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 Posted 9/22/2016 6:15:20 PM |
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After reading about the life expectancy of foam and latex life sized
Batman related figures I decided to take a look at all the other
figure materials and life expectancies.
LIFESPAN OF MINIATURES, FIGURES, MODELS, AND TOYS MADE FROM PLASTICS,
RESINS, AND SIMILAR MATERIALS. By Jimmy Joutaporas
“This isn't strictly related to figures as such, but since many of
those are made of plastic some might find this interesting. And I'm
most likely not the only one here who also collects collectible toys.
So, I was just trying to find information about deterioration of
Mattel MOTC-line and I came up with this disturbing information.
Even though plastic models might last like 50-60 years or more, there
are some things that are a bit worrying and all this made me think
about the future of my number one hobby; my miniatures and figures.
Some of them are made of metal but since there are lots of plastic
models, I'm just curious how all this could affect painted plastic
collections. Slightly relieving thing is that the layers of paint
could actually protect plastic models. And many figures are made of
harder plastic than soft PVC. It is bad enough to learn about this
kind of a new and existing threat that might face your toy collection.
I just wish it wouldn't effect to "everything" so easily. Then again,
how foolish to think that plastic or other materials (save some few)
would last "forever". Most likely nothing does. Though I kind of hoped
that I could pass at least some of my best works and favorite
collectibles to a future generation, preferably to my children (should
I ever have any, and not to mention that they would even care the same
stuff as their dad does).
Obviously different paints and other coatings might have their own
impact (good and bad). And who knows how well different paints and
sealers will eventually hold, but at least then you will be able to
paint the model again, if the model itself is ok (though in some cases
that would be a feat for heroes or the mad only).
Doesn't this really depend on the quality of the material used to make
the piece and manufacturers using combinations of different materials
to cut costs? Most of the figures and models mentioned in articles are
not really that old and some companies in recent years have said
manufacturing processes are getting more expensive, so they use cheap
crap to increase their profit margins. Often mass produced stuff of
the last two decades seems to be more effected by this than anything
else, so obviously major release Marvel and DC figures are at more
risk to suffer a lot more than your old GI Joes or your more recent
collector series Hell Raiser figures.
My transformers are also mostly 26 to 28 years old, and minus the
normal sticker wear etc. I have not seen any actual deterioration.
That is always a good sign. It is just a shame that some manufacturers
are using such crappy materials. For most of that stuff is very
collector oriented, so as a collector I would assume to get quality
products. Hopefully my more expensive TF-toys and Sideshow 12" G.I.
Joes are made from better materials. Can't really always say what
materials these figure manufacturers using these days.”
Jimmy Joutaporas
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| Posted 9/23/2016 7:29:57 PM |
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The Mystery of the Plastic Mist
Jimmy Joutaporas
“I was digging out some of the DCUC and Movie Masters figures the
other day and found several of them–particularly Deathstroke,
Nightwing and Movie Masters Batman Begins Batman–were covered with
that oily, misty substance. There was a lot of discussion of this
after DCUC Wave 3–apparently the worst offender for this issue and in
doing some research, I came across this informative Fwoosh post by
user BigGuido. Now, I can’t vouch for the accuracy of his claims, but
it sounds plausible, and it’s the closest thing I’ve ever read to a
decent explanation of what’s going on.”
Fwoosh post by BigGuido
“All plastics are petroleum derived products and as such they are
sensitive to heat, cold and UV light. Plastic over time depolymerizes
(i.e. decomposes) and becomes brittle and discolored. How long this
takes depends on how and where you store the item and what the quality
of the plastic was in the first place. Eventually, all of our
collections of plastic toys are going to end up turning to crap. It is
just a question of when.
