Toy Collecting
Say Good-Bye to Action Figure Yellowing
By Randy Herkowitz January 18, 2009 - 07:36
Perhaps
one of the greatest frustrations of collecting action figures out of the
package is the test of time. For many
action figures that use white plastic, which includes Star Wars Stormtroopers,
G.I. Joe’s Storm Shadow and a plethora of Transformers toys this has been a
nightmare because up until now collectors had very little control over
preventing this yellowing effect from happening. Many collectors recommended keeping items
away from sunlight or in acid free cases. As a collector, I tried the many of
the recommended procedures.
Nevertheless, the yellowing would still happen. I clearly remember the sadness I felt when I
noticed my original Star Wars Power of the Force Luke Skywalker in Stormtrooper
fatigues action figure was starting to discolor. He was once a gleaming white and beyond my
control the white was starting to look like it had caught jaundice.
Before
Now
in the 21st century, there may very well be a solution to this
problem and I am here to tell you about it.
Please note, the testing process is in its infant stages. Therefore, long term effects are currently
unknown. Also, if you choose to attempt
this possible cure, know it is at your own risk and finally, chemicals are
involved. Therefore, it is important to
think about safety. Such as wearing
gloves and keeping the chemicals out of the way animals and children. Now let me begin with the process.
What
you need is a chemical called Hydrogen Peroxide 35% food grade. I have read of other people using a lighter
grade but I am solely going by my successful test. This chemical can be ordered off of the
internet and I am told it can also be purchased at health food stores. A bottle will run approximately $18.00 unless
you go with a higher quantity.
When I received the chemical I transferred the liquid into a clear jar with a
screw on top. Again, please wear
gloves. This chemical can temporarily
turn your skin white and cause itching.
I didn’t make an effort to see what else it could do to my skin. Just be smart.
I
used two action figures for my test; A Starcom Tony Barona action figure that
is virtually all white but had begun yellowing and a Transformers Action
Masters Jazz. Jazz has not only other
paint applications but also has an Autobot sticker. I chose not to take him apart and just put
the whole figure into the jar.
Once
in the jar, seal it with the top and place it in or near sunlight. It’s rather ironic that what is known to
cause the yellowing problem is also a part of the solution. I live in Vermont.
Therefore, a sunny day is not as predictable as if you live in California. I left both figures in a window and to my
surprise I started to see results right away.
Thankfully, on the third day of this experiment the sun was out
shining. Therefore, I took the jar
outside to give it as much sun as I could.
When
the day was at its end I brought the jar in and to my amazement, what was
yellow was now white. I put my gloves on
and grabbed some tongs and removed the figures from the jar. I rinsed them off for about thirty seconds
with lukewarm water and laid them to dry.
After about a half an hour, I patted them dry with a paper towel and
picked them up. To my amazement, the
plastic did not seem to have any adverse affects. The yellowing was gone, no paint was damaged
and the sticker on Jazz was not affected.
After
This
was a very exciting day for me as it appears I may no longer have to worry
about the aging of my plastic play things.
This also appears to work on other discolored plastic due to aging as
well. However, as I said, this procedure
is new and if it has any long term affects has yet to be seen. I only wish I didn’t sell that Luke Skywalker
in Stormtrooper disguise out of frustration as I could have brought him back to
his “like new” appearance.
Please feel free to ask me any questions in the
comments section and I will do my best to answer them.