Hello, I recently adopted a cute fox racer toy from Mandarake, but when it arrived, the dreaded vinyl sticky disease was very apparent! I love this Few Many Fox Racer, but I'm afraid of putting it in the display case with my other toys, and I would like to remedy the stickiness of the vinyl. Would applying a clear coat "fix" this issue? And if so, is there anyone willing to give this critter a "treatment"? Thanks for any help! Here is the poor Fox Racer (the Tinpo biohazard guy says it's not safe for cases!)
I don't recommend any additional paint. Try just rubbing it with warm water and a bar of Ivory Soap on an area that's not easily viewable (like the back). If the paint doesn't come off, you can probably repeat the process with the rest of the toy. If that doesn't work, you could try a diluted alcohol soltion. I DO NOT recommend Goo Gone. I have never had good results with that and vinyl toys. Sometimes takes off the paint. Sometimes melts the vinyl.
Thank you Roger! I agree with not using anything that's abrasive or a strong cleaner. The "fur" on the fox is a fine metallic silver paint, and it's been my experience with metallic paint on vintage toys, to be extra careful, because cleaners may strip off the metallic pigment and leave a dull gray, or strip off the paint entirely! I've heard of people using goo-gone, but personally, I would never try that! It's a modern toy, so it's such a shame that whoever did that customization, didn't prep the surface properly. Other than that, the paint job is very nice -- simple and subtle, and conveys a strong sense of whimsy, right down to the "exhaust exit" (see that little red "x") Love the fox tail star as well!
Might have been stored in bubble wrap. Bubble wrap tends to react with the vinyl or clear coat. Try heating it up in the sun for a little bit as the UV might help them put it inside and let sit not in a case for a few days.
I mentioned in the other thread that I am doing some experiments on this exact issue, which I'll post more about soon with my findings. Some thoughts right now: The customizer might not have realized it was sticky before sending it off! And, Like @DrilOne said, it could have been a reaction afterwards so don't be too sore at the artist! I'm thinking that toy was primed, then painted with acrylics. Soap and water ain't gonna work. Alcohol might work but since I believe it's acrylics, I'd bet it would just take the paint right off too (after you get through the clear coat.) You shouldn't have to worry about putting it next to other toys, unless it's touching - you won't have a problem. Display case should be ok, but if you're still worried just find a kooky place to put it on it's own. Like an easter egg for your home! If it doesn't affect the visual of the toy, then don't worry about it. It's just an improperly cured or excessively thick gloss coat.
My experiments have concluded and I basically wrote an essay, which you can find here: http://www.skullbrain.org/bb/index....eriment-–-or-–-how-to-fix-a-sticky-toy.54503/ In summary, I had success with brushing on Liquitex matte varnish or airbrushing on Mad Ape clear coat. Soap and water had no effect, sunlight had no effect. Check out my post for the full write-up!