The semi-flexible PVC that Toy Biz used for the majority of their
LOTRs toys was pretty much standard stuff in the toy industry. Most of
my figures have held up quite well, but I am pretty careful about
storing them in a climate controlled area. Some of the stuff I have
bought over the last few years, though has actually been degrading
faster than older items. Most of the JLU figures I have bought as well
as the DC Super Friends (both made by Mattel) have had severe chalking
issues. This is a issue you run into with really cheap Polyvinyl
Chloride (PVC). Chalking is the deterioration of the vinyl surface,
thereby exposing the TiO2 particles to the surface. The white powder
chalking that can be wiped from the surface of most vinyl is TiO2
particles mixed with deteriorating vinyl (PVC). TiO2 is titanium
dioxide – a base pigment used in the manufacture of most PVC.
Back when I was living in my old house I had very limited storage save
for an unfinished attic bedroom. This ended up being my toy storage
area and I had a lot of problems like the one you are describing.
Also, different kinds of plastics will react with each other when they
come in contact due to the base solvents that are used in polymerizing
the plastics. When these plastics interact, melting like what you
described will occur. Styrene Plastic and PVC are two plastics that
will do this to each other. If the knife sheath was made of styrene
and the cape PVC then that could be what caused the melting. The best
way to prevent this from happening again is to follow the advice I
mentioned earlier and store the items separately in plastic bags.
Ziploc bags and their ilk are made from polyethylene plastic and they
pretty much don’t react with the majority of plastics used in toy
manufacturing. I believe a less flexible form of polyethylene plastic
is used in making the blister and trays that most action figures are
packaged in – but don’t hold me to that. It would make sense, though
as it would be far less apt to react with the plastic used in the
figure.
Realizing that our collections are all going to decompose into a pile
of crap is a bit of a bummer, but being in my late 40s (I’m old
chronologically, but still a kid at heart) if my collection can make
it another 25 to 30 years then it will no longer be my problem – LOL!
Seriously, it hasn’t been until the last 20 years or so that toy
manufacturers actually started making an effort to manufacture toys
that might last longer than 2 to 5 years. Before that, plastic toys
were just cheap, disposable items that were meant to be played with
and eventually tossed when the child broke or outgrew them.
On a positive note, polymer technologies have come a long way since I
was a kid back in the 60s and 70s. UV inhibitors are a major
advancement and keep a lot of plastics looking good as new for a
decade or more rather than a year or two – of course this depends on
the plastic’s quality and its exposure to UV light. Even then, ALL
PLASTIC DECOMPOSES. It is just a matter of TIME.
One thing you might have noticed is that the chalking doesn’t show up
on PVC parts that have been painted due to the paint actually
protecting the vinyl from deteriorating. Go figure, just like the
primary reason for painting your house is to protect it from the
elements and keeping the underlying wood from rotting, the same holds
true for your action figures. A quick fix for a chalking figure would
be to get a can of matching vinyl spray paint (You can get this at
most auto parts stores – I really like DupliColor Brand paint) and
paint the coat with it (after removing it from the figure). You will
most likely have to paint his arms as well to get them to match. Just
use 3M Blue masking tape to cover the parts you don’t want painted,
and go to town.
DO NOT USE ENAMEL BASED PAINTS ON YOUR FIGURES – it will NEVER DRY and
you will have a sticky, nasty mess on your hands.
If spraying it is too much of a hassle, you can always use Testor’s
Model Master Acryl Paint and a good sable brush to paint it by hand. I
use Winsor Newton Series 7 brushes as they do the best job and lay
down a really smoooooth stroke that leaves virtually no brush strokes
after the paint has dried. Big Guido
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| Posted 9/24/2016 7:07:55 PM |
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Figures, statues, toys, etc. made of plastic go back as far as the
late 1800s. Today’s Batman and other action figures collector will
have a collection that is probably all made from plastic. As such, a
good understanding concerning how plastics are made, the different
types of plastic and their numerous properties and applications will
go a long way towards protecting the collection from an early demise.
Remember ALL PLASTIC DECOMPOSES. It is just a matter of TIME. Could be
as little as 1-2 years or as long as 50-60 years. Original materials
used in manufacturing, direct and indirect sunlight, artificial UV
lighting, temperature, humidity, airborne chemicals/fungi, oils from
many sources-even those transferred from your hands, and many others
sources can all lessen the life expectancy.
