Tanning up those Matty's: a tutorial

[jessica]

Wow that looks really great! What an improvement!!

And how did I miss this thread?

[MIB41]

Very cool Dave! I really like that.

[megoscott]

Been wanting to try this for awhile with my Lost figures. I'm pleased with the results! The Island of Lost Megos: It's a Tropical Island, Get Some Damned Sun!

[drmego]

I believe our resident plastics engineer AAAAA said that the gray effect was due
to a mold or bacteria in the original vinyl used for 1979 production.

The tire wet/plastidip cure was temporary because the mold inside the vinyl
re-grayed over time. Dave Mc posted that all the heads he de-grayed went
gray again.

Dyeing the vintage head might minimize the gray look but it will not cure it.

[megocrazy]

Just a thought but what happens if you dye a grey/zombie mego head tan? Does the grey head absorb the dye? Would it fade in the same way it did originally? I'm guessing if you dyed it while grey it would obviously be darker than desired, but if you degrey it, using the methods we know of, and then dye it tan would it counter/stop the zombie process? Does anyone know the scientific reason why the head greys. Is it simply a reaction between the rubber and the coloring source? It affects Torch figures so it's evidently not the specific color. Could you dye a greyed Torch head red and solve the issue? I have dyed greyed heads darker colors so I know it does take dye just wondering if anyone has tried to nullify the zombie effect on a tan head.

[Earth 2 Chris]

To match his Super Friends counterpart, California-boy Green Lantern needs a DEEP tan.

Fantastic stuff David!

Chris

[trekman101]

Call me crazy, but I actually like the lighter flesh tone from Mattel

Me too

[Ivaniski]

Tanning up those Matty's: a tutorial

I wonder if Mr.Lee can change the polarity and lighten up the facial skin color (for some figures that were made darker looking). For example, i have (3) Emce Scotties that have a bad sun tan and need to be a slightly lighter. Inquiry minds would like to know.

[B-Lister]

Nice, but I think pale works for Lex a little better.....

just my opinion, great job on the upgrades! I need some new bodies.

[PNGwynne]

Excellent thread, Dave, thanks so much!

As a long-time dyer, have you noticed things fading over time?

Is it better to use a light bath and submege longer to achieve a depth of color?

I have some GI Joe heads & boots that I dyed inthe '90s that seem to have faded...

[rsant1]

How do I remove the Mattel heads without breaking them?

i recently picked up an extra Green Lantern Mattel Retro to put on a type 2 body-
when I went to remove the head, it just broke off of the base!
Had to super-glue a mego post to the bottom to make it work.

Thanks,
Randy
Tampa, FL

[callistofreak]

Man, they need to hire you at Mattle!!
Fantastic job, and thanks for sharing.
I'm going to wait till I have all four.
I only found Superman & Lex so far.

[vulcan2074]

They look Fantastic. Awesome tutorial
Sammy

[sprytel]

Good job! George Hamilton would be so proud.

[Meule]

Call me crazy, but I actually like the lighter flesh tone from Mattel