The MLP Arena

Pony Talk => Pony Corral => Topic started by: shadowlark on February 13, 2013, 10:17:34 PM

Title: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on February 13, 2013, 10:17:34 PM

2013 - 2014 Restores:

Spoiler

I started cleaning up my childhood ponies that I just rescued from my parents'. First time I've done this, so if anyone has any tips, please share!

Only done two so far. Started with the less dirty ones:

Bow-Tie Before:
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Bow-Tie After. She cleaned up pretty well :)
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Posey Before:
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Posey After. Her body has pinkish discoloring that I think is just the plastic aging, so not much I can do about that.
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More to come!

Added 2/14/13:

Applejack Before:
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Applejack After (she's always been one of my favorites - so pretty!):
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Baby Applejack Before:
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Baby Applejack After (sooo cute!!!):
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Gingerbread Before (she's there behind the hair somewhere!  :P):
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Gingerbread After. Love how shiny her hair came out! She's got some dark spots on her body I still have to figure out, but it's a start!
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Added 2/15/13:

Braided Beauty Before:
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Braided Beauty After. Her hair was sooo dry & frizzy. I tried everything, but in the end, resorted to just curling her hair. Still some frizzy ends, but much better than before!
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Quackers Before:
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Quackers After. I'd originally had her mane curled in ringlets, but decided to just leave it down - her hair colour is just too nice to hide in ringlets. I can't believe how white she got! Love the Mr. Clean Magic Erasers!
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Next up is the So Softs - just waiting for their hair to dry!

Added 2/16/13:

SS Magic Star Before:
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SS Magic Star After:
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Stand hubby made for Magic Star. Made out of lucite and some screw anchors:
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SS Lofty Before:
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SS Lofty After:
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SS Fifi Before:
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SS Fifi After:
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SS Twilight Before:
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SS Twilight After:
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Added 2/22/13 - My First Deflock! I bought her on ebay specifically to try deflocking. She looks sooo much better!

SS Shady Before:
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SS Shady Deflocked:
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Added 2/26/13:

Sprinkles Before:
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Sprinkles After:
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Firefly Before:
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Firefly After - with symbols re-glittered - didn't do the best job, but it was my first time :):
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Dancing Butterflies Before:
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Dancing Butterflies After:
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Friendly Before:
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Friendly After (need to touch up his crown still):
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Princess Tiffany Before:
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Princess Tiffany After (so clean! But that tinsel...still working on it!):
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Friendly & Princess Tiffany:
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Baby Moondancer Before:
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Baby Moondancer After (awwww):
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Added 2/28/13:

Rosedust Before:
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Rosedust After - all clean with new wings!
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Morning Glory Before:
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Morning Glory After - all clean with new wings!
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Morning Glory & Rosedust - they're so happy to have wings after 20+ years without!
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Added 3/8/13:

Kingsley Before - side view:
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Kingsley After:
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Kingsley Before - front view:
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Kingsley After:
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Added 3/9/13:

Baby Bowtie Before:
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Baby Bowtie After:
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Baby Bowtie reunited with her mummy:
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Baby Bowtie & Baby Applejack - Best Friends Forever! :)
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Added 3/11/13:

Skydancer Before:
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Skydancer After. Symbols re-glittered - still working on technique and I'm so not artistic, but they came out good enough for me :):
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Added 3/16/13:

Majesty Before:
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Majesty After. Mostly cleaned with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. She was out on the balcony for 2 weeks (1 week each side) but we haven't had much sun so I think it was mostly the Magic Eraser that whitened her up, with a tiny bit of sunfading :)  Symbols reglittered, and she also stands on her own now!
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Added 3/21/13:

Moondancer Before:
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Moondancer After. Not entirely happy with the symbols so I'll probably redo them one day when I've had more practice, but she sure looks a lot better than she did!
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Added 3/22/13:

Skyflier Before:
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Skyflier After - she had about a dozen white hairs left in her stripe, so I rehaired her stripe with DH Virgin Snow.:
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Added 3/26/13:

Minty Before. Her poor symbols :(  And tail rust...eww!
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Minty After.  BIG HUGE GINORMOUS THANK YOU to sunnydaze for restoring Minty's symbols. I tried to do it myself and failed miserably! Thank you so much for making Minty minty! Rehaired with DH Virgin Snow:
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Close ups of sunnydaze's awesome job!!
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Added 6/7/13:

Gusty Before:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/GustyDirty_zps6692a4d2.jpg.html)

Gusty After:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/GustyPretty_zps829dd8be.jpg.html)

Glory Before:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/GloryDirty_zps3a47437d.jpg.html)

Glory After:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/GloryPretty_zps45f57aca.jpg.html)

Squeezer Before:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/SqueezerDirty_zps6e5469b5.jpg.html)

Squeezer After:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/SqueezerPretty_zpsf1fb2a18.jpg.html)

SS Hippity Hop:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/SSHippityHopDirty_zpsf7125c99.jpg.html)

SS Hippity Hop Deflocked:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/SSHippityHopPretty_zpsbf1c0b7b.jpg.html)

SS Wind Whistler:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/SSWindWhistlerDirty_zps55b30d44.jpg.html)

SS Wind Whistler Deflocked:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/SSWindWhistlerPretty_zpse2625522.jpg.html)

Added 1/2/14:

Sugarberry was a $5 ebay win. I was hoping with a little love and some sunfading, she'd turn out nicely, and she did! In order to sunfade her, I had to painstakingly cover all the berries on each side with about 3 coats of paint. What a pain that was! But worth it!  Here she is before:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/SugarberryDirty_zps76ef519c.jpg.html)

Sugarberry after:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/SugarberryPretty_zpsbaaf193e.jpg.html)

Added 1/6/14:

Move Firefly Before. Another ebay win. Just some surface dirt and dry hair:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/MovieFireflyDirty_zps20da69b6.jpg.html)

Movie Firefly After - surface dirt gone and hair came out sooo shiny!
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/MovieFireflyPretty_zpsc2351c37.jpg.html)

Pony Bride Before - poor thing was so dirty. She was one of my childhood ponies. Sadly, it looks like all her accessories have been lost :(
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/PonyBrideDirty_zpsc9f8abde.jpg.html)

Pony Bride After - Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to the rescue again!
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/PonyBridePretty_zpsa929a49e.jpg.html)

Added 1/22/14

Seashell Before - awww, the poor girl. She looked like a corpse. I had written my initials on her feet and the marker leeched through the plastic onto her side. She was also missing all her forelock plugs, making her head look even more skull like. :(   Her symbols and eyes were great though, and since she was one of my favorites as a child, I couldn't imagine baiting her.

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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/SeashellDirty_zps060ad0cd.jpg.html)

Seashell After!!!  She was out on the balcony for months, sunfading the marker off her side. Once she was a more uniform colour, she was re-dyed with RIT dye. I was going for a lighter colour, but the dye just wouldn't take. Finally, I mixed the last of the dye into a pot that I kept boiling, and that seemed to do the trick and let the dye in. So she's a bit darker than I was aiming for, but looks much better. A rehair with Dollyhair Lucky Clover and she's as good as new!

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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/SeashellPretty_zps0d223012.jpg.html)

Here are the in-between steps so you can see the progression she went through:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/Seashell_zps52e80b57.jpg.html)

Added 1/25/14

SS Lofty #2 - Picked her up on ebay in order to deflock her.
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/SSLofty2Dirty_zps6b8961c5.jpg.html)

SS Lofty #2 After - why did Hasbro cover up these beauties??
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/SSLofty2Pretty_zps8482c107.jpg.html)

Added 2/3/14:

Baby Quackers Before:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/BabyQuackersDirty_zps5903110f.jpg.html)

Baby Quackers After - she just needed hair styling. Such a cutie:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/BabyQuackersPretty_zps15b3aaa2.jpg.html)

Peppermint Crunch Before:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/PeppermintCrunchDirty_zpsf5822554.jpg.html)

Peppermint Crunch After - good surface cleaning and hair styled:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/PeppermintCrunchPretty_zpsa4872d34.jpg.html)

Tickle Before:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/TickleDirty_zps16b28a2e.jpg.html)

Tickle After - I'd worried when she arrived that the black marks were marker, but they were just scuff marks that came right off. A good Magic Eraser cleaning and hair style later, she looks beautiful again!
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/TicklePretty_zps9045cc84.jpg.html)

Added 2/5/14:
SS Magic Star #2 Before:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/SSMagicStar2Dirty_zpsdaf5b5c5.jpg.html)

SS Magic Star # 2 After! God, I love deflocking!!
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/SSMagicStar2Pretty_zps1b174e52.jpg.html)

Added 2/7/14:

Windy Before - her name suits her! Her hair definitely looks like she's been out in the wind!  :lol: She was one I picked up at the local antique mall for my birthday.
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/WindyDirty_zps080aab1d.jpg.html)

Windy After! Such shiny hair and glittery symbols!
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/WindyPretty_zps842ee42a.jpg.html)

Little Giggles Before. Another one from the antique mall. Thought I'd have to change her name to Little Frizzy  :lol:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/LittleGigglesDirty_zps1050a4f0.jpg.html)