Plastics 101 Part One
What Is Plastic?
A plastic is a type of synthetic or man-made polymer; similar in many
ways to natural resins found in trees and other plants. Webster's
Dictionary defines polymers as: any of various complex organic
compounds produced by polymerization, capable of being molded,
extruded, cast into various shapes and films, or drawn into filaments
and then used as textile fibers.
History
The history of manufactured plastics goes back more than 100 years;
however, when compared to other materials, plastics are relatively
modern. Their usage over the past century has enabled society to make
huge technological advances. Although plastics are thought of as a
modern invention, there have always been "natural polymers" such as
amber, tortoise shells and animal horns. These materials behaved very
much like today's manufactured plastics and were often used similar to
the way manufactured plastics are currently applied. For example,
before the sixteenth century, animal horns, which become transparent
and pale yellow when heated, were sometimes used to replace glass.
Alexander Parkes unveiled the first man-made plastic at the 1862 Great
International Exhibition in London. This material—which was dubbed
Parkesine, now called celluloid—was an organic material derived from
cellulose that once heated could be molded but retained its shape when
cooled. Parkes claimed that this new material could do anything that
rubber was capable of, yet at a lower price. He had discovered a
material that could be transparent as well as carved into thousands of
different shapes.
In 1907, chemist Leo Hendrik Baekland, while striving to produce a
synthetic varnish, stumbled upon the formula for a new synthetic
polymer originating from coal tar. He subsequently named the new
substance "Bakelite." Bakelite, once formed, could not be melted.
Because of its properties as an electrical insulator, Bakelite was
used in the production of high-tech objects including cameras and
telephones. It was also used in the production of ashtrays and as a
substitute for jade, marble and amber. By 1909, Baekland had coined
"plastics" as the term to describe this completely new category of
materials.
The first patent for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a substance now used
widely in vinyl siding and water pipes, was registered in 1914.
Cellophane was also discovered during this period.
Plastics did not really take off until after the First World War, with
the use of petroleum, a substance easier to process than coal into raw
materials. Plastics served as substitutes for wood, glass and metal
during the hardship times of World War’s I & II. After World War II,
newer plastics, such as polyurethane, polyester, silicones,
polypropylene, and polycarbonate joined polymethyl methacrylate and
polystyrene and PVC in widespread applications. Many more would follow
and by the 1960s, plastics were within everyone's reach due to their
inexpensive cost. Plastics had thus come to be considered 'common'—a
symbol of the consumer society.
From daily tasks to our most unusual needs, plastics have increasingly
provided the performance characteristics that fulfill consumer needs
at all levels. Plastics are used in such a wide range of applications
because they are uniquely capable of offering many different
properties that offer consumer benefits unsurpassed by other
materials. They are also unique in that their properties may be
customized for each individual end use application.
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| Posted 9/25/2016 5:56:05 PM |
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Figures, statues, toys, etc. made of plastic go back as far as the late 1800s.
This is designed to lend a better understanding concerning how
plastics are made, the different types of plastic and their numerous
properties and applications.
Plastics 101 Part Two
Raw Materials
Oil and natural gas are the major raw materials used to manufacture
plastics. The plastics production process often begins by treating
components of crude oil or natural gas in a "cracking process." This
process results in the conversion of these components into hydrocarbon
monomers such as ethylene and propylene. Further processing leads to a
wider range of monomers such as styrene, vinyl chloride, ethylene
glycol, terephthalic acid and many others. These monomers are then
chemically bonded into chains called polymers. The different
combinations of monomers yield plastics with a wide range of
properties and characteristics.
Plastics
Many common plastics are made from hydrocarbon monomers. These
plastics are made by linking many monomers together into long chains
to form a polymer backbone. Polyethylene, polypropylene and
polystyrene are the most common examples of these. Below is a diagram
of polyethylene, the simplest plastic structure.
Even though the basic makeup of many plastics is carbon and hydrogen,
other elements can also be involved. Oxygen, chlorine, fluorine and
nitrogen are also found in the molecular makeup of many plastics.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) contains chlorine. Nylon contains nitrogen.
