Omar Khalid
Old plastic toys can be restored in several ways, depending on the condition of the toy. If the toy is dirty, a good wash with soapy water can make a big difference. For stuck-on dirt, a scrub brush and hot soapy water may be necessary. Decals and labels can be scraped off with a razor blade, and crayon or pen marks can be removed with mineral spirits or paint thinner. If the toy is discoloured, it can be treated with peroxide, sunlight, UV light, and heat. If the toy is damaged, it may be possible to repair it with glue or by heating and reshaping the plastic. In some cases, a new coat of paint may be all that is needed to restore the toy to its former glory. Whether the goal is to make the toy playable again or simply to display it, restoring old plastic toys can be a fun and rewarding project.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Wash with soapy water, scrub by hand for smaller toys, use a hose for larger toys, and dry in the sun |
| Removing Stickers | Use a razor blade to scrape off decals and peeling labels |
| Removing Crayon and Pen Marks | Use mineral spirits or paint thinner with a cloth or toothbrush |
| Fixing Lithos | Use a water-based colour pen or spray adhesive, avoid water-based products which can wrinkle the lithograph |
| Refinishing | Heat and force plastic back into shape, use C-clamps and wood strips, be careful as plastic has a memory and may return to its original shape |
| Painting | Use the correct paint, such as enamel model paint with a gloss, satin, or matte finish, or spray paint |
| Restoring Yellowing | Soak in hydrogen peroxide and leave in the sun, be cautious as this can affect paint |
| Toy Sourcing | Look for discarded toys in good condition, check rich neighbourhoods, and search for all parts |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning with soapy water
Before attempting to clean old plastic toys with soapy water, it is important to assess the toy's condition and identify any areas with significant grime, sticky residues, or discolouration. For toys with electronic components, consider how moisture exposure during cleaning might affect functionality. Check for any labels or manufacturer instructions that could provide guidance on suitable cleaning methods or materials to avoid.
For smaller plastic toys, and for really tough stuck-on dirt, you'll need to scrub by hand. Wash these smaller toys in a laundry basin filled with hot soapy water, using a sponge to clean out every nook and cranny. For larger toys, grab a bucket with the same hot soapy water and use the sponge or a cloth to clean them. Be sure to remove all soap residue to prevent any damage to the plastic.
For hard plastics that haven't been painted, fill a bucket with soap and water. Dip 150-grit sandpaper into the soapy water and rub the surface in a circular motion. Cover every faded area 5-6 times. Next, grab a sheet of 220-grit sandpaper and repeat the process by rubbing it the same way. Cover every section 5-6 times before rinsing the surface.
For general dust and dirt clean-up, use dish soap with warm water. For tougher stains, add a small amount of white vinegar to the solution. The vinegar helps to break down and loosen stubborn grime or residue. After wiping down the surface, rinse the toy with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a towel.
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Removing crayon and pen marks
Restoring old plastic toys can be a fun project, and it often doesn't require a lot of work to get them looking their best again. A thorough cleaning is usually the first step, and it can make a big difference in the appearance of the toy. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions specifically for removing crayon and pen marks from plastic toys:
Removing Crayon Marks:
- Baking Soda and Water: Wet a rag with warm water and dip it into some baking soda. Scrub the stained area for about 10 minutes or until the crayon starts to dissipate. Rinse the rag and repeat if needed.
- Toothpaste: Use non-gel toothpaste and a scrub brush. Apply the toothpaste directly to the brush and scrub the crayon marks until they disappear.
- WD-40: Use a butter knife to scrape off excess crayon. Apply a small amount of WD-40 to the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, use dish soap and a scrub brush to clean the remaining WD-40 from the toy.
- Lemon Juice and Cream of Tartar: Mix equal parts lemon juice and cream of tartar. Apply the paste to the crayon stain and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Use a scrub brush and gently scrub the stain until it's removed.
Removing Pen Marks:
- Rubbing Alcohol: Wet a cotton ball with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and rub it in circular motions on the pen marks until they disappear.
- Hair Dryer and Rubbing Alcohol: Use a hairdryer to slightly heat up the plastic toy, softening it. Then, use a paper towel soaked in 70% rubbing alcohol to wipe away the pen marks.
- Pencil Eraser: For lighter marks, simply rub a pencil eraser over the pen marks until they disappear.
Always be cautious when using any cleaning solutions, and test on a small area first if possible. Some methods may work better for certain types of toys or surfaces, so adapt as needed. With these techniques, you can effectively remove crayon and pen marks from plastic toys, bringing them back to life!