Little Giggles After. Lots of conditioner and flat irons work miracles!
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/LittleGigglesPretty_zpsefe55e0c.jpg.html)

Added 6/15/14:
Surprise Before:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/SurpriseDirty_zps40008f5d.jpg.html)

Surprise After:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/SurprisePretty_zps4b19b8b0.jpg.html)

Baby Surprise Before:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/BabySurpriseDirty_zpsaab3465f.jpg.html)

Baby Surprise After:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/BabySurprisePretty_zpsabfe80d3.jpg.html)

Half Note Before:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/HalfNoteDirty_zps55958e73.jpg.html)

Half Note After:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/HalfNotePretty_zps9b238209.jpg.html)

SHS Dainty Before:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/SHSDaintyDirty_zps36a298e5.jpg.html)

SHS Dainty After:
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 (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/NWestEquestrian/media/SHSDaintyPretty_zpsdaea0452.jpg.html)

Added 4/14/16:

Whizzer - wasn't too bad, just needed a cleaning and hair styling :)
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Banana Surprise - love how clean she came out! Completely different shade of pink with all the grime off her!
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Quarterback - another colour change once all the grime was off!
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Daffodil - was in pretty good shape, so just a wash and hair style.
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Snowdrop - pretty happy I was able to get most of the frizz out!
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Added 6/14/16:

Little Tabby - was pretty clean but hair was frizzy. Looks much better now!
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Baby Tangles - got all the grime off with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Shampooed and conditioned her hair. So cute!
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Baby Puddles - more Mr. Clean, shampoo and conditioner. Love shiny hair!
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Baby Sparkle Firefly - wasn't in too bad shape, just a quick wash and style!
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Sweet Blossom - also not in bad shape, mostly just needed a quick wipe over and hair style!
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Added 6/15/16:

Sunspot - was worried about the tinsel but a lot of conditioner and a quick run over with the curling iron sorted it out!
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Hula Hula - her hair came out sooo shiny!
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Baby Racer - what a cutie!
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SHS Twinkler - Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to get the grime off and lots of conditioner and the curling iron to sort her hair out!
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Added 6/16/16:

Milky Way - came to me in great condition, just needed her hair styled. And she stands up straight now!
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Sunbeam - another one that came to me in great condition, just needed a quick wipe down and hair style.
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Napper - ugh. Tinsel. Did the best I could and certainly looks a lot better than it did!
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So Soft Paradise - I am soooo happy at how she turned out! Her flocking came out so white and those nasty brown spots came right off! Tried my best to maintain the factory curl she had.
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Added 6/25/16:

Styling Rainbow Dash:
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Pinwheel:
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Sugar Sweet:
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Bouquet:
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Added 7/6/16:

Apple Delight Family:
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Added 7/16/16:

BBE Baby Cuddles - a freebie from an old friend. My first BBE! No eye rust!
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Glittering Gem - another freebie from my friend!
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Galaxy:
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Merry Treat:
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Added 8/3/16:

Italian Blossom 1:
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Italian Blossom 2:
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Italian Blossom 3:
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Added 8/8/16:

Melody: Frizzy hair fixed with the good old flat iron!
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Boysenberry Pie: Just a wash and style :)
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Brazilian No Symbol Parasol: Flat iron to the rescue!
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Brazilian No Symbol Bubbles: Again, flat iron to the rescue!
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Brazilian No Symbol Bow Tie: You guessed it! Flat ironed her hair!
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Added 10/05/16:

Baby Drummer - covered in dirt with frizzy hair. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and a good shampoo/conditioner and hot iron treatment to the rescue!
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BBE Baby Ribbon - minor surface dirt but hair in good condition. Magic Eraser and a wash and style were all that was needed!
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Pina Colada - was in great shape, just needed a quick wipe-down and hairstyle!
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Flowerburst - looked like she hadn't been cleaned in 20 years! Magic Eraser and a good shampoo worked wonders!
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Title: Re: Shadowlark's Pony Cleaning/Restoration Thread
Post by: kaoskat on February 13, 2013, 11:55:16 PM

They look great!!!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Pony Cleaning/Restoration Thread
Post by: Colorscapesart on February 14, 2013, 10:30:08 AM

Looking very nice!  Sometimes those pink marks can be sunfaded off.

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Pony Cleaning/Restoration Thread
Post by: shadowlark on February 14, 2013, 11:43:20 AM

Quote from: Colorscapesart on February 14, 2013, 10:30:08 AM

Looking very nice!  Sometimes those pink marks can be sunfaded off.

Hmm, hadn't thought of sunfading them. Will have to research that a bit more. Thanks!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Pony Cleaning/Restoration Thread
Post by: TexasGal on February 14, 2013, 02:23:40 PM

Good job so far!  They both look lovely.  =]

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Pony Cleaning/Restoration Thread
Post by: StarDapple on February 14, 2013, 02:28:45 PM

Love seeing restorations.  Great work!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Pony Cleaning/Restoration Thread
Post by: SnowsLove on February 14, 2013, 02:40:07 PM

What'd you use to clean them so well?  Rubbing alcohol?  And what do you do about badly damaged mane and tail?

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Pony Cleaning/Restoration Thread
Post by: shadowlark on February 14, 2013, 03:21:31 PM

Thanks guys! I've started with the easy ones as it's my first restoration project.

SnowsLove - so far I've just used Mr Clean Magic Eraser to remove the dirt. For the hair just regular shampoo and conditioner. Posey had ancient elastic crud in her tail that I spot cleaned with Arm & Hammer Pet Stain & Odour Remover - it has OxyClean in it so I thought, why not?

Was lucky with these two and the Applejacks - their mane and tails were in pretty good shape. Have given up on trying to get the frizz out of Braided Beauty and have resorted to trying to curl her hair. We'll see how it goes :)

Applejack, Baby Applejack & Gingerbread now added!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread - AJ, Baby AJ & Gingerbread Added
Post by: Alatariel-Silimaure on February 14, 2013, 04:03:30 PM

awesome job! I'm going to have to try mr clean magic erasers on mine now XD

also the dark spots on gingerbread are cancer, there's no fix for them unless that has changed very recently. Gingerbread is one very prone to cancer though, I've got one that has it too. basically it's the plastic breaking down

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread - AJ, Baby AJ & Gingerbread Added
Post by: shadowlark on February 14, 2013, 04:10:55 PM

Quote from: Alatariel-Silimaure on February 14, 2013, 04:03:30 PM

awesome job! I'm going to have to try mr clean magic erasers on mine now XD

also the dark spots on gingerbread are cancer, there's no fix for them unless that has changed very recently. Gingerbread is one very prone to cancer though, I've got one that has it too. basically it's the plastic breaking down

Yeah, I thought it might be cancer :( 

The Magic Erasers are awesome! I can't believe how much dirt came off the Applejacks and Bow-Tie! 25 years of dirt gone in less that 5 minutes!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread - AJ, Baby AJ & Gingerbread Added
Post by: Alatariel-Silimaure on February 14, 2013, 05:04:45 PM

that's so great! :3 I have several dirty ones. I used acetone to get the dirt off, but the problem is that they're still super dirty around the symbols, and acetone would take the symbols right off >_<

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread - AJ, Baby AJ & Gingerbread Added
Post by: SnowsLove on February 14, 2013, 09:17:56 PM

Shadowlark; That's awesome!  I'll have to try the Mr. Clean stuff on my own ponies.  The only problem is the mane and tail. Most have badly frizzed hair and so I'm not sure that will come out.  I'm clueless on re-hairing ponies though, soo.... I don't know on that one.  ^^

Title: Re: Shadowlark\\\'s Cleaning/Restoration Thread - AJ, Baby AJ & Gingerbread Added
Post by: shadowlark on February 14, 2013, 09:58:11 PM

Yeah, the frizzy hair on my Braided Beauty is driving me bonkers. I tried everything! Conditioner, fabric softener, boiling water. Spent 3 hours last night with a curling iron trying to straighten it. I finally gave up on the idea of her having luscious straight hair and currently have her hair in straw curlers. She should be dry by tomorrow and I'm hoping the curls will help hide the frizz. Stay tuned for pics of her! :)

Post Merge: February 15, 2013, 06:05:15 PM

Braided Beauty & Quackers added. Frizzy hair is the bane of my existence!  :P

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread - Braided Beauty & Quackers Added
Post by: LadySatine on February 16, 2013, 02:50:44 PM

Great job!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread
Post by: shadowlark on February 16, 2013, 08:45:38 PM

Bump! SS Magic Star, SS Lofty, SS Fifi, and SS Twilight added!

