One thing I've wondered about for a while, why do most (if not all) reissues of vintage toys have a glossy finish compared to the matte finish of the originals? For example: View this post on Instagram I have been told that nearly all reissues of Marusan and Bullmark toys are being pulled from tooling that has survived since the 60s and 70s. I've done my best to come up with possible explanations for the differences: The inside of the vintage tooling is being polished before making the reissues. The raw vinyl being used today has slightly different properties, so a glossy surface results when it cures. The original toys started out glossy but became matte over time with play, exposure to air, etc. Some combination of the above. Has anyone heard anything that might explain this phenomenon? I'm tagging @Omnihiro hoping he drops back in sometime with some insight.
What I have heard is that old vinyl looses its shine with time, especially as they get played and exposed to the elements.
Yeah I'm also pretty sure that it's an age thing. The vintage Takkong I just got recently is dull and scuffed a bit but I distinctly remember the Takkong I got when I was a kid back in 73 had a glossy look and feel on the legs where it was smooth.
Thanks for the answers. If only I was alive and in Japan (or the right places in America) during that time to experience that myself. ;p