Teflon contains fluorine. Polyester and polycarbonates contain oxygen.
Characteristics of Plastics
Plastics are divided into two distinct groups: thermoplastics and
thermosets. The majority of plastics are thermoplastic, meaning that
once the plastic is formed it can be heated and reformed repeatedly.
Celluloid is a thermoplastic. This property allows for easy processing
and facilitates recycling. The other group, the thermosets, cannot be
re-melted. Once these plastics are formed, reheating will cause the
material to decompose rather than melt. Bakelite, poly phenol
formaldehyde, is a thermoset.
Each plastic has very distinct characteristics, but most plastics have
the following general attributes.
1.
Plastics can be very resistant to chemicals. Consider all the cleaning
fluids in your home that are packaged in plastic. The warning labels
describing what happens when the chemical comes into contact with skin
or eyes or is ingested, emphasizes the chemical resistance of these
materials. While solvents easily dissolve some plastics, other
plastics provide safe, non-breakable packages for aggressive solvents.
2.
Plastics can be both thermal and electrical insulators. A walk through
your house will reinforce this concept. Consider all the electrical
appliances, cords, outlets and wiring that are made or covered with
plastics. Thermal resistance is evident in the kitchen with plastic
pot and pan handles, coffee pot handles, the foam core of
refrigerators and freezers, insulated cups, coolers and microwave
cookware. The thermal underwear that many skiers wear is made of
polypropylene and the fiberfill in many winter jackets is acrylic or
polyester.
3.
Generally, plastics are very light in weight with varying degrees of
strength. Consider the range of applications, from toys to the frame
structure of space stations, or from delicate nylon fiber in pantyhose
to Kevlar®, which is used in bulletproof vests. Some polymers float in
water while others sink. But, compared to the density of stone,
concrete, steel, copper, or aluminum, all plastics are lightweight
materials.
4.
Plastics can be processed in various ways to produce thin fibers or
very intricate parts. Plastics can be molded into bottles or
components of cars, such as dashboards and fenders. Some plastics
stretch and are very flexible. Other plastics, such as polyethylene,
polystyrene (Styrofoam™) and polyurethane, can be foamed. Plastics can
be molded into drums or be mixed with solvents to become adhesives or
paints. Elastomers and some plastics stretch and are very flexible.
5.
Polymers are materials with a seemingly limitless range of
characteristics and colors. Polymers have many inherent properties
that can be further enhanced by a wide range of additives to broaden
their uses and applications. Polymers can be made to mimic cotton,
silk, and wool fibers; porcelain and marble; and aluminum and zinc.
Polymers can also make possible products that do not readily come from
the natural world, such as clear sheets, foamed insulation board, and
flexible films. Plastics may be molded or formed to produce many kinds
of products with application in many major markets.
6.
Polymers are usually made of petroleum, but not always. Many polymers
are made of repeat units derived from natural gas or coal or crude
oil. But building block repeat units can sometimes be made from
renewable materials such as polylactic acid from corn or cellulosics
from cotton linters. Some plastics have always been made from
renewable materials such as cellulose acetate used for screwdriver
handles and gift ribbon. When the building blocks can be made more
economically from renewable materials than from fossil fuels, either
old plastics find new raw materials or new plastics are introduced.
Production Processes
Additives
Many plastics are blended with additives as they are processed into
finished products. The additives are incorporated into plastics to
alter and improve their basic mechanical, physical, or chemical
properties. Additives are used to protect plastics from the degrading
effects of light, heat, or bacteria; to change such plastic
properties, such as melt flow; to provide color; to provide foamed
structure; to provide flame retardancy; and to provide special
characteristics such as improved surface appearance or reduced
tack/friction.
Plasticizers are materials incorporated into certain plastics to
increase flexibility and workability. Plasticizers are found in many
plastic film wraps and in flexible plastic tubing, both of which are
commonly used in food packaging or processing. All plastics used in
food contact, including the additives and plasticizers, are regulated
by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that these
materials are safe.
