Disintegrating Pleather Help

[Frenchy99]

Question towards disintegrating Pleather .

What do you guy`s do to replace cuffs and neck collars that are disintegrating ? I recently got several loose figures that are in bad shape where a complete replacement of the pleather would be needed.

Anyone has done this on figures ? any pictures ? What material did you use to replace the pleather ?

Any info would be helpful

[Frenchy99]

OK, to give more context. Bought a small batch of loose figures and these were given to me and looking for suggestions on different methods.

IMG_1613.jpg

I didnt know the pleather could get this bad.

[KingKickass1983]

You might have to just strip off the old pleather material and repaint....

[PNGwynne]

Yeah, it's terrible and I won't buy anything with pleather on it.

There're two options if you can find someone to sew: The pleather can be replaced with vinyl (as from a beach toy or the cover of a 3-ring binder), or it can be replaced with flocked fabric/ribbon (similar to what vintage Mego used for cuffs/belts/epaulettes).

With the vinyl, the dye from the fabric underneath may bleed through and discolor it.

I suppose one could peel off the pleather shreds from the fabric backing and paint the backing, but I can't imagine that it would look good.

[Confessional]

^^ Agreed, peel it all off… there's several old threads that discuss how humidity (often created in package, in transit) will cause a glue separation leading to flaking disaster. These issues are also well documented in other toy forums (painful Hot Toys cries!) out there.

You can't beat vintage Mego vinyl. One could acquire a purple Soldier Ape or Klingon tunic and use the back panels to fab a couple collars, but of course don't wreck any pretty that came from Palitoy.

[sprytel]

It would be really simple to remove the collars, use the old ones to create a pattern, cut it out in a longer lasting fabric, and then sew on the new ones. Suitable for even a novice at sewing.

[PNGwynne]

Yes, hand-stitching might be the best way. FTC has that unique one-piece design for stand-up collars, with the tab that tucks in the back.

[Frenchy99]

You might have to just strip off the old pleather material and repaint....

Thanks, quick and easy solution.

[Frenchy99]

Yeah, it's terrible and I won't buy anything with pleather on it.

There're two options if you can find someone to sew: The pleather can be replaced with vinyl (as from a beach toy or the cover of a 3-ring binder), or it can be replaced with flocked fabric/ribbon (similar to what vintage Mego used for cuffs/belts/epaulettes).

With the vinyl, the dye from the fabric underneath may bleed through and discolor it.

I suppose one could peel off the pleather shreds from the fabric backing and paint the backing, but I can't imagine that it would look good.

If I stay away from the pleather, I would lose out on some amazing figures like the Headless Horesman and such. It would be a shame.

Replacing the fabric would be the best idea, wouldn't washing the suit help to prevent any bleed later on ?

Never tried painting the backing of this type of pleather so no idea what the outcome might look like. One of the reason why I am asking if others had success with repairing these issues.

[Frenchy99]

^^ Agreed, peel it all off… there's several old threads that discuss how humidity (often created in package, in transit) will cause a glue separation leading to flaking disaster. These issues are also well documented in other toy forums (painful Hot Toys cries!) out there.

You can't beat vintage Mego vinyl. One could acquire a purple Soldier Ape or Klingon tunic and use the back panels to fab a couple collars, but of course don't wreck any pretty that came from Palitoy.

I would really be ****ed if I had paid top dollar on a Hot Toy to have this happen to it....

And I second the value of old Mego Vinyl, wish they would of used similar products.

[Frenchy99]

It would be really simple to remove the collars, use the old ones to create a pattern, cut it out in a longer lasting fabric, and then sew on the new ones. Suitable for even a novice at sewing.

I agree, just more time consuming as I am not set up for that at the moment. Might give the paint idea a try. If that looks bad, will take out my 3 month Home Economics class on sewing I took 40 some odd years ago in High School and replace the collars.

Have no problem doing little fixes on these suits since this last batch of loose figures need quite a few repairs. They were played with severely it seems.

[Frenchy99]

Yes, hand-stitching might be the best way. FTC has that unique one-piece design for stand-up collars, with the tab that tucks in the back.

Wonder if a suede type material might be a better solution since might hold up better compared to vinyl ? but finding the right color match is the problem.

Vinyl might be easier to find since back to school is coming up.

[PNGwynne]

Fabric-vise, polysuede might work for some application but has no body/stiffness. Some flocked ribbons and fabric could work well but yes, harder to find.

And yes, hand washing suits might help removed over-dye.

[Frenchy99]

Thanks for the info. Will be on the look out for flocked ribbon material and fabric. Saw some in the past in several garage sale but never thought to pick them up.

[Frenchy99]

It was nice outside so decided to set myself up and try to fix these up a bit.

I removed all the pleader and placed the larger pieces in between tape so that I can carry in my wallet to match the color if I find some nice vinyl material or other stuff.

IMG_1806.jpg

I decided to give @KingKickass1983 suggestion the paint job a try . Younger, I painted the back of my jean jacket in high school with great success.

So went to the dollar store and bought some paint and brush and gave them 2 coats on both sides.

Here are the results.

IMG_1809.jpg IMG_1811.jpg IMG_1816.jpg IMG_1819.jpg

I like !

Quick question. Did these come with no material cuffs at the wrist ? its just loose material ?