I know this subject has been discussed on rs pretty extensively, but I saw a link on SWFUK that had a little bit of a twist.

The latest experiment used UV light along with the peroxide and "oxy-type" cleaners. The experiments were used on vintage computer plastic parts, but I think the concept would transfer to vintage figs as well. I don't think the remedy mentioned on rs had very good results, but I don't think they used the UV lamp in their discussions.

The post didn't get much of a response on SWFUK, so I thought I would see if anyone had any input or experience here. I hope it's considered proper etiquette to borrow an idea from a different forum because I sure don't want to step on any toes from the guys at SWFUK, but I wanted to hear a little more feedback on this idea.

Brad

The 'retrobrite' developer signed up on RS to discuss it. From a chemistry background that process is better in theory BUT I still think it will damage figures.
edit:  





http://www.starwarsforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=19060
http://www.amibay.com/showthread.php?44931-Retr0bright-on-it-s-own-is-not-a-permanent-solution-here-s-why


Joe F "
Master Bookbinder whose resume includes restoring antiquarian books (some as old as the 10th Century) to near original condition as well as making his own hand-made paper, asking his opinion on exposing paper to Naphtha/lighter fluid or goo gone, as well as providing him context on the way it was being used to remove price stickers. I heard back from him (below is his response), and have another email out to a museum-trained paper conservationist:
"Any chemical treatment will break down the cellulose in paper causing it to first become chalky, then brittle and then disintegrate.
Naphtha is a derivative of petroleum and is used as a blending agent for high octane gasoline among its many uses....needless to say any idiot using it on paper to remove glue/gum, is just that.....an idiot.....The problem is that any short term solution that the seller uses is going to create a long term problem for the buyer with dire consequences.
I wouldn't consider the use of these chemicals as restoration or conservation, I would consider it amateur attempts with fatal effects. New Zealand authorities a few years ago banned all conservators from using chemical treatments as the years of use had shown that their very short history on paper is now disintegrating....,.,they were ordered to just make clamshell boxes to house their precious artifacts. Anyone who uses Naphtha on paper should be considered a vandal and collectors should not invest in such treated items......I think the term is "buyer beware".

http://www.vcfed.org/forum/archive/index.php/t-30057.html

I've wanted to pick up a yellow SNES to try this out on, but haven't done it yet.

I would agree with James in that we have no idea what will happen to these restored figures later down the line. We could be doing more harm than good and really if you want a white stormtrooper, you can get one, with some patience. I feel that if anyone were to use this stuff and then try to sell, it should be fully disclosed that the figure was restored.

These points were my thoughts as well. I definitely wouldn't try it on any rare figure, if it does work. Still way too early to tell if it causes long term damage or not. The guys writing the thread seemed very knowledgeable about chemistry, etc., but I'm still a little leery what would happen later down the road.

I'm with you Shawn about disclosing to buyers if the technique was used. If this works and doesn't cause long-term damage, I think it will cause chaos with the value of "natural" minty white figures. While I think it would be kind of neat , I think it would also be a curse to the hobby for determining true white figures vs. restored figures.

Brad

not this theme again! I gave up for month!

Who wants to damage his figures and made them brittle in the next few years and destroy them in future...go on...just bleach it.

wbobafett wrote:

not this theme again! I gave up for month!

Who wants to damage his figures and made them brittle in the next few years and destroy them in future...go on...just bleach it.

Apologies for digging up old subjects, I didn't realize it had been discussed here yet.

I think the guys behind the retrobrite claim it doesn't make the plastic brittle like bleach does, but who really knows without trying it and waiting a few years though.

the UV light just acceleartes the process!

The bleching with peroxide changes the chemical composite of the material! Only because its white agian doesnt mean its "changed back".

It makes it definatly more brittle and is defintaly more susceptible to yellow again!!!!!


I discussed thi already on RS and on LG (german forum). The people dont beleive me and other opinions from guys who know whta chemcially goes on. I left RS for that reason.

I have really no fucking interest in buying tons of perfect white figures the next years with not knowing if they are bleached or not!

Its not agianst you or any other member here...but Im tired discussing this theme!!!

Do what ever you like. But plese dont sell these figures!

Wolff

Wolff

Sorry dude, I had no intention of inflaming a sore wound on a touchy subject. I do apologize.

I only read bits and pieces on this subject. I have no knowledge of chemistry whatsoever, this idea just caught my attention, so I thought I would bring it up for some discussion.

As for selling treated figures as original white ones, I would never do such a dishonest thing. I was just trying to make a point of how hard it would make it on the collectors to tell the differnce.

Once again, I am sorry for bringing up a subject you've had such a bad experience with.

Brad

dont worry brad

We all know any harsh chemical is never the answer.

http://www.vintagecomputing.com/index.php/archives/189

http://forum.rebelscum.com/t1121789/


Lee B: "Peroxide raises the oxidation state of the conjugated carbon bonds with an OH. group forming an Epoxide chain changing the Chromophore band gap so yellow light is no longer scattered. Essentially in human speak the plastic may appear back to its original form but its actually further degraded."

I have been following a guy on Instagram that has been doing this. I was thinking it of trying it this week. I will hold off and do more research.
Is there no hope for Yellow Stormtroopers?

Lee this is not directed at you. This will be a blunt post to hopefully prevent vintage star wars from being damaged further.
If you want yellow stormtroopers/vintage toys to be white, spray paint them with white paint!!!! Now not many people will do that, but many will try peroxide ( and many other forms of bleaching, oxidising agent etc. ) This is virtually the same thing- with a catalyst to assist the chemical reactions occurring (usually UV/sunlight) a harsh chemical (anything you would not put on your ballbag is harsh) is added to our collectables. The result is usually bubbles &/or heat- this is 100% proof a chemical reaction is occurring. Not just a harmless clean. A chemical reaction will result in a layer(s) of a different chemical composition on our 'toys'. As I said virtually the same as adding layers of paint.

Do what you will with your toys but try not to do anything you can not undo.

I come here to learn and get advice. I dont go to the other sites because i like the crew here. I am glad you Shared the Info AJ. I dont think i'm stupid for wishing my yellow figs were white. The last thing I want to do is ruin the hobby for the future generations. Weakening the figures is the last thing i want. Does anyone have Figures with Peroxide damage to show the those who ague the value of peroxide?
Maybe someone has a process to turn the arms of my troopers to match the yellow chest?

eljawa wrote:

Maybe someone has a process to turn the arms of my troopers to match the yellow chest?  

I do but they always smell funny when I'm done

This is an important subject for me. One I take a firm stand on. At this time, I have two parts of an ongoing series on the topic of "reconditioning" and the need for full disclosure.

While Part 2 touches on "whitening" treatments, please feel free to share either link anywhere you see these types of destructive practices being promoted:

Part 1: Disclosure, Reconditioning and Willful Blindness

Part 2: Disclosure, Reconditioning and Willful Blindness - The Toygraders Ring-In

https://www.quora.com/What-is-happening-in-terms-of-a-chemical-process-when-hydrogen-peroxide-is-used-to-restore-discoloured-Lego

https://www2.mst.dk/udgiv/Publications/1999/87-7909-416-3/html/kap01_eng.htm