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| Posted 9/28/2016 6:08:54 PM |
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SO, WHAT PROCESS METHODS ARE ACTUALLY USED TO PRODUCE BATMAN RELATED FIGURES AND MODELS
Processing Methods
There are several different processing methods used to make plastic
products. Below are the four main methods in which plastics are
processed to form the products that consumers use, such as plastic
film, bottles, bags and other containers.
1.
Extrusion—Plastic pellets or granules are first loaded into a hopper,
then fed into an extruder, which is a long heated chamber, through
which it is moved by the action of a continuously revolving screw. The
plastic is melted by a combination of heat from the mechanical work
done and by the hot sidewall metal. At the end of the extruder, the
molten plastic is forced out through a small opening or die to shape
the finished product. As the plastic product extrudes from the die, it
is cooled by air or water. Plastic films and bags are made by
extrusion processing.
2.
Injection molding—Injection molding, plastic pellets or granules are
fed from a hopper into a heating chamber. An extrusion screw pushes
the plastic through the heating chamber, where the material is
softened into a fluid state. Again, mechanical work and hot sidewalls
melt the plastic. At the end of this chamber, the resin is forced at
high pressure into a cooled, closed mold. Once the plastic cools to a
solid state, the mold opens and the finished part is ejected. This
process is used to make products such as butter tubs, yogurt
containers, closures and fittings.
3.
Blow molding—Blow molding is a process used in conjunction with
extrusion or injection molding. In one form, extrusion blow molding,
the die forms a continuous semi-molten tube of thermoplastic material.
A chilled mold is clamped around the tube and compressed air is then
blown into the tube to conform the tube to the interior of the mold
and to solidify the stretched tube. Overall, the goal is to produce a
uniform melt, form it into a tube with the desired cross section and
blow it into the exact shape of the product. This process is used to
manufacture hollow plastic products and its principal advantage is its
ability to produce hollow shapes without having to join two or more
separately injection molded parts. This method is used to make items
such as commercial drums and milk bottles. Another blow molding
technique is to injection mold an intermediate shape called a preform
and then to heat the preform and blow the heat-softened plastic into
the final shape in a chilled mold. This is the process to make
carbonated soft drink bottles.
4.
Rotational Molding—Rotational molding consists of a closed mold
mounted on a machine capable of rotation on two axes simultaneously.
Plastic granules are placed in the mold, which is then heated in an
oven to melt the plastic Rotation around both axes distributes the
molten plastic into a uniform coating on the inside of the mold until
the part is set by cooling. This process is used to make hollow
products, for example large toys or kayaks.
Durables vs. Non-Durables
All types of plastic products are classified within the plastic
industry as being either a durable or non-durable plastic good. These
classifications are used to refer to a product's expected life.
Products with a useful life of three years or more are referred to as
durables. They include appliances, furniture, consumer electronics,
automobiles, building and construction materials, toys, and yes Batman related figures and models..
Products with a useful life of less than three years are generally
referred to as non-durables. Common applications include packaging,
trash bags, cups, eating utensils, sporting and recreational
equipment, toys, medical devices and disposable diapers. vertigo
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| Posted 10/2/2016 6:32:33 PM |
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THE COLLECTIVE GROUPING AND SUB-SUMMARIES OF DEGRADATION PROCESSES
THAT WILL EVENTUALLY DESTROY YOUR BATMAN RELATED FIGURES AND MODEL
COLLECTION.
Note: Libraries of books have been written on the degradation of
polymers/plastics. I added this sub-summary information for the Batman
related figure and model collector who burns to know exactly the
absolute truth as to why his collection will eventually fall apart.
The degradation of polymers usually starts at the outer surface and
penetrates gradually into the bulk of the material.
There are many different modes of polymer degradation. These are very
similar since they all involve chemical reactions that result in bond
scission.
Chemical degradation
Chemical degradation refers exclusively to processes, which are
induced under the influence of chemical reagent (e.g. acids, bases,
solvents reactive gases, etc.) Weidner et al. (1996).