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Repairing loose parts
Using Adhesives and Glues
Adhesives and glues are essential for repairing loose parts on plastic toys. Plastics are known to be challenging to bond, so it's important to use the right type of glue. Super glues, such as Loctite® or Bostik Fix & Glue, are effective for bonding plastic surfaces. For small repairs, use an adhesive system that includes an activator and adhesive. Apply the activator to both surfaces, wait for it to evaporate, then apply a small amount of adhesive and join the pieces together. Hold them in place for about a minute, and let the bond cure for 24 hours.
Working with Screws
If the loose parts are held together by screws, use a screwdriver to gently pry the pieces apart. Be cautious, as plastic can easily scar. If the screws are tightly secured, use a putty knife to slowly wedge between the parts. You can also use a second putty knife and a small hammer to tap it underneath the first one. If the screws have steep thread pitches, be extra careful, as they can easily slip out and deteriorate.
Removing Stickers and Residue
If the loose parts are due to peeling stickers or residue, start by slowly peeling any edges that are coming loose. If the sticker is difficult to remove or starts peeling away the litho, stop and use a tissue soaked in mineral spirits. Let the mineral spirits soak for a few minutes, then try peeling the sticker again. After removing the sticker, use mineral spirits to gently clean up any remaining residue. This process may need to be repeated for stubborn residue.
Melting Vinyl
In some cases, melting vinyl can be a solution for repairing loose parts. Heat the blade of an old knife or screwdriver over a flame and rub the hot blade over the leaky area until the vinyl melts. Allow the vinyl to harden for at least 5 minutes. This method can be useful for repairing leaks in sports balls or other vinyl toys.
Remember to always work carefully and patiently when repairing old plastic toys. Each toy is unique, so adapt these techniques as needed for the specific challenges you encounter. With the right tools and techniques, you can bring new life to those cherished playthings.
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Painting
First, give the toy a good clean with soapy water and a sponge, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. If there are any stubborn marks, such as crayon or pen, use a cotton ball or Q-tip dipped in paint thinner to wipe them away. Rinse the toy and leave it to dry.
Next, if you're using more than one colour, you'll need to do some masking. Tape off any areas you don't want to be painted, pressing down firmly so that the paint doesn't bleed underneath.
Now you're ready to start painting. Work in a well-ventilated area, and apply the paint in thin layers, building up the colour gradually. Spray paint won't work upside down, so you may need to move your work as you go. Inspect your work from all angles with a flashlight to make sure you haven't missed any spots. Once you're happy with the first layer, set it aside to dry. Drying times will vary depending on the paint, so be sure to read the label.
Once the first colour is totally dry, you can start applying the second colour. Repeat the masking and painting steps as necessary until all the colours you want to use have been applied.
And that's it! Your old plastic toys will now look as good as new.
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Removing yellowing
Yellowing occurs in most plastic toys over time and can be improved through several methods. Firstly, a good wash with soapy water can make a big difference in improving the appearance of old plastic toys. This ensures the toy is free of any dirt or debris, which helps the paint take to the surface, giving the best possible finish.
A common method to reduce yellowing is to use peroxide, sunlight or UV light, some heat, and time. To do this, fill a jar with hydrogen peroxide, place the toy inside, and put a hole in the lid. Leave the toy in the sun for a period of time ranging from one day to a month, depending on the size of the toy and the severity of the yellowing. It is recommended to use a toy with duplicate parts for a test run, as this method may affect the paint.
Mineral spirits or paint thinner can also be used to remove marks from plastic. This method is recommended over water-based products, which can damage the toy. To do this, use a cloth or toothbrush (not too wet) to apply the product, and the marks should come off easily.
Another method involves heating up the affected area and then forcing it back into shape using C-clamps and wood strips. This method may not be very successful, as plastic has a memory and may return to its original shape after being heated.
As a last resort, denatured alcohol or a product containing xylene can be used to clean the toy. However, it is important to act quickly and wipe up any excess, as these products can degrade some plastics and ruin the finish.
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Frequently asked questions
Old toys can be restored for display or nostalgia purposes, especially if they are your child's favourite toys or your favourite childhood toys.
Wash the toys with soapy water. For larger toys, use a hose or a bucket of hot soapy water and a sponge. For smaller toys, use a laundry basin filled with hot soapy water. Leave the toys in the sun to dry. For stuck-on dirt, scrub by hand.
Start by using mineral spirits or paint thinner and a cloth or toothbrush (not too wet). For tough marks, use denatured alcohol or a product containing xylene.
Use a razor blade to scrape off decals and stickers. If the decal is a litho, try to peel it off and reapply it using spray adhesive. If you can't peel it off, work glue under the litho with a spatula or toothpick.
Use the correct paint for the job, such as enamel model paint with a gloss, satin, or matte finish. Find a reference image and take your time.