It was more work cleaning the So Softs, but I had fun! I sprayed them with Arm & Hammer Pet Stain & Odour Remover (it has OxyClean in it) and gently massaged it in to the flocking with an old toothbrush. Then let sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing. Did this twice for each. Then shampooed their bodies, manes and tails. Rinsed. Then slathered on conditioner on their bodies, manes and tails. Waited a few minutes before combing the conditioner through their manes and tails, then left it on their bodies and hair for about 10 more minutes. Then rinsed and styled their hair. :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread
Post by: Griffin on February 17, 2013, 08:15:54 AM

Wow, those So Softs turned out beautifully! The flocking looks so clean and lovely. Great job on the earlier projects, too!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread
Post by: shadowlark on February 22, 2013, 09:15:58 AM

Bump! My first deflock added! I bought a pretty manky SS Shady on ebay just to try deflocking. It was going great until I got to the part where tutorials say to use Jasco. Couldn't find Jasco anywhere! So I had to resort to rubbing alcohol and elbow grease!  :lol: Took longer, but I think she looks pretty good for a first attempt :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on February 26, 2013, 12:01:15 PM

Sprinkles, Firefly, Dancing Butterflies, Baby Moondancer, and Friendly & Princess Tiffany added! Mr Clean Magic Eraser to the rescue again! Can't believe how well they clean up - especially Princess Tiffany & Friendly!  But man, her tinsel is driving me bonkers. I originally was going to curl her hair like Dancing Butterflies, but when I took the rollers out, the tinsel just went everywhere! So tried going for straight hair, but it's still not going where it should!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on February 27, 2013, 11:03:47 PM

Rosedust & Morning Glory added! Got some repro wings on ebay so they can finally fly again!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: vortex1310 on February 28, 2013, 12:25:05 PM

Awwwww, fabulous job! I love seeing restores. Their little faces look a little happier afterwards.

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: TwilightOwl on February 28, 2013, 12:34:14 PM

They all look great. I love seeing the before and after photos. There is nothing like a shiny clean pony :glitter:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on February 28, 2013, 01:16:34 PM

Thanks guys!  That's all I have for now - poor Minty is waiting for new hair, and Majesty, Moondancer and Seashell are all being sunfaded, so who knows how long that will take. Majesty and Moondancer look slightly whiter after a week, but not much. They I'm planning on redoing their symbols, so we'll see how that goes!  Seashell is trying to sunfade the ink on her, and then getting a dye job to re-purple her.

I'm bored without any ponies to clean! LOL  I might have to go find some manky ebay ponies to hold me over! Maybe another so soft to deflock!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Ladypom on February 28, 2013, 01:54:18 PM

Wow what a difference. They look wonderful  :biggrin:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Clarabel Sapphire on March 03, 2013, 02:08:15 PM

Wow, you have done an amazing job - they don't look like the same ponies!  :shocked: 

The So Softs are so bright and fuzzy and Braided Beauty's hair looks wonderful with those curls.  :inlove:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on March 03, 2013, 02:23:14 PM

Quote from: Clarabel Sapphire on March 03, 2013, 02:08:15 PM

Wow, you have done an amazing job - they don't look like the same ponies!  :shocked: 

The So Softs are so bright and fuzzy and Braided Beauty's hair looks wonderful with those curls.  :inlove:

Aww thanks!  :blush:  It's amazing what Mr Clean Magic Eraser & lots of conditioner can do!  :lol:

I'm really pleased with the So Softs, especially SS Twilight! They're so soft thanks to ample amounts of conditioner. I just bought two more So Softs on ebay (SS Gusty & SS Hippity Hop) so we'll see how they turn out. Hippity Hop is probably getting a deflock based on the pics on ebay, but I'm hoping I can get Gusty cleaned up. :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: plushroo on March 03, 2013, 06:34:05 PM

Oh gosh, I love these kinds of threads!! You did such a great job cleaning them up! They look awesome and I'm so happy you were able to find them and bring them back to life!! Keep up the pics!!!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: akutenshi7 on March 04, 2013, 11:59:39 AM

What glitter did you use on Firefly?  I'm interested in trying to reglitter a few of my own childhood ponies.  :)

Great job with the clean-up and such an awesome collection!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on March 04, 2013, 12:36:22 PM

Quote from: akutenshi7 on March 04, 2013, 11:59:39 AM

What glitter did you use on Firefly?  I'm interested in trying to reglitter a few of my own childhood ponies.  :)

Great job with the clean-up and such an awesome collection!

I used this stuff - the company is called Creatology. I got it at our local Michaels in the kids craft section. I think they have smaller packs of 6 and maybe 12.

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I mixed the dark blue & silver together in a little container, then painted the symbol in Elmer's craft glue. Then, make sure the pony is on a piece of paper and just dump the glitter over the glue. Then I just tapped/banged her on the desk a couple of times to get off most of the excess glitter. All the excess goes on the paper so you can put it back in the container for later use. I waited a few minutes, then very gently just pat down the glitter over the symbol to "smooth" it out a bit. Then I sealed with mod podge. I let her sit overnight, then the next day just took a damp paper towel and removed the remaining excess glitter. :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Eluluu on March 04, 2013, 12:46:09 PM

very nice restorations! i have a couple in states of partial deflock, but im having the same jasco problem haha! didnt think of trying rubbing alcohol tho, i was using pure acetone to get the bulk of the fuzz off but ive backburnered it for now (was down to glue and fuzzy symbols and didnt want to strip them XD)

for glitter you might want to look into Folk Arts glittery paint. wonderful stuff! Michaels carries it in their paint section. =] no mess. i usually do a couple coats of it, seal it, then do one more coat over that just to wake up the sparkles a bit more (cause the topcoat dulls it a bit)

i keep meaning to try the magic eraser but every time i go grocery shopping i forget it... ill have to try to remember next time i go there to raid the twistie ties in the produce department :ninja:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on March 04, 2013, 03:40:33 PM

Quote from: Eluluu on March 04, 2013, 12:46:09 PM

very nice restorations! i have a couple in states of partial deflock, but im having the same jasco problem haha! didnt think of trying rubbing alcohol tho, i was using pure acetone to get the bulk of the fuzz off but ive backburnered it for now (was down to glue and fuzzy symbols and didnt want to strip them XD)

for glitter you might want to look into Folk Arts glittery paint. wonderful stuff! Michaels carries it in their paint section. =] no mess. i usually do a couple coats of it, seal it, then do one more coat over that just to wake up the sparkles a bit more (cause the topcoat dulls it a bit)

i keep meaning to try the magic eraser but every time i go grocery shopping i forget it... ill have to try to remember next time i go there to raid the twistie ties in the produce department :ninja:

Yeah, I used pure acetone for everywhere but symbols/eyes and then scrubbed SUPER hard with rubbing alcohol over the symbols. It was a pain, but Shady looks soooo much better!!

I saw the glitter paint, but was scared to try mixing blue and silver  :blush:  I'm useless when it comes to stuff like that. It was much easier for me to just mix the glitter in a paint pot :)  But one day I'll brave the glitter paint!

Definitely try the magic eraser! They are fantastic!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: ooizza on March 06, 2013, 03:50:54 AM

Your ponies look amazing! Those So Softs make me want to get some of mine out and give them the same treatment you gave yours. I've always been too afraid/lazy to give it a try but the results are gorgeous :) Well done!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Chaosette on March 07, 2013, 02:25:24 PM

Well done! They all look so beautiful. Love Princess Tiffany and Friendly !

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: PoniesYeah on March 07, 2013, 03:08:04 PM

wow, just...wow.

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on March 08, 2013, 07:17:07 PM

Kingsley added! Such a cutie! Again, just used Mr Clean Magic Eraser.

Quote from: PoniesYeah on March 07, 2013, 03:08:04 PM

wow, just...wow.

Those are good "wows" right?  :blush:

Thanks for all the positive feedback everyone!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: TexasGal on March 08, 2013, 07:27:45 PM

I can assure you, all wows you get are good wows!  You have done a wonderful and amazing job cleaning these ponies up!  You should be very proud.

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: DappleCafe on March 08, 2013, 09:10:58 PM

Lovely work! There's nothing quite as satisfying as seeing a restored pony. Particularly deflocked ones.

Not sure that was one of hasbro's better ideas.

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: TrixieStix on March 08, 2013, 09:36:22 PM

Amazing job cleaning up those ponies! They all look so happy cleaned up with brushed hair! :heart:

I just cleaned up a firefly my bf found and the magic eraser did wonders cleaning away the dirt!

Thanks for sharing all your progress and the methods you used to clean them. 

I'll have to borrow your tips for so softs!!
 
Good wows all around!!! :cheer:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Valerie on March 08, 2013, 10:35:17 PM

:dropjaw:

Congratulations!!!!!  :iconclap: :worshippy:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on March 09, 2013, 05:39:31 PM

Baby Bowtie added!  I love the babies - they're just too adorable!

Glad everyone is enjoying this thread! Thanks for all the wonderful comments!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Eluluu on March 09, 2013, 05:52:47 PM

grr i did it again... went to the store for groceries and forgot to get that pen... again. lookin great hun! =D

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: blonde2themax on March 09, 2013, 07:37:37 PM

How did you get those tangles out?  Your ponies look absolutely gorgeous.

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: lovesbabysquirmy on March 09, 2013, 10:09:41 PM

Great job on those beautiful clean-ups! 