Thermal degradation
Thermal degradation refers to the case where the polymer, at elevated
temperatures, starts to undergo chemical changes without the
simultaneous involvement of another compound Guaita et al. (1985).
Biodegradation
Biologically initiated degradation also is strongly related to
chemical degradation as far as microbial attack is concerned.
Microorganisms produce variety of enzymes which are capable of
reaction with natural and synthetic polymers Dindar and Icli, (2001).
Radiolytic degradation
When polymeric materials are subjected to high energy radiation (e.g.
gamma radiation) changes are observed on their molecular structure,
mainly chain scission, which leads to reduction in molar mass Vinhas
et al. (2003).
Mechanical degradation
This generally, refers to macroscopic effects brought about under the
influence of shear forces. These forces result in the formation of
macro radicals. Such radicals can recombine in the absence of oxygen.
In the presence of oxygen peroxy-radicals may be formed, which leads
to the degradation of polymeric chains Potts (1991).
Photo-degradation
Photo-degradation is degradation of a photodegradable molecule caused
by the absorption of photons, particularly those wavelengths found in
sunlight, such as infrared radiation, visible light, and ultraviolet
light. However, other forms of electromagnetic radiation can cause
photo-degradation. Photo-degradation includes photo-dissociation, the
breakup of molecules into smaller pieces by photons. It also includes
the change of a molecule's shape to make it irreversibly altered, such
as the denaturing of proteins, and the addition of other atoms or
molecules. A common photo-degradation reaction is oxidation.
Photo-degradation in the environment is part of the process by which
ambergris evolves from its fatty precursor. Photo-degradation also
destroys paintings and other artifacts.
Light - induced polymer degradation, or photo-degradation, includes
the physical and chemical changes caused by irradiation of polymers
with ultraviolet or visible light. In order to be effective, light
must be absorbed by the substrate (polymeric system). Thus, the
existence of chromophoric groups in the macromolecules is a
prerequisite for the initiation of any photochemical reaction Schnabel
(1981).
Ketones, quinines, and peroxides are initiators for different reaction
degradation or chemical modification occurring in organic compounds
Kaczmarek et al. (1999). They absorb light up to about 380 nm, which
causes their excitation or cleavage to radicals. One may initiate
polymer degradation and other transformation by abstruction of
hydrogen atom from a macromolecule (PH) and formation of polymer alkyl
radical (P.) (Rabek 1993; Rabek 1996).
The influence of low-molecular weight organic compounds such as
benzophenone (BPh), anthraquinone (AQ) and benzoyl peroxide (BPo) on
the photo-processes of polystyrene has been studied. The results
indicate that additives accelerate and increase the photo-degradation
and photo-oxidation of polystyrene Kaczmarek et al. (1999).
Photo-degradation may occur in the absence of oxygen (chain breaking
or cross-linking) and the presence of oxygen (photo-oxidative)
degradation. The photo-oxidative degradation process is induced by UV
radiation and other catalysts (or both) and can be accelerated at
elevated temperatures.
Photo-degradation of polystyrene (e.g. embrittlement and color change)
can take place upon irradiation with a portion of UV light that is
contained within sun light.
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| Posted 10/2/2016 6:35:39 PM |
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Has NO LIFE!!
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SUMMARY OF DEGRADATION PROCESSES THAT WILL EVENTUALLY DESTROY YOUR
BATMAN RELATED FIGURES AND MODEL COLLECTION.
Polymer degradation can be caused by heat (thermal degradation), light
(photo-degradation), ionizing radiation (radio degradation),
mechanical action, or by fungi, bacteria, yeasts, algae, and their
enzymes (biodegradation). The deleterious effects of weathering on
polymers generally has been ascribed to a complex set of processes in
which the combined action of UV. light and oxygen predominant. The
overall light-initiated process in the presence of oxygen generally is
referred to as oxidative photo-degradation or photo-oxidation. A pure
thermal effect is possible because oxygen is always present and so the
process is thermal-oxidative degradation Feldman (2002).
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| Posted 10/4/2016 7:06:46 PM |
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Has NO LIFE!!
