Chloe Zhang
Bent plastic miniatures are a common problem for collectors, often occurring during the manufacturing process or due to gravity over time. While this can be incredibly frustrating, there are several easy ways to fix this issue at home. One popular method is the hot/cold water technique, which involves submerging the bent part of the miniature in hot water for around a minute, reshaping it, and then running it under cold water for 30-45 seconds to set the shape. Another method is to use a hairdryer on high for a few seconds to heat up the plastic before reshaping it. For more severe cases, some people have suggested heating the miniature in an oven at 200°F and reshaping it before letting it cool.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature of water | Hot water, not scalding or boiling |
| Time in water | 60 seconds |
| Tools | Bowl, grabbing instrument, kitchen towel/tissue, gloves |
| Bending | While in hot water, or after running under cold water |
| Oven | Heat at 200F until easily flexed |
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What You'll Learn
Using hot water
First, fill one bowl with hot water from a kettle and the other with cold water. Be careful when handling the hot water to avoid burns. If you are young or clumsy, it is recommended to have a responsible adult assist you.
Next, grab the miniature that needs correcting. If it is a small piece, like a weapon, carefully dip it into the hot water while holding onto the bottom of the miniature. For larger pieces, fully submerge the model in the water. Leave the miniature in the water for 30 seconds to a minute. The thicker the miniature, the longer it will take for it to become pliable, so thicker pieces may need to be left in the water for the full minute.
Once the plastic becomes pliable, you can carefully remove it from the hot water using your grabbing tool. Be careful not to touch the hot water. Place the miniature on a kitchen towel or tissue to soak up any excess liquid. Now, you can straighten or bend the plastic as needed. Finally, dip the miniature in room-temperature water to help it set in its new shape.
If the miniature is still not bending back into shape, you may need to repeat the process or try an alternative method, such as using a hair dryer on high for a few seconds to heat up the plastic before bending.
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Using hot water and a hair dryer
You can also use hot water to reshape your plastic minis. Fill a bowl with very hot water, stopping just short of boiling. Then, place the bent miniature in the hot water for about 10 seconds. You should then be able to gently bend the mini back into its original shape. Finally, place the mini in room-temperature or ice-cold water to reset the plastic.
You can also manipulate the plastic while it's in the hot water, which gives you more control over the process. Be careful not to burn yourself when using this method, and avoid dropping the miniature into boiling water, as it may melt. If you do drop the mini into boiling water, immediately dump out the pot and get the miniature into cold water as soon as possible.
If the hot water method doesn't work, you may need to try a different technique, such as using an oven to heat the plastic or replacing the bent parts with new ones.
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Using an oven
Keep a close eye on the miniature as it heats up. Once you notice the plastic starting to bend or become flexible, remove it from the oven using oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. Be careful not to touch the hot surfaces of the oven or the miniature directly with your bare hands. Place the miniature on a heat-resistant surface, such as a trivet or a heat-proof mat.
Now, you can begin the straightening process. Using a gentle touch, carefully bend the softened plastic back into its original shape or the desired position. You may need to use a flat surface or a weight to help you achieve the correct alignment. For example, if you are straightening a base, press it down on a flat surface while pulling up on the miniature's torso to ensure it cools in the correct position.
After you have achieved the desired shape, allow the miniature to cool completely. You may speed up this process by placing it in front of a fan or in a well-ventilated area. Do not attempt to accelerate the cooling by placing the hot miniature in the refrigerator or exposing it to water, as this could cause damage or warping. Once the miniature has cooled, inspect it to ensure it has retained its shape. If necessary, you can repeat the process until you achieve the desired results.
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Using hot and cold water
To straighten bent plastic minis using hot and cold water, follow these steps:
Firstly, prepare two bowls of water, one with hot water and the other with cold water. The water in one bowl should be hot, but not boiling or scalding, as this can damage the plastic. You can heat the water using a kettle or on the stove. Be careful when handling hot water to avoid burns. If you are using the stove, heat the water until it is hot but not boiling, with small bubbles forming.
Next, grab the plastic mini that needs correcting. If it is a small piece, like a weapon, you can dip it into the hot water while holding the bottom of the miniature. For larger pieces, fully submerge the model in the hot water. Leave the miniature in the water for around 30 seconds to a minute. Thicker pieces may need more time to become pliable.
Once the plastic becomes pliable, remove it from the hot water. Be careful not to touch the hot water. Use a grabbing tool, such as a clean fork, to take the miniature out of the water. You can now straighten or bend the plastic as needed. Manipulate the plastic into the desired shape.
Finally, set the shape by running cold water over the plastic or dunking it into the bowl of cold water. Hold the plastic in the desired position while it cools in the cold water for about 30-45 seconds. You can also place it on a kitchen towel or tissue to soak up any excess liquid. Your plastic mini should now hold its new shape permanently.
This hot and cold water technique is an easy and quick way to fix bent plastic miniatures. With careful handling of hot water and some simple tools, you can straighten and reshape your plastic minis effectively.
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Using brass rods
Brass rods can be used to straighten bent plastic minis. This method is particularly useful for straightening spears or pikes on metal miniatures.
Firstly, you will need to find a brass rod that is the same size or slightly smaller than the minis you are trying to straighten. You can then replace the shaft of the soft metal spears with the brass rod.
One user suggests using a pair of toothless pliers to straighten the metal before inserting the brass rod. Start at the bottom of the bent section and work your way up, making small adjustments until the piece is straight.
Another user recommends filling the brass rod with a piece of wire slightly smaller than the rod. This will prevent the tube from collapsing and keep it round. You can then lightly tap the rod with a hammer, applying a small amount of pressure in the direction you want to straighten it.
If you are unable to find a brass rod that fits inside your mini, you may need to clip the end of the rod to create a smooth, full-radius end. It is important to grease the end of the rod before inserting it into the tube to prevent cracking and ensure uniformity.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to straighten bent plastic minis is to use hot water. Submerge the bent part in hot water for a minute or so, bend it into the correct position, then run cold water over it.
The water should be hot to the touch, yet not scalding or boiling. You can also use a hair dryer on high for a few seconds and bend the piece back.
You should submerge the mini for about 60 seconds. If only a small part of the mini is bent, you only need to submerge that section.
If the mini is still bent, you can try snipping the bent part and replacing it with a brass rod. Alternatively, you can place the mini in the oven at 200°F until it is easily flexed, then move it into the desired position and hold it until it cools.
