HT Collectibles: Protecting Methods

[toyrewind]

Please share tips, tricks or methods you're using to protect and prolong your HT collectibles here.

Want to share this method that a fellow collector shared to me and also find out if anyone is already using this method.

He's using Vinylex to protect the rubber and plastic parts of his HT collection and I'm looking forward to trying it out too.

What is Vinylex? This is what I found on their website.

VINYLEX cleans the vinyl or rubber surface while it is being applied, reducing the time required for application. This cleaning reduces problems associated with other protectants; for example, “bloom” a discoloration from dirt held mechanically in suspension.

VINYLEX contains a unique patented composition of silicone and organo-functional silicone specifically designed to provide the desired performance and appearance along with special emulsifiers that cause the formula to break on application. This release (break) on application contributes to the performance of the composition and facilitates the proper distribution of VINYLEX ingredients.

VINYLEX also contains DH60 UV screen. This sunscreen is emulsified in the formula and is released on application to provide a substantial measure of protection from the harmful effects of ozone, ultraviolet radiation and other environmental degradation of vinyl, rubber and plastic surfaces.

Applied correctly, VINYLEX does not require multiple applications, as competitive products do. VINYLEX delivers superior performance the first time, every time.

VINYLEX leaves a clean, renewed surface that has the look preferred by professionals. Not too oily, and never too dry.

VINYLEX is designed to be used on vinyl, rubber, and plastic as found on cars, boats, planes, and motorcycles, as well as other products around the home.

In summary, VINYLEX is a high performance protectant and UV screen that cleans and penetrates vinyl, rubber and plastic to provide maximum protection and that ”showroom new’ appearance.

What's your opinion? Effective or not?

 

[toyrewind]

Now I'm thinking if this will prevent the HT rubber parts to deteriorate or at least hold them off for several years.

 

[jkno]

I heard bad things about ArmorAll, hopefully Vinylex is better than that...

 

[AdamBombOi]

I just handle my stuff very, very seldomly.... and when I do, it's with CLEAN hands, and then it's back to the cabinet or shelf, AWAY from any sunlight.

Personally, I think a lot of people's problems are they that handle their collectibles with dirty hands, leaving their oil and crud all over the rubber, and then they put them up, in a room filled with natural sun light.

 

[SteveL]

Has anyone ever used 303 aerospace protectant?It is supposed to be the best available.

Does vinylex and 303 have to be buffed out to be affective.I don't think buffing an Alien figure would be possible without leaving lint from the cloth all over it and possibly removing the paint.

 

[prefused]

the best way to protect your HT figures is to never remove them from the box.
and then post pics of your collection of boxes on here so you can reflect on the emptiness of your life.
then, try to fill that emptiness with more figures in boxes. rinse and repeat.
it's fool-proof.

 

[EVILFACE]

I leave em as they are, not putting anything on them.

 

[Morbo]

I like a dip my rubber suited figures into a solution of water and fairy liquid every once it a while. Not because it does anything, but I like them to smell lemon fresh.

I think that this topic has been done to death, but fill your boots......... oh and don't use ArmorAll it melts the rubber

 

[jkno]

I wish Hot Toys to tell us what to use to preserve the rubber used in their figures, but that will never happen alas...

 

[prefused]

I wish Hot Toys to tell us what to use to preserve the rubber used in their figures, but that will never happen alas...

nope. they're in business to take your money. not to make sure their products last forever.

 

[Morbo]

I was thinking that maybe KY jelly might be worth a shot? it's water based and.... I'm gonna stop there.

 

[jkno]

nope. they're in business to take your money. not to make sure their products last forever.

Indeed. But look what happened to some figures like the ED-209 and others... When a Batman full suit made of rubber is damaged and no chance from HT to re-release them, what do you do?

 

[prefused]

Indeed. But look what happened to some figures like the ED-209 and others... When a Batman full suit made of rubber is damaged and no chance from HT to re-release them, what do you do?

what do I do?
i don't buy over-priced figures with cheap rubber on them.
but, if i did and they fell apart, i'd mail the figure back to ht with a strongly-worded letter which mentions the possibility of me blowing up a hospital in lieu of getting a refund/replacement.
that's just what i would do. you may find a more prudent solution.

 

[jkno]

what do I do?
i don't buy over-priced figures with cheap rubber on them.
but, if i did and they fell apart, i'd mail the figure back to ht with a strongly-worded letter which mentions the possibility of me blowing up a hospital in lieu of getting a refund/replacement.
that's just what i would do. you may find a more prudent solution.

The question was a general question, NOT addressed specially to YOU. But since you answered it, I'd say that sending your figure back to HT wouldn't do anything. The damage on the rubber figures doesn't occur right away, look at ED-209 when it was released and only now it has some problems.

And what kind of figures do you collect? How do you know when rubber is cheap or not, are you a rubber specialist? These question is addressed to you...

 

[SteveL]

I emailed 303 products about their aerospace protectant and asked if it was safe to use on painted rubber surfaces.They couldn't give a definite answer.

For those who interested here's a copy of the email:

I have a question about your aerospace protectant.

Is your product safe to apply to the painted rubber surfaces of collectible figures and model kits?

303 Aerospace Protectant is a choice choice and is safe for all rubbers including latex.

But you're talking about putting 303 on the paint.

Don't have an answer, precisely having to do with whatever paint that is. 303 A. Protectant is not for paint and putting it on paint is NOT one of its applications. However, 303 has not been known to harm paint...and this goes back over 20 years. If one sprays some onto a car's paint job, doesn't hurt it, wipes right up. Even if they don't wipe up the overspray when it happens it doesn't hurt the paint, just makes a little smeary spot that becomes messy and needs to be cleaned off.

Not sure what the point would be to treating the paint. However, if you have any other questions please contact me.

RKD

 

[jkno]

I emailed 303 products about their aerospace protectant and asked if it was safe to use on painted rubber surfaces.They couldn't give a definite answer.

For those who interested here's a copy of the email:

Interesting! But they are talking about car's paint job.

 

[cedric72]

I just handle my stuff very, very seldomly.... and when I do, it's with CLEAN hands, and then it's back to the cabinet or shelf, AWAY from any sunlight.

Personally, I think a lot of people's problems are they that handle their collectibles with dirty hands, leaving their oil and crud all over the rubber, and then they put them up, in a room filled with natural sun light.

I was going to say exactly the same thing. Wash you hands before handling them and keep out of direct sunlight! Problem solved.

 

[toyrewind]

I actually handle all of my collectibles with clean hands but what about issues like the rubber rot of HT aliens, the dome of the ED-209, etc. How will one prevent that from happening?

 

[jkno]

How will one prevent that from happening?

That is the million dollar question... Unfortunately no one knows for sure the answer...

 

[agent_85]

I suppose one thing to take from the thread is to enjoy your collectables while they last. Nothing lasts forever. Sad but true.