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on March 11, 2013, 05:47:02 PM

Skydancer added! She was the first MLP I remember getting...my mum got her for me to bribe me to behave at the airport while waiting for our flight to England. She finally let me open it on the plane and I was soooo happy! :)

Quote from: blonde2themax on March 09, 2013, 07:37:37 PM

How did you get those tangles out?  Your ponies look absolutely gorgeous.

Lots of conditioner! Most of them were just tangled, not really frizzy. For the frizzy ones, lots of conditioner, than patiently using a flat iron to straighten.

Quote from: Eluluu on March 09, 2013, 05:52:47 PM

grr i did it again... went to the store for groceries and forgot to get that pen... again. lookin great hun! =D

LOL Oh no! You have to remember them! They are awesome!

Quote from: DappleCafe on March 08, 2013, 09:10:58 PM

Lovely work! There's nothing quite as satisfying as seeing a restored pony. Particularly deflocked ones.

Not sure that was one of hasbro's better ideas.

Yeah, the so softs are....interesting. I don't mind them if they are in good condition, but Shady is such an awesome colour - why would you want to hide it?  But I definitely like So Softs better than Beddy Bye Eyes....shudder.....

I've got some more grungy so softs coming that I got on ebay - a Hippity Hop that definitely needs to be deflocked, and a Gusty. She looks like she might have pen on her, so we'll see if I can get that out, otherwise, she's getting deflocked too :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: sunnydaze on March 11, 2013, 07:57:48 PM

lookin good!  Can't wait until you get to show off minty too!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on March 11, 2013, 08:31:23 PM

Quote from: sunnydaze on March 11, 2013, 07:57:48 PM

lookin good!  Can't wait until you get to show off minty too!

HAHA Thanks! I'm trying to do as much as I can myself. :)  Lightning bolts and "M birds" are within my ability, but not Minty's clovers! :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on March 16, 2013, 05:45:38 PM

Majesty added! She looks sooo much better now - all clean with nice shiny hair! :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on March 21, 2013, 10:33:41 PM

Moondancer added! Still working on getting better with the symbols and I'm not as happy with hers as with the others I've tried, so I may redo them one day, but I still think she looks a lot better now :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: blonde2themax on March 22, 2013, 01:41:07 PM

That's totally amazing. How do you do their hair? It turns out so beautifully...

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on March 22, 2013, 02:48:24 PM

Quote from: blonde2themax on March 22, 2013, 01:41:07 PM

That's totally amazing. How do you do their hair? It turns out so beautifully...

I use my own shampoo and conditioner (Down Under Naturals). Shampoo it, rinse, lather the conditioner (and I mean LATHER - I use sooo much on them!).  I leave it sit for a few minutes, than comb the tangles out. Then leave it sit about 10 minutes before rinsing the conditioner. I usually rinse most of it with warm water so I don't burn myself, then the last few seconds blast it with hot water.

Manes I just wrap around their necks and hold it place with toilet paper and a loose elastic. Tails usually just get wrapped around back legs.

Curly hair, sometimes straw curls for ringlets, or for one large thick ringlet, I just wrap the tail around a thick marker. Then I try to prop it up so it doesn't unravel overnight. :D  For SS Twilight & Dancing Butterflies, I used rollers in their manes to get a nice loose curl. I leave everything overnight, so they're usually wrapped up for about 18 hours before I unroll everything. I'd heard about boil curling, so that's why I blast with the hot water before curling - in the hopes it helps them last longer!

Kingsley's hair I just blow dried and just moved it around with my fingers. He still had most of his curls, they were just tangled, so didn't take much to get them looking nice :)

Honestly, I think the reason they look so nice is the amount of conditioner! LOL I don't just put a little drop, I literally smother their hair with it. I use the same amount of shampoo but I think it's the conditioner that makes it so shiny.

Just ran off to do Peppermint Crunch's hair so I could show you how much I use! LOL

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LOL Glob it on and massage it in! :biggrin:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: LunaDehligt on March 22, 2013, 02:58:48 PM

Lovely :D

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on March 22, 2013, 08:12:16 PM

Skyflier added!  :biggrin:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on March 26, 2013, 12:36:13 PM

Minty added!! Huge thanks to sunnydaze for restoring her symbols!! She looks fantastic now! I can't thank you enough!!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: sunnydaze on March 26, 2013, 12:45:01 PM

Minty looks so good now! !! We did an awesome job!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Nence on March 26, 2013, 04:58:26 PM

Amazing! They all looks new :D

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on March 26, 2013, 05:28:12 PM

Quote from: sunnydaze on March 26, 2013, 12:45:01 PM

Minty looks so good now! !! We did an awesome job!

LOL You did the hard part! I might have to send you the ones I tried to do (Firefly, Skydancer, Majesty, Moondancer) to fix now that I know how awesome you are! :)

Quote from: Nence on March 26, 2013, 04:58:26 PM

Amazing! They all looks new :D

Thanks! I'm amazed how clean some of them came out! :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: sunnydaze on March 26, 2013, 08:35:37 PM

Just let me know what you want to do.  :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: tictactoe_kf on March 27, 2013, 02:50:27 PM

Oh my... wow. This is the kind of restoration I dream of doing someday! Amazing! Especially Majesty, I can't believe how white and pristine she looks! You are a magician of some kind, obviously. Amazing job. They all look so happy and new. :frolic:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on June 07, 2013, 04:17:58 PM

Been busy playing with my new real horse, so haven't had time to post pics, but I've now added Gusty, Glory, and Squeezer, who were some more of my childhood ponies my mum found and sent me.

Also added SS Hippity Hop & SS Wind Whistler - got these pretty cheap on ebay cause they were pretty dirty. Look so much better now that they're deflocked!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Clarabel Sapphire on June 08, 2013, 10:00:13 AM

I love revisting this thread and seeing more pics.

You have done such an amazing restoration job, all the ponies look factory fresh to me.  :biggrin:  Love Shadowlark's job on Minty's symbols, very well done indeed!  :thumb:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Whippycorn on June 08, 2013, 11:30:17 AM

I loved looking through your pictures! It's lovely to see them looking happy again.  :)

I kinda went  :shocked: when I got to Majesty, how did you get her so shiny white again? I have 3 Majesties and they're all far from white, poor girls.  :(

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Uninu on June 08, 2013, 12:46:55 PM

Such a happy thread, I always love seeing a good restoration :lovey:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Shiverdam on June 08, 2013, 04:41:06 PM

I LOVE restoration threads! Keep it up!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: steffers29madds on June 08, 2013, 08:44:03 PM

They all look so lovely. G1s are definitely my fav!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: sunnydaze on June 13, 2013, 09:41:59 PM

Quote from: Clarabel Sapphire on June 08, 2013, 10:00:13 AM

I love revisting this thread and seeing more pics.

You have done such an amazing restoration job, all the ponies look factory fresh to me.  :biggrin:  Love Shadowlark's job on Minty's symbols, very well done indeed!  :thumb:

  hehehe.  Shadowlark sent minty to me to repaint her symbols. ;)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on June 13, 2013, 10:46:24 PM

Quote from: sunnydaze on June 13, 2013, 09:41:59 PM

Quote from: Clarabel Sapphire on June 08, 2013, 10:00:13 AM

I love revisting this thread and seeing more pics.

You have done such an amazing restoration job, all the ponies look factory fresh to me.  :biggrin:  Love Shadowlark's job on Minty's symbols, very well done indeed!  :thumb:

  hehehe.  Shadowlark sent minty to me to repaint her symbols. ;)

LOL Oh man, I wish I'd taken pics of my attempt to do the symbols - what a disaster! I still can't believe how "factory" your symbols look!! :)

Thanks for all the nice comments everyone! :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: cleverLC on June 14, 2013, 05:23:26 AM

Wow!  Seeing how well you were able to restore the hair gives me hope for the baby Fireflies I have in the restore/custom drawer.

What did you use for the glitter symbols?  Is there some sort of glitter pen?

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on June 14, 2013, 10:47:18 AM

I used this stuff for the glitter, although I've heard glitter pens might work better, so I'll have to give that a shot :)

For the hair, just normal Down Under Naturals shampoo and conditioner - lots of it! If the hair is really dry, I'll shampoo, condition, then condition again. I usually leave the conditioner in for about 10 minutes each time. Frizz gets tackled with my curling iron and if it's too bad I just straw curl like I did with Braided Beauty :)

https://mlparena.com/index.php/topic,322916.msg668393.html#msg668393 (https://mlparena.com/index.php/topic,322916.msg668393.html#msg668393)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: ValhallaLilly on June 16, 2013, 04:57:05 PM

Wow! You had so many amazing ponies.
How did you clean the flocking? Just soap and water?
Thanks!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on June 17, 2013, 08:06:14 PM

For the So Softs, I sprayed them with Arm & Hammer Pet Stain & Odour Remover (because we had some and it has OxyClean in it) and gently massaged it in to the flocking with an old toothbrush. Then let sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing. Did this twice for each. Then shampooed their bodies, manes and tails. Rinsed. Then slathered on conditioner on their bodies, manes and tails. Waited a few minutes before combing the conditioner through their manes and tails, then left it on their bodies and hair for about 10 more minutes. Then rinsed and styled their hair and let their bodies air dry. They're nice and soft now! :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: RedLynx on June 17, 2013, 08:14:36 PM

What a lot of hard work!  They look wonderful!  Great job!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Shy Violet on June 17, 2013, 08:37:31 PM

They all look fantastic! Great job, I can't wait to see more :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: ValhallaLilly on June 18, 2013, 04:45:54 AM

Quote from: shadowlark on June 17, 2013, 08:06:14 PM

For the So Softs, I sprayed them with Arm & Hammer Pet Stain & Odour Remover (because we had some and it has OxyClean in it) and gently massaged it in to the flocking with an old toothbrush. Then let sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing. Did this twice for each. Then shampooed their bodies, manes and tails. Rinsed. Then slathered on conditioner on their bodies, manes and tails. Waited a few minutes before combing the conditioner through their manes and tails, then left it on their bodies and hair for about 10 more minutes. Then rinsed and styled their hair and let their bodies air dry. They're nice and soft now! :)

Oh good to know! I guess I didn't realize the flocking was so hardy.

