Phantom Spots?!

[ODBJBG]

So I was looking at a couple of my MOC Phantom figures the other day and noticed a bunch of white spots on them. These have never been taken out of the package, so I was bit baffled that they had white splotches on them. They certainly didn't come that way, but they haven't been exposed to any radical weather changes either. Any one else have this issue? Any idea as to what this is?





I tried taking one of them out and lightly washing the costume in hot water. That helped, but didn't totally get rid of some of the spots. I gotta be honest, I'm pretty upset with these guys getting polka dots all the sudden as they're some of my favorite Cast-A-Way items and I've always worked to take great care of them. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[EMCE Hammer]

I haven't seen this either. If they were mine, I'd try cold water, woolite, and a fine toothbrush. I'm guessing this is something organic and not glue residue or somesuch reacting to the fibers of the fabric.

[GlobalObserver]

Someone else here posted about having the same problem with white spots about a year or so ago. I have six purple Phantoms, and so far I haven't had any problems. I hope I never do because these are pretty much my favorite figures of all time.

[GlobalObserver]

Here's a thread from last year. I think there was also another thread dealing with the same issue.

http://megomuseum.com/community/showthread.php?61961-Strange-residue-growing-on-Captain-Action-and-CA-Phantom-outfits&highlight=phantom+stain

[GlobalObserver]

ODBJBG, just curious. Can you pinpoint the approximate period of time when this change occurred. How long ago was it that your figures were spot free?

[ODBJBG]

Thanks for the help so far guys, if anyone has anymore knowledge, that'd be great. I'll try the Woolite method next.

ODBJBG, just curious. Can you pinpoint the approximate period of time when this change occurred. How long ago was it that your figures were spot free?

I can't say for sure. They've been fine for years since I got them, so I'd say it was a pretty recent thing. I don't remember the last time I specifically looked them over, but I'd think a few months ago at worst.

[MIB41]

I have all of the Phantoms Castaway has put out and examined them this morning after reading this. No spots on mine so far. One thing I like to do with mine is rotate taking them out of the package and sitting them on the throne. I like airing them out of the package periodically because it helps to keep them moving a bit and not just remain in one stationary position. I think sometimes keeping them sealed over long periods of time produces it's own inner environment that can produce a reaction on the figure and it's materials. I'm not sure if this is the cause in your example ODBJBG, but I would let them all have some fresh air occasionally and see if that doesn't prevent the problem from occurring on your other Phantoms. I'm very sorry this has happened to you. The Phantom line is one of my dearest collections as well.

[Earth 2 Chris]

I have most of my Phantoms out of the package (in and around the throne), except the Dailies edition. I may have to free him up too now.

Chris

[enyawd72]

Yeah, that old thread was mine...I keep cleaning the spots off, but they keep coming back. Also, the silver paint on the CA swords, Dr. Evil gun, etc. is turning gold and sticky.

[Lynn TXP 0369]

Hate to say it but it is a type of mold.
My Gi Joes get it once and a while and other cloth figures at times do to. The first GI Joe Master Piece editions with the books were recalled for doing this while fresh on the sales floor, ask me how I know. I got a first set, I never sent them back, I just wiped it off and it will come back at times. I have Gi Joes old and new do it as well, in packages and out.

My stuff is in a dry basement as well. I hear stories of this type of thing a lot.
Lynn

[astro-greg]

So if it is a type of mold, would flushing it with ozone (not the same as that from aerosol cans) kill it?
I ask because I use it to treat items I might find that come from a smoker.
The old Ionic Breezes from Sharper Image emit ozone as they gather dust. I have a portable one that I seal in a bag with the smokey item and run it for several hours, sometimes 12-24. It almost always gets rid of the smell in that time. I wonder if it would kill the mold as well.
The also sell cans of this stuff for ozone bombing rooms to eradicate odors.

[darkmonkeygod]

White vinegar in a strong solution. Wipe everything down, soak the cloth.

[PNGwynne]

^ I was going to suggest white vinegar as well--it seems to work wonders on so many things, & is natural. A follow-up cold rinse will remove the odor, which disipates anyway.

Sorry to hear about your Phantoms.

[Boywonder0]

Yup! Mine got those as well! It is mold. It is caused by humidity, darkness, poor aeration and heat! A combination of factors that are common in figures stored in boxes, closets, basements, etc.

I think that Cast-A-Way used the boiled water method to soften their vinyl hero boots so I suspect that the phantom suits got humid and their storage didn't allow to dry properly. I must plan to remove these costumes, re-wash and dry properly. Just need to find the time...

[GlobalObserver]

My luck finally ran out. My Cast-A-Way Captain Action Phantom has developed the dreaded white powdery mold in a few spots, especially around the boots.

Luckily, my other five purple Phantoms have remained mold-free, knock on wood.