argue, can be harmful to your plastic toys.
FUTURE of STAR WARS 