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on June 18, 2013, 02:33:23 PM

I just made sure to rub gently with the toothbrush and fingers and not use hot water cause it will melt the flocking glue. If you have a baity so soft, you could try it on that first before trying on the good ones - that's what I did - I thought Fifi was a lost cause and thought, "well, I'll try to clean her, and if not i'll just deflock her"  Turns out she cleaned up pretty well! :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: SourdoughStomper on January 02, 2014, 10:05:08 AM

:bumping:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on January 02, 2014, 10:24:16 AM

Sugarberry added! She's been sitting out on our balcony sunbathing since the summer and I finally went out to see how she was doing. She looks much better!

Thanks for unlocking this thread SourdoughStomper! Now that I'm currently unemployed, I'll be able to get around to all the ponies awaiting their spa treatment, so this thread will be updated more often! :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: sunnydaze on January 02, 2014, 11:01:52 AM

If you have any symbol work you need done just let me know I'm happy to help! I'm on mat leave so I'm home a lot with my six month old.

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on January 02, 2014, 11:27:46 AM

Thanks for the offer! Hopefully I'll be working again soon and will have more pony to spend on ponies/shipping costs, so maybe then. There's only a couple I'm not happy with - how are you with glitter symbols? :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: sunnydaze on January 02, 2014, 03:37:27 PM

Not bad, I've reglittered a few rainbow ponies in the past. I also do customs with glitter symbols.  I use Pops method to apply glitter.

Have a look through the link to my DA gallery I know you can see better pics there than the small pics in my Sig.

It's really too bad Canada post is so expensive even within Canada.

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Shy Violet on January 02, 2014, 04:45:00 PM

They all look amazing!! Fantastic job. I love seeing before and after pics of restores.

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Baby Mischief on January 02, 2014, 09:32:44 PM

Oh. my. god! Those are amazing!!!
I need to know how you got Baby MD so White?! I have been looking for a mint one for ages and now I have one that is w/o marks but yellow.. I thought there was no hope, but obviously there is! :shocked:

Please let me know how I can save her!! :biggrin:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shockponie on January 03, 2014, 01:46:43 AM

Quote from: shadowlark on February 13, 2013, 10:17:34 PM

Sugarberry was a $5 ebay win. I was hoping with a little love and some sunfading, she'd turn out nicely, and she did! In order to sunfade her, I had to painstakingly cover all the berries on each side with about 3 coats of paint. What a pain that was! But worth it!

I've hemmed and hawed over how to sunfade my Sugarberry. Yours looks splendid! What paint do you use if you don't mind me asking?

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Thrice on January 03, 2014, 05:07:16 AM

Stalking this thread! I have a ton of G1s that need TLC and I've been (very) slowly restoring them. Haven't tried reglittering yet but I'm kind of dreading it.

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on January 03, 2014, 10:08:16 AM

Thanks everyone!

Baby Mischief - try Mr. Clean Magic Eraser - that's all I used for most of my white ones. Those things are brilliant. If that doesn't work, you can try covering her symbols/eyes and sticking her in the sun for a bit and that should help :)

shockponie - I just used FolkArt acrylic paint to paint over the symbols. It was such a pain! I think I put about 3 coats on each little berry and piece of vine, as well as her blush and eyes. Then I just wrapped her mane and tail in tinfoil and let her sunbathe for a while! But try the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser first as that might be all yours needs.

Thrice - yeah reglittering was a pain and I'm not a good artist so some of the symbols are a bit wonky. But I basically just painted the symbol in craft glue than dumped the glitter over top. There's a pic of the glitter I used a few pages back - I just mixed what ever colour I needed with the silver glitter and then dumped it on and patted it down a bit to smooth it. Not the best method but worked in a pinch :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on January 06, 2014, 09:38:31 AM

Movie Firefly & Pony Bride added! :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Fisha Seabreeze on January 06, 2014, 10:33:02 AM

Awesome job, your ponies look like a million bucks! :lol:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: AnnaPommes on January 06, 2014, 04:04:02 PM

i am amazed about your restaurations, especially on the white ponies. you can make them so super white again! OoO
please go on with it! it is grand!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Reiya on January 07, 2014, 12:41:45 PM

This is one of the most addicting threads ever! I love restorations.

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: UrocyonFox on January 08, 2014, 06:45:14 AM

oh my gosh! Its so great to see these ponies getting new a second life. They're all just beautiful. You did such a great job.

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Ivaness on January 09, 2014, 01:14:26 AM

Wow ! Look how white Moondancer became! She's beautiful!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: alkevin on January 09, 2014, 02:45:24 AM

You really brought them to life again!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Catnip on January 09, 2014, 10:28:33 AM

I hate to just repeat what everyone else has said, but wow! These look awesome! I knew restoring old toys was possible, but this is just incredible! Makes me want to go Goodwilling or Craigslisting for decrepit old ponies to fix up and/or practice on. Thanks for being such an inspiration!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on January 22, 2014, 08:34:58 PM

Seashell added! What a labour of love she was! One of my favorites as a child and even though she was in bad shape, I couldn't bring myself to bait her.

As always, thanks for all the lovely comments!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: AnnaPommes on January 22, 2014, 11:24:46 PM

i am amazed how seashell turned out! O-O

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: BabiChuld on January 23, 2014, 09:30:47 AM

This thread was a pleasure to browse through, so many happy endings for the ponies, seashell in particular looks like an entirely new pony! :D Well done you !

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: MorningGlorysParadise82 on January 24, 2014, 06:51:32 AM

What paint did you use on sugarberry and what did you use to take it back off

Sent from my SCH-I415 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on January 24, 2014, 03:59:35 PM

I used Folk Art acrylic white paint. Then rubbing alcohol to take it off. I think it might have faded the symbols a bit - I may have just rubbed too hard cause I was impatient to get it off. I'd try it on a baity pony first to see if it fades, maybe if you don't rub so hard it would be fine :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: MorningGlorysParadise82 on January 25, 2014, 04:22:28 AM

Ok thanks

Sent from my SCH-I415 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on January 25, 2014, 04:57:56 PM

Another SS Lofty added - this time deflocked! I think I'm becoming addicted to deflocking - WHY did Hasbro cover up such bright and pretty colours?!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: doxiechic16 on January 25, 2014, 05:17:27 PM

Shadowlark, your restorations are amazing!  I love how you can turn sad, grubby ponies into happy, beautiful ponies ready for display.   :shocked:   :iconclap:

How much pressure do you apply when cleaning ponies with the Mr. Clean Magic Erasers when you are cleaning ponies?  I'm always super nervous that I'll take my ponies' eyes or symbols off if I try to clean them! lol

Also, have you ever/would you ever consider posting how-to videos for some of the techniques that you use? 

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on January 25, 2014, 07:30:44 PM

Awww thanks!  :blush:

I scrub pretty hard over most of the body but a bit lighter over the symbols/eyes/blush just in case. I haven't had the magic eraser do any damage yet but just in case.

I never thought of doing videos...LOL I didn't think what I was doing was all that impressive! LOL Something to consider one day maybe :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Mnemiz on February 03, 2014, 02:08:10 PM

Aaawwwwww, your ponies are so BEAUTIFUL and you did an excellent job cleaning them up :D I just started myself (mostly white ponies and toothpaste)?!
They look so neat <3 Great job, you ^^

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: FarDreamer on February 03, 2014, 03:23:03 PM

NICE!!! :iconclap: :thumb:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on February 03, 2014, 04:30:34 PM

 :blush:  I'm so glad everyone is enjoying this thread!

Baby Quackers, Peppermint Crunch, and Tickle added!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on February 05, 2014, 02:51:30 PM

Just added SS Magic Star deflocked! She's gonna look so great next to my childhood SS Magic Star who is still flocked. Soooo pretty :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on February 07, 2014, 04:17:46 PM

Windy and Little Giggles added!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: TexasGal on February 07, 2014, 07:25:48 PM

I've said it before and I'll say it again.  Girl, you work wonders. 