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EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT POLYSTONE
The new normal for sculpture casting that includes Batman related
figures and busts.
Polystone has a significant weight, porcelain like feel to the touch,
and an incredible ability to capture minute details, making it
unsurpassed in collectible manufacturing materials.
Polystone (resin compound) is a manufacturing medium used for cast
sculptures; it is hard to find one that delivers a cleaner, more
substantial representation of an original sculpture than a product
manufactured in Polystone. Polystone is a compound made up largely of
polyurethane resin mixed with powdered stone additives that give it
added weight and the porcelain or "stone-like" feel that resulted in
the materials name itself. Polystone has higher quality than resin
because of the base materials it uses; mainly minerals such as
aluminum hydrate, as opposed to synthetic materials. Polystone is
durable and highly effective at maintaining a sharp paint finish.
Unlike porcelain which is fired in an oven, Polystone is a cold-cast
material in which no heat is used in the manufacturing process,
resulting in much greater variations of paint finish. Obviously you
have to keep in mind that these are meant to be fragile, high end
pieces. Polystone has similar properties to resin. They are, by
nature, breakable. However, polystone is more durable than resin.
Which is perhaps the reason that Hot Toys and other similar
manufacturers began to make the change from resin to polystone awhile
back in their bust and statue lines. It is typically made for
mass-produced statues, such as Batman figure and bust polystone
cold-casts. Polystone is the least restrictive in reproducing details.
The edges and cuts are the cleanest, and a fair amount of detail can
be put into it. This may be why polystone is now the material of
choice for mass produced high end resin cast figures and busts.
Attached images of polystone Arkum Knight Batmobile.
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| Posted 10/7/2016 7:10:03 PM |
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Has NO LIFE!!
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Care and Repair of Polystone and Polyresin
EBAY site article
WHAT IS POLYSTONE?
A: Polystone is a compound made up largely of polyurethane resin mixed
with powdered stone additives that give it added weight and a
stone-like feel and durability. Items made in Polystone are cold-cast
in which no heat is used in the manufacturing process, resulting in
much greater variations of product finish.
Q: Why do I have to clean my polystone Statue or Bust?
A: One of the main issues for collectors that display their Polystone
pieces is dust. Dust attracts oils and other contaminants from the air
that will eventually cause discoloring to your polystone statue or
bust if left unchecked.
Q: How do you remove dust without destroying my polystone statue or bust?
A: A camera lens brush is great to whisk dust from the delicate areas,
as well as from the hard to reach areas and fine details of a statue.
If you don’t have a camera lens brush, a very soft, medium sized paint
brush can also be used. Next, follow up the dusting with a blast from
a can of compressed air.
Q: Can I wash my polystone statue or bust, or use a wet cloth on them?
A: If you absolutely need to, you can also use a damp, lint-free cloth
on the larger areas as well as the bases to loosen up the dust. Dampen
the cloth with water but never use harsh chemical cleaners because the
chemicals have the potential to permanently damage the paint finish
and even the polystone material.
Q: Can I display my polystone statue or bust collection near a heating
or air conditioning vent?
A: Your collection should not be displayed in such areas because of
the inconsistent room temperature. The statue or bust surface or
integrity could be affected. Keep your collectibles in a consistent
environment.
Q: Will the sunlight affect the paint on my figures if I display them
in a window?
A: Long term exposure to direct sunlight and UV rays will damage your
statue or bust paint as well as the finish over time. All displays
should not be in areas around or next to windows. General electric
indoor lighting will not affect the paint quality of your polystone
collectibles
Q: How do I clean my polyester plants?
A: Polyester plants (sometimes used to add atmosphere around
busts/figures) are very durable but can get dusty. First, move the
plant to an open outdoor area. Using a regular feather duster, start
at the top of the plant and work your way down. For very dusty plants
take a regular garden hose and spray quickly from top to bottom and
let dry completely. DO NOT use an artificial (hair) dryer.
Q: How do I repair small chips, or paint chips on the polystone figures?
