Questions about plastic (hard ponies!)

[Sweet_Stuff]

How do you slow down bad plastic / hard ponies? I know you can't keep it from happening but are there some tricks to slow the process down? Also, is it true the "disease" can spread to 'healthy' ponies? Or is that just a rumor? I have my rock hard Boysenberry Pie with my other ponies and wondered. Thanks!

[lovesbabysquirmy]

You can slow it down by keeping your collection in archivist conditions.  No UV light, stable humidity levels, stable cool temperatures...

No, it is not contagious.  But ponies stored improperly will deteriorate faster, thereby making it seem like the process is contagious. 

[Sweet_Stuff]

Thanks for the input! .. I heard putting baby powder on the hard ones would help (slow it down).? Is this true?

[Baby Sugarberry]

Baby powder does nothing for the plasticizer leeching problem except make them less sticky when handled - has no effect on the deterioration speed.  Washing the stuff off with soap accomplishes the same thing. 

[Sweet_Stuff]

Cool, thanks! 

[hathorcat]

It does actually slow it down because it blocks plastic pores...on a level we are not able to see. Thats why it stops the pony becoming sticky. However as mentioned its not stopping it just back building the problem. And to be honest, I dont know the long term effects of preventing plasticiser leaking and what it may result in. I think it probably just neautralises it for a short period but the pony will still eventually have the same issue - just will take it longer to get there.

[Sweet_Stuff]

It does actually slow it down because it blocks plastic pores...on a level we are not able to see. Thats why it stops the pony becoming sticky. However as mentioned its not stopping it just back building the problem. And to be honest, I dont know the long term effects of preventing plasticiser leaking and what it may result in. I think it probably just neautralises it for a short period but the pony will still eventually have the same issue - just will take it longer to get there.

Good info, thanks! I've heard conflicting things about rubbing alcohol as a cleaning tool.. I only use the low grade kind, it is the lesser of two evils - vs. Nail polish remover and higher grade rubbing alcohol.? I used rubbing alcohol on some ponies already..

[Baby Sugarberry]

Nail polish remover and some alcohols will strip paint right off ponies (symbols, eyes and blush) so do be careful about that. Personally I haven't noticed any difference with plasticizer separation speed regardless of surface treatments (your mileage may vary!), but there doesn't seem to be much reason to try and slow it down once it starts - might as well get the stickiness over and done with.