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Artemesia's Garden on April 05, 2014, 11:49:15 AM

Great work on Seashell, I've seen some that are quite dark but usually it's either a head or a body and sadly not the twain! She looks fantastic  :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: GreenMare on April 05, 2014, 12:02:53 PM

I think you have done miracles! They all look fantastic!
You may have said this already, but how do you go about curling the hair so beautifully? I am restoring a few ponies and trying to do their hair in a similar way but the technique I have tried isn't as effective?

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on April 05, 2014, 12:36:10 PM

Awww thanks! Seashell was one of my faves as a kid, so it was nice to get her looking healthy again!

Hair tips:

For mane curls like I did on SS Twilight I used rollers.

For tail curls - for one big curly, I wrap it around a marker. At the end of the hair, I wrap a paper towel around the end to hold it in place and then secure with an elastic, but not too tight or it might leave an indent in the hair :)

For straw curls, practice makes perfect! I think I usually do about 4 curls for the tail. Basically the same as the marker, just smaller sections wrapped around straws. At the start of the wrap, ie by their bum, I'll put a bobby pin to hold it secure, with the wave part of the pin on the inside of the straw so it doesn't make indents. Then the paper towel at the end secured with another bobby pin.

Right before I do any hair styling, I run the hair under really hot water for a few seconds. Apparently the hot water makes it hold the curl better. Not sure if that's true as I've never tried cold water

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: achab1984 on April 05, 2014, 02:39:30 PM

They all turned out very good! I love to see before and after ponies. I have done a few myself. I am most proud of my SS Twlight that I did in the past :)

visitors can't see pics , please register or login
 (http://s125.photobucket.com/user/avene1984/media/Pony%202/534330_1412316058986577_242071081_n.jpg.html)
She was horrible when I first got her!

visitors can't see pics , please register or login
 (http://s125.photobucket.com/user/avene1984/media/Pony%202/00110.jpg.html)
After I am all done with her :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on April 05, 2014, 11:02:30 PM

Your SS Twilight looks great deflocked! She's on my list to try and find cheap to deflock. Soooo pretty!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Snapdragon on April 05, 2014, 11:28:15 PM

Okay, question - when you say 'I had to put on three coats to protect her symbol,' are you painting the eyes/symbols with white paint to protect them from the sun? does it work? I've tried tinfoil before, which works perfectly, but it's near to impossible to get the tiny spots fully covered, without just resorting to a block of foil, which results in clumpy fading results near the eyes/symbols.

They all look GORGEOUS, by the way!! I can't wait to see who you do next!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: svetilda on April 06, 2014, 01:05:47 AM

Awesome work! Love you collection especially babies Applejack and Bow Tie! And thank you for the restoration tips you're giving!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Khema on April 06, 2014, 01:20:17 AM

they don't even look like the same ponies! You did a fantastic job!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: achab1984 on April 06, 2014, 03:35:09 AM

Quote from: shadowlark on April 05, 2014, 11:02:30 PM

Your SS Twilight looks great deflocked! She's on my list to try and find cheap to deflock. Soooo pretty!

Thank you , when I got her I was washing her and her flocking was falling off. So I had no choice and of course her hair was horrible. I know there are more out there :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on April 06, 2014, 01:24:00 PM

Aww thanks everyone!  :blush:

Quote from: Snapdragon on April 05, 2014, 11:28:15 PM

Okay, question - when you say 'I had to put on three coats to protect her symbol,' are you painting the eyes/symbols with white paint to protect them from the sun? does it work? I've tried tinfoil before, which works perfectly, but it's near to impossible to get the tiny spots fully covered, without just resorting to a block of foil, which results in clumpy fading results near the eyes/symbols.

They all look GORGEOUS, by the way!! I can't wait to see who you do next!

Yes, that's it exactly - just plain white paint and then remove with rubbing alcohol, but rub VERY gently when removing the paint - I've rubbed too hard cause I get impatient and rub a bit of the symbol off. That's what happened with Sugarberry - if you look closely, you'll see her symbols were a tad bit darker in the before picture and lighter in the after - got too impatient to get the white paint off. But there was no way I was going to try and tinfoil around her symbol!

Maybe practice on a more baity pony until you get the hang of how hard to rub the paint off. :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Artemesia's Garden on April 06, 2014, 02:21:15 PM

Quote from: shadowlark on April 06, 2014, 01:24:00 PM

Aww thanks everyone!  :blush:

Quote from: Snapdragon on April 05, 2014, 11:28:15 PM

Okay, question - when you say 'I had to put on three coats to protect her symbol,' are you painting the eyes/symbols with white paint to protect them from the sun? does it work? I've tried tinfoil before, which works perfectly, but it's near to impossible to get the tiny spots fully covered, without just resorting to a block of foil, which results in clumpy fading results near the eyes/symbols.

They all look GORGEOUS, by the way!! I can't wait to see who you do next!

Yes, that's it exactly - just plain white paint and then remove with rubbing alcohol, but rub VERY gently when removing the paint - I've rubbed too hard cause I get impatient and rub a bit of the symbol off. That's what happened with Sugarberry - if you look closely, you'll see her symbols were a tad bit darker in the before picture and lighter in the after - got too impatient to get the white paint off. But there was no way I was going to try and tinfoil around her symbol!

Maybe practice on a more baity pony until you get the hang of how hard to rub the paint off. :)

I may have a cunning plan. I'm going to try flour and water paste or children's poster paint that might come off with water alone...

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on April 06, 2014, 02:41:51 PM

Quote from: Artemesia Floc on April 06, 2014, 02:21:15 PM

I may have a cunning plan. I'm going to try flour and water paste or children's poster paint that might come off with water alone...

Ooh let me know if that works!!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Artemesia's Garden on April 06, 2014, 02:45:20 PM

Quote from: shadowlark on April 06, 2014, 02:41:51 PM

Quote from: Artemesia Floc on April 06, 2014, 02:21:15 PM

I may have a cunning plan. I'm going to try flour and water paste or children's poster paint that might come off with water alone...

Ooh let me know if that works!!

I am just about to get a load of very grubby looking USA ponies, I'm really excited. I think I'm most likely to go with white goache, I'll try the bottom of somepony's feet first  :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: FarDreamer on April 06, 2014, 05:28:46 PM

Quote from: Artemesia Floc on April 06, 2014, 02:21:15 PM

I may have a cunning plan. I'm going to try flour and water paste or children's poster paint that might come off with water alone...

Oh!  Good idea!!!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Jennifer2004 on April 07, 2014, 08:43:36 AM

Quote from: Artemesia Floc on April 06, 2014, 02:45:20 PM

Quote from: shadowlark on April 06, 2014, 02:41:51 PM

Quote from: Artemesia Floc on April 06, 2014, 02:21:15 PM

I may have a cunning plan. I'm going to try flour and water paste or children's poster paint that might come off with water alone...

Ooh let me know if that works!!

I am just about to get a load of very grubby looking USA ponies, I'm really excited. I think I'm most likely to go with white goache, I'll try the bottom of somepony's feet first  :)

Ooh, I am excited to see if this works!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Shaiyeh on April 07, 2014, 08:57:50 AM

I was seriously drooling through the post. Stunning work! :wow: Now I want someone to throw a grubby lot of ponies on me... My fingers are itching to restore pretty g1s!!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on June 16, 2014, 04:55:33 PM

Finally got around to cleaning some more ponies! Just added Surprise, Baby Surprise, Half Note and SHS Dainty to the first post!  Got about 12 more in my pile awaiting their spa day, so stay tuned!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: mlpkatie on June 16, 2014, 05:50:43 PM

wow! stunning, gorgeous ponies. Fantastic job!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: hathorcat on June 19, 2014, 02:45:33 PM

Gosh! They are all looking amazing! Lovely work again.

Title: Re: Shadowlark\'s Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Artemesia's Garden on June 21, 2014, 04:12:12 AM

Quote from: Jennifer2004 on April 07, 2014, 08:43:36 AM

Ooh, I am excited to see if this works!

I tried the flour and water paste and faded for 2 weeks. It flaked off really easily (when I rubbed it) and I wiped over with a wet tissue to clean the residue off. I think it may have faded slightly, I think I needed to put it over a bigger area. But on the whole I think easy application and removal, blush is still there so thumbs up for me.

Post Merge: June 21, 2014, 04:24:20 AM

Just in case you hadn't picked up on this, that pink wide ribbon on Morning Glory is original and belongs to Braided Beauty.

I love the way you've styled Half Note she looks super sassy!

I've reported that I had a good result with flour and water paste for sunfading but obv it wouldn't work when using rit-dye.

I am trawling the thread to find if you've reported which paint you used to cover up Seashell's eyes and symbols when dying if you don't mind me asking I'd love to know! Also congrats again on her she's beautiful! My Seashell was a fairly epic restore as well but I didn't need to dye her :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Bibinettepony on June 21, 2014, 05:20:41 AM

WOW what a fantastic Topic!! great works on all the ponies!! you rescued them so well!! (Tickle is now like new  ^.^ )  Bravo!!!  ;) ;)

Title: Re: Shadowlark\'s Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on June 21, 2014, 06:33:24 AM

Many thanks again for all the nice coments! I'll keep adding more as I clean up!

