Smoke ponies

[Shimmer Mist]

So one of my first restoration projects I'd like to do is to fix up a G3 Denim Blue. At first I was going to bait her out for a custom but she seemed too nice. Hair was still fine as was her symbol. Aside from a "makeover" some kid gave her (which still hasn't all come off yet ><) the biggest issue is yellowed plastic. Unfortunately she's yellowed (or rather tanned) due to being in a smoky environment. Got her from a second-hand store so the only reason I know this is because the doll smelled heavily of cigarette smoke. I read that Hydrogen Peroxide in the sunlight should lighten the plastic so I opted for that first. I threw some peroxide-soaked paper towels on her (to avoid getting peroxide on her hair), wrapped her in plastic and I've had her in sunny places for well over a week now.  I inspected her a bit ago and she doesn't seem to have gotten noticeably better, if at all. I'm sure a week is far too short, though. Should I keep doing the paper-towel thing or just go straight for the Hydrogen Peroxide soak? Or is trying to lighten her with peroxide a futile effort since the yellowing is caused by smoke?

[partypony566]

I am sorry to hear that she is so stained from smoke! That must be disgusting

I do not know much about the peroxide thing as I have never tried it but I know we have some experts here that can help you with that

[Shimmer Mist]

I am sorry to hear that she is so stained from smoke! That must be disgusting

I do not know much about the peroxide thing as I have never tried it but I know we have some experts here that can help you with that

It is indeed gross. x-x I've got another pony in about the same condition. Although this one is a fakie that came from my grandmother's house YEARS ago. Some unicorn with translucent what used to be clear plastic with silver glitter imbedded in it. Years later and even a few various baths later she still smells like smoke.

However, the week-long peroxide towels seems to have gotten rid of or at least masked the smoke odor on Denim Blue for the moment. Not that peroxide smells any better, though.

[FiddlePhan]

I don't have any tips on fixing the yellowing but I've had some success with the smell by leaving the pony in a sealed container of fresh baking soda for a few weeks.    It doesn't get rid of it all if the smells was super strong but it can help a lot.

[hathorcat]

I am not going to advise on the peroxide - I dont like using it on ponies directly to fade. Too many things can go wrong and too many horror stories over the years.

This may sound like an odd question but where in the world are you? You need to get the yellowing itself exposed to the sun - have you tried that?

[Shimmer Mist]

I am not going to advise on the peroxide - I dont like using it on ponies directly to fade. Too many things can go wrong and too many horror stories over the years.

This may sound like an odd question but where in the world are you? You need to get the yellowing itself exposed to the sun - have you tried that?

I've heard about hair bleeding and i figured paint apps may be at risk over prolonged periods of time, but o-o what kinds of other horror stories? Also, I guess it's good that I didn't decide to just submerge the doll into a bucket of peroxide, then.

I'm in the central US.  And I've not tried putting the figure in the sun without the peroxide towels. Also, if it's the UV radiation would a UV lamp or bulb have a similar effect? Perhaps to shine it on the figure at night or maybe when it's rainy and overcast (which is what it has been like in my area about every other day for the last week or two.)

[hathorcat]

I am not going to advise on the peroxide - I dont like using it on ponies directly to fade. Too many things can go wrong and too many horror stories over the years.

This may sound like an odd question but where in the world are you? You need to get the yellowing itself exposed to the sun - have you tried that?

I've heard about hair bleeding and i figured paint apps may be at risk over prolonged periods of time, but o-o what kinds of other horror stories? Also, I guess it's good that I didn't decide to just submerge the doll into a bucket of peroxide, then.

I'm in the central US.  And I've not tried putting the figure in the sun without the peroxide towels. Also, if it's the UV radiation would a UV lamp or bulb have a similar effect? Perhaps to shine it on the figure at night or maybe when it's rainy and overcast (which is what it has been like in my area about every other day for the last week or two.)

A UV light wont work as you actually want the bad UV rays on the pony not the filtered ones - filtered UV is not going to work.

You will need to cover the ponies symbols and eyes but paint and tinfoil are easy ways to do that and it allows you to expose the remainder of the plastic to the rays. You need light not heat in order to fun fade unfortunately.

[ringwraith10]

Okay, so this is NOT advise. I was just reading your post and something occurred to me. What do they use in teeth whitening toothpaste? That stuff is made for smokers and coffee drinkers to remove whatever made their teeth yellow -- could this toothpaste be used on ponies? Seriously, I know it's a weird idea, but I'm just throwing out there. Feel free to tell me it's completely insane.

[ponyqueen]

Maybe something with essential oils? I just ordered a sample set, I'm going to try them around the house for various needs.

[Shimmer Mist]

Okay, so this is NOT advise. I was just reading your post and something occurred to me. What do they use in teeth whitening toothpaste? That stuff is made for smokers and coffee drinkers to remove whatever made their teeth yellow -- could this toothpaste be used on ponies? Seriously, I know it's a weird idea, but I'm just throwing out there. Feel free to tell me it's completely insane.

According to the all-knowing google, The whitening ingredient in toothpaste is usually peroxide as well as some abrasive crud in it to literally scrub off stains as well as the layer of  enamel on your teeth. o-o

[Diamond]

I would not recommend dunking in the peroxide unlike Breyer model horse that have had both that and bleach used successfully ponies are very porous!  It can get in and affect the plastic over time. 

I have used the acne cream method and while it removed the pink stain it left behind a stain due to the plastic being able to absorb it.  So if you go that route watch how long you leave it on and out in the sun.

I would go with straight window sun fading, it does work.