A: If you have small chips or breaks make sure you save all the
pieces. You can use the tooth picks to apply the super glue onto very
tight places and your tweezers to place the small pieces back
strategically. You can then use paint to touch up any surface scuffs
or missing colors from the break.
Q: How do I repair broken arms or legs on my polystone statue or bust?
A: Use a toothpick to apply the clear super glue to both the broken
limb and statue or bust. Wait a few seconds for the glue to set up and
align the broken parts. Support may be needed until the glue dries
depending on the size and location of the broken piece.
WHAT IS POLYRESIN?
A: Polyresin is a resin compound generally used for statues,
figurines, and decorative furniture. It is a sturdy material that can
be intricately molded, allowing a great level of detail with
consistent texture. Additives can be added into the compound to
enhance the material's strength, reduce its weight, add heat
stability, and decorative effects.
Q: How do I clean a Polyresin item?
A: If the item has been painted a dusting with compressed air or a
small paint brush is the best. Warm water and dish soap can be used,
make sure to dry the item, but try a small inconspicuous area first if
the item has been painted as some paints are water soluble. Do not use
harsh chemicals.
Q: How do I repair Polyresin?
A: School glue, tissue paper and acrylic paints can repair most damaged statues.
Q: My polystone statue or bust is broken, now what?
A: Don’t panic! Simple breaks and chips can be easily repaired by the
collector at home by following the different types of breaks in the
questions below. The supplies you will need are clear super glue (make
sure the glue can repair plastics and ceramics), tooth picks, small
soft brushes, tweezers, two part plumbers - epoxy putty, and acrylic
paint.
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| Posted 10/12/2016 6:44:35 PM |
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Has NO LIFE!!
Last Login: 12/4/2023 11:08:55 PM
Posts: 3,232,
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WHY YOUR BATMAN RELATED FIGURES, ACCESSORIES, BAT VEHICLES, AND MODELS
PURCHASED DURING THE PAST TWENTY YEARS ARE NOT INCREASING
SIGNIFICANTLY IN MONETARY VALUE AND ARE A POOR INVESTMENT CHOICE FOR
FINANCIAL GAIN.
NO MATTER WHAT A BATMAN RELATED FIGURE, ACCESSORY, BAT VEHICLE, OR
MODEL'S CURRENT MONETARY MARKET VALUE MAY BE, NEVER FORGET THE TRUE
REASONS WHY IT IS REALLY WORTH ANYTHING TO YOU.
We shall now use Hoy Toy's Batman related products to demonstrate this reality.
One Hot Toys forum said:
“Investing and collecting are two different things. Nobody thinks they
are getting rich from selling these. I never heard anybody once say
they are getting rich from Hot Toys or using them as an investment. If
so, find that quote. It is not on any forum.
Hot Toys are ranked high at the top. They are highly detailed and
great looking. They are simply NOT RARE. They will never be rare. Old
comics are rare because people did not collect them back in the day.
Every Hot Toys owner drops the big bills in order to display these
pieces, not play with them. There will be very few damaged of these.
So, they will never be rare, especially with many re-releases.
There are no serial numbers. A figure may have a release of 500 and if
successful more will be made, over and over, until public demand fades
away. The words “LIMITED EDITION COLLECTABLE” mean little."
Many of the first run of the 1/6th Batman Tumbler, were being resold,
over and over, and when the reselling price reached 3,000.00 Hot Toys
produced a second edition for 469.00 each. Hot Toys and any other
manufacturer know a 2500.00 profit being made on their products when
they see one. Look at the 1/6th Tumblers being sold on Ebay and
Amazon. Average price is 699.00. If demand started to drive the resale
price up significantly a third edition of the 1/6th Tumbler would rapidly
become available to meet the customer demand for the 1/6th Tumbler.
Hot Toys and all the other Batman related figure, accessory, and
vehicle manufacturers in today’s market will not tolerate the
re-sellers making much profit off of their products and why should
they. Today’s Batman manufacturing market is a Batman collectors
market. The best it has ever been. If you want to profit from
investment in Batman you will have to hunt down vintage Batman items
to resell. vertigo
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