Quote from: Artemesia Floc on June 21, 2014, 04:12:12 AM

I tried the flour and water paste and faded for 2 weeks. It flaked off really easily (when I rubbed it) and I wiped over with a wet tissue to clean the residue off. I think it may have faded slightly, I think I needed to put it over a bigger area. But on the whole I think easy application and removal, blush is still there so thumbs up for me.

Just in case you hadn't picked up on this, that pink wide ribbon on Morning Glory is original and belongs to Braided Beauty.

I love the way you've styled Half Note she looks super sassy!

I've reported that I had a good result with flour and water paste for sunfading but obv it wouldn't work when using rit-dye.

I am trawling the thread to find if you've reported which paint you used to cover up Seashell's eyes and symbols when dying if you don't mind me asking I'd love to know! Also congrats again on her she's beautiful! My Seashell was a fairly epic restore as well but I didn't need to dye her :)

Ooh I'll have to try the water and paste next time I'm sunfading someone! Thanks for the tip!

I didn't know about the pink ribbon belonging to braided beauty! Thanks! I'll have to give it back to her!

The paint I use to cover symbols/eyes is just plain old white Folk Art acrylic paint. I'm cheap to just bought cheap paint! LOL

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on April 05, 2016, 11:55:00 PM

Whew, been a while since I updated! Life got in the way of collecting but I'm back with about 40 or so ponies awaiting their spa day, so stay tuned to this thread for updates!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: reanna-mator on April 07, 2016, 01:34:13 PM

You really have a talent for taming wild hair! Before and after pics are so satisfying to look at! :D

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on April 07, 2016, 03:46:15 PM

Quote from: reanna-mator on April 07, 2016, 01:34:13 PM

You really have a talent for taming wild hair! Before and after pics are so satisfying to look at! :D

Thanks! Conditioner can work wonders and flat irons/curling irons are great for frizzy hair. Still trying to figure out how to tame tinsel though!  :lol:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: reanna-mator on April 07, 2016, 04:34:39 PM

Quote from: shadowlark on April 07, 2016, 03:46:15 PM

Quote from: reanna-mator on April 07, 2016, 01:34:13 PM

You really have a talent for taming wild hair! Before and after pics are so satisfying to look at! :D

Thanks! Conditioner can work wonders and flat irons/curling irons are great for frizzy hair. Still trying to figure out how to tame tinsel though!  :lol:

Tinsel is indeed hard. Here's my recent attempt at getting international Princess Sparkle's tinsel in order:
http://mlparena.com/index.php/topic,377589.0.html

Admittedly I basically just threw every technique I knew at it... dryer sheets, conditioner, curling iron, boiling. All of it one after another!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on April 07, 2016, 04:41:49 PM

You did a great job! I'll have to try some of those techniques! *wanders off to research tinsel taming techniques*  :lol:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: buttonso on April 07, 2016, 05:00:04 PM

These are wonderful! I love before and after school!  :biggrin:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on April 07, 2016, 05:17:05 PM

Thanks buttonso! :D

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: princessluna11706 on April 07, 2016, 09:37:24 PM

Wow, just wow! Your before/after transformations are stunning! They all look so beautiful  :lovey:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on April 10, 2016, 02:08:00 AM

Quote from: princessluna11706 on April 07, 2016, 09:37:24 PM

Wow, just wow! Your before/after transformations are stunning! They all look so beautiful  :lovey:

Awww thank you so much! I've got so many waiting for a spa day I don't know where to start, but I'll be updating as I go :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Sugarberry on April 10, 2016, 10:34:11 PM

Those are incredible!  You really did a job to be proud of!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Sweet_Stuff on April 11, 2016, 11:37:16 AM

Wowzers!!!
You did an amazing job!

What paint did you use to cover up the symbols/eyes on Seashell/Sugarberry?

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Chelsea7 on April 11, 2016, 12:13:56 PM

These are great!

What did you use to do the super tight curls like on Quackers and Braided Beauty?
I've been trying to get my girls to have curls like that, but I can't get it to work with the straws I have

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on April 14, 2016, 05:11:47 PM

Thanks for the great feedback everyone! I've added Whizzer, Banana Surprise, Quarterback, Daffodil, and Snowdrop to the first post. :)

Sweet_Stuff - I just used white acrylic paint. Folk Art brand, I think.

Chelsea - yeah, I used the straw method. I wrap the hair around the straw, wrap a piece of paper towel around the end of the hair to keep it in place, then hold it all in place with a bobby pin :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: SpookyTrees on April 16, 2016, 07:00:26 AM

Love the new additions!!!!!!! Glad to see you're still reforming ponies!!!!   :biggrin:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Valerie on April 18, 2016, 10:51:55 PM

Woow all look amazing!! Congrats!!  :worshippy: :iconclap:

Title: Re: Shadowlark\'s Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on June 14, 2016, 07:46:37 PM

More cleaned up ponies added!! Little Tabby, Baby Tangles, Baby Puddles, Baby Sparkle Firefly and Sweet Blossom all had their spa day! Hope you like them!

Post Merge: June 15, 2016, 07:16:43 PM

4 more ponies had their spa day! Sunspot, Hula Hula, Baby Racer and SHS Twinkler added to the main thread!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Shy Violet on June 16, 2016, 07:12:14 PM

Wow! They all look amazing! You're inspirng me to take before pictures, I have some super dirtty ponies to clean. I love all the deflocks and I can't believe how great Quarterback looks compared to before. I have one that looks like your before photo, I hope he turns out that nice after his spa day. 

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Sweet_Stuff on June 16, 2016, 07:24:07 PM

Nice! Especially Quarterback and Hula hula! :D I love cleaning ponies, I just get so excited I usually forget to take before photos of them. Lol! :blush:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on June 16, 2016, 10:17:02 PM

Haha yeah, I can't remember what prompted me to take before pictures, it's just something I did from the get go! I'm so glad I did...it's awesome being able to compare and see just how much of a difference there is!

Just added 4 more ponies! Milky Way, Sunbeam, Napper and So Soft Paradise had their spa day last night! Super happy with how SS Paradise turned out!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Harmatan on June 17, 2016, 11:01:22 AM

Your restorations are amazing.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
I just love how your white ponies turned out.

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Sweet_Stuff on June 17, 2016, 11:05:55 AM

Shadowlark,
What did you use / do to clean Paradise? I got a SS Ribbon in somewhat similar 'before' condition, but the stains are lighter and bigger on her legs.. :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on June 17, 2016, 12:54:48 PM

Quote from: Harmatan on June 17, 2016, 11:01:22 AM

Your restorations are amazing.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
I just love how your white ponies turned out.

Thank you!  :blush:

Quote from: Sweet_Stuff on June 17, 2016, 11:05:55 AM

Shadowlark,
What did you use / do to clean Paradise? I got a SS Ribbon in somewhat similar 'before' condition, but the stains are lighter and bigger on her legs.. :)

I got her wet with cold water and poured some OxiClean powder over her and scrubbed really gently. That seemed to help get the dirt out. Then rinsed in cold water. Then shampooed and conditioned her whole body and rinsed in cold water to make her nice and soft. Then just let her air dry overnight. Always use cold water so you don't loosen the flocking glue!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Sweet_Stuff on June 17, 2016, 01:27:02 PM

^^
Thanks!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Sweet Stuff on June 23, 2016, 07:23:29 AM

These are truly amazing restorations! I am curious to know with Whizzer, did you just clean her eyes or do something else to make them look so bright again?

I'll have to get my hands on some of the products you use for sure!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on June 23, 2016, 02:20:45 PM

Quote from: Sweet Stuff on June 23, 2016, 07:23:29 AM

These are truly amazing restorations! I am curious to know with Whizzer, did you just clean her eyes or do something else to make them look so bright again?

I'll have to get my hands on some of the products you use for sure!

Thank you!!

I haven't done anything to any of the Twinkle Eye ponies' eyes. I think with Whizzer I just used magic eraser but looking at the pic I'm thinking it just might be the way the light is hitting her eye that is making it so bright. I have heard you can use nail polish to brighten their eyes but haven't tried it. :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Sweet Stuff on June 24, 2016, 07:52:41 AM

Quote from: shadowlark on June 23, 2016, 02:20:45 PM

Quote from: Sweet Stuff on June 23, 2016, 07:23:29 AM

These are truly amazing restorations! I am curious to know with Whizzer, did you just clean her eyes or do something else to make them look so bright again?

I'll have to get my hands on some of the products you use for sure!

Thank you!!

I haven't done anything to any of the Twinkle Eye ponies' eyes. I think with Whizzer I just used magic eraser but looking at the pic I'm thinking it just might be the way the light is hitting her eye that is making it so bright. I have heard you can use nail polish to brighten their eyes but haven't tried it. :)

Ahhh, that's probably true actually. Either way, she looks fab! Oh, maybe I will try that then. :D

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Kazzellin on June 24, 2016, 08:56:41 AM

 Wow! Your ponies turned out wonderful! I'm definitely going to try your So-Soft cleaning technique! I once had a wonderful Wind Whistler from ebay that had some red junk between her wings (I think it was popsickle??) but I didn't know to use cold water at the time (probably 8+ years ago), so now she's in a "to deflock" pile. :sad:

Quote from: shadowlark on April 07, 2016, 04:41:49 PM

You did a great job! I'll have to try some of those techniques! *wanders off to research tinsel taming techniques*  :lol:

I seem to recall someone mentioned to grip the end of a piece of tinsel with tweezers and pull it taught? As I recall, it gave her wonderful results. Sounds a bit putsy, though. :lol:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Pierlala on June 24, 2016, 01:55:38 PM

Oh my goodness! How do you get such tight curls? On Braided Beauty for example. Whenever I curl my Ponies, the curls are gone the next day! What do you use to make the curls and to maintain them?

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on June 24, 2016, 03:39:18 PM

Quote

I seem to recall someone mentioned to grip the end of a piece of tinsel with tweezers and pull it taught? As I recall, it gave her wonderful results. Sounds a bit putsy, though. :lol:

I'd just be worried I'd get frustrated and pull too hard and pull it out!

Quote from: Pierlala on June 24, 2016, 01:55:38 PM

Oh my goodness! How do you get such tight curls? On Braided Beauty for example. Whenever I curl my Ponies, the curls are gone the next day! What do you use to make the curls and to maintain them?

Those are straw curls! Just wrap small sections around straws. I run the hair under really hot water first as it seems to hold longer when using hot water. I pin the start of the hair to the straw with a bobby pin, wrap the hair, and secure the end with paper towel and another bobby pin. Should look something like this (she's almost dry so will add her before & after pics to the main post this evening!)

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Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Kazzellin on June 24, 2016, 05:46:16 PM

Quote from: shadowlark on June 24, 2016, 03:39:18 PM

Quote

I seem to recall someone mentioned to grip the end of a piece of tinsel with tweezers and pull it taught? As I recall, it gave her wonderful results. Sounds a bit putsy, though. :lol:

I'd just be worried I'd get frustrated and pull too hard and pull it out!

That's understandable! I don't recall how firmly you have to pull, so I'd be worried about the same problem. ^^;

Quote from: shadowlark on June 24, 2016, 03:39:18 PM

Quote from: Pierlala on June 24, 2016, 01:55:38 PM

Oh my goodness! How do you get such tight curls? On Braided Beauty for example. Whenever I curl my Ponies, the curls are gone the next day! What do you use to make the curls and to maintain them?

Those are straw curls! Just wrap small sections around straws. I run the hair under really hot water first as it seems to hold longer when using hot water. I pin the start of the hair to the straw with a bobby pin, wrap the hair, and secure the end with paper towel and another bobby pin. Should look something like this (she's almost dry so will add her before & after pics to the main post this evening!)

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I like the idea of using bobby pins! I have been using brace binders, and they're rather annoying to work with. I shall definitely give this method a try! :D

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on June 25, 2016, 10:03:10 PM

If you try the bobby pins, make sure to remember to put the wavy side inside the straw so it doesn't indent the pony hair :)

Styling G3 Rainbow Dash, Pinwheel, Sugar Sweet and Bouquet added to the main thread!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Kazzellin on June 29, 2016, 02:52:39 PM

 They look so wonderful! You're really making me look forward to cleaning and restoring my collection instead of dreading it. Thank you!

Oh, I tried the boiling-water-in-the-body method for reforming bodies into their original pose on some customs and a rehair I'm working on -- looks like it works slick! ^.^

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Kazzellin on July 01, 2016, 02:53:20 PM

Okay, I was going to buy a bottle of rubbing alcohol specifically for use on ponies, and now I have to ask, are you using isopropyl rubbing alcohol, or ethyl rubbing alcohol. ^^;

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on July 01, 2016, 03:45:32 PM

Quote from: Kazzellin on July 01, 2016, 02:53:20 PM

Okay, I was going to buy a bottle of rubbing alcohol specifically for use on ponies, and now I have to ask, are you using isopropyl rubbing alcohol, or ethyl rubbing alcohol. ^^;

I use isopropyl. Never tried ethyl and not sure if it would have any bad sad effects so I still to isopropyl :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: CloudyGlow on July 01, 2016, 05:05:15 PM

What great work! I'm curious about how you sunfade. Specifically, what paint you use to cover up symbols and how you get it off.

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on July 01, 2016, 05:21:04 PM

Quote from: LyraHeartsrtings on July 01, 2016, 05:05:15 PM

What great work! I'm curious about how you sunfade. Specifically, what paint you use to cover up symbols and how you get it off.

Thanks! I just use acrylic paint to cover eyes/symbols. Just cheap Folk Art brand. To remove I use rubbing alcohol :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Sweet_Stuff on July 04, 2016, 01:20:59 PM

Wozwers!!
That Pinwheel!

:drunk: :D

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Kazzellin on July 05, 2016, 05:48:37 PM

Quote from: shadowlark on July 01, 2016, 03:45:32 PM

Quote from: Kazzellin on July 01, 2016, 02:53:20 PM

Okay, I was going to buy a bottle of rubbing alcohol specifically for use on ponies, and now I have to ask, are you using isopropyl rubbing alcohol, or ethyl rubbing alcohol. ^^;

I use isopropyl. Never tried ethyl and not sure if it would have any bad sad effects so I still to isopropyl :)

Awesome! Thanks! :hug:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on July 06, 2016, 10:29:12 PM

Quote from: Sweet_Stuff on July 04, 2016, 01:20:59 PM

Wozwers!!
That Pinwheel!
:drunk: :D

Not bad for $7.99, eh? She cleaned up nicely!

Apple Delight Family added to main thread!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on July 16, 2016, 09:14:20 PM

BBE Baby Cuddles, Glittering Gem, Galaxy and Merry Treat added to the main thread! So happy with how white Merry Treat came out! :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: The Little White Horse on July 17, 2016, 06:58:46 AM

Wow! Lovely ponies! :)

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: hathorcat on July 17, 2016, 03:26:04 PM

Gosh! Amazing work again :) They look stunning.

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: tealight on August 02, 2016, 04:03:31 PM

I was wondering how you change the color and got them so clean I will try that.
For the cancer  I'm trying peroxided with sun fade. I read about it somewhere.
where do you get the hair to fix the tail? Thanks lovely herd

Title: Re: Shadowlark\'s Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on August 02, 2016, 09:16:18 PM

Quote from: tealight on August 02, 2016, 04:03:31 PM

I was wondering how you change the color and got them so clean I will try that.
For the cancer  I'm trying peroxided with sun fade. I read about it somewhere.
where do you get the hair to fix the tail? Thanks lovely herd

Good luck with the cancer...let me know if it works!  I buy the hair from dollyhair.com :)

Post Merge: August 03, 2016, 04:18:17 PM

3 Italian Blossoms added to the main post. I'm so in love with the magenta one! What a beautiful colour combo!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on August 08, 2016, 06:50:27 PM

Melody, Boysenberry Pie, and 3 Brazilian No Symbols (Parasol, Bubbles & Bow Tie) added to the main post! These are my first Brazilians, so my first experience with Brazilian hair. Wow, does it ever get frizzy!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Shy Violet on August 10, 2016, 01:14:45 PM

Love the new additions! They all look so beautiful

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Khayman81 on September 27, 2016, 06:10:42 AM

Wow! You do an amazing job on Them. Some, as you say, just need some water and soap. But others are totally different from the start.
Really, good job!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on October 05, 2016, 09:51:25 PM

Thanks for all the lovely comments!  :blush:

Baby Drummer, BBE Baby Ribbon, Pina Colada and Flowerburst added to the main thread!

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: aluke on October 05, 2016, 10:18:21 PM

You have done such amazing work reviving all these ponies. If I didn't know better, I would think they came right off the card. :lovey:

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: LunaMoonCustoms1212 on November 13, 2016, 01:57:46 PM

so when you sunfade, do you paint over the eyes and symbol with just normal paint? Or is there something specific that you do.

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: Artemesia's Garden on November 13, 2016, 03:27:03 PM

Wow you are good with a flat iron! Mine gets too hot, I have to keep turning it off and on.

Title: Re: Shadowlark's Cleaning/Restoration Thread (PIC HEAVY)
Post by: shadowlark on November 25, 2016, 03:45:38 PM

Quote from: LunaMoonCustoms1212 on November 13, 2016, 01:57:46 PM

so when you sunfade, do you paint over the eyes and symbol with just normal paint? Or is there something specific that you do.

Yes, I paint over the eyes/symbols with just normal white acrylic paint and then remove it after with rubbing alcohol.  If it's just a small pen mark or something I'm trying to fade, I'll paint around the mark with paint and then cover the rest of the pony in aluminum foil so the only part getting any sun is the pen/marker.

Quote from: Artemesia Floc on November 13, 2016, 03:27:03 PM

Wow you are good with a flat iron! Mine gets too hot, I have to keep turning it off and on.

Thanks! I just make sure to keep the hair wet. I usually have to re-wet it every 2 or 3 sections cause the hair doesn't seem to hold the moisture very well. So I soak the hair, straighten 2 or 3 sections and then re-wet the hair still waiting to be straightened.