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In
your collecting pursuits, you may have acquired M.U.S.C.L.E.'s that have
been used and abused, or just plain dirty. This section deals with getting
your M.U.S.C.L.E.'s looking good as new once again. If you have
M.U.S.C.L.E.'s that are being stubborn when it comes to cleaning up, don't
worry.. there are a few different plans of attack.
Unfortunately there are some things you just can't fix with
cleaning. For instance, a browning or tanned
M.U.S.C.L.E. will not change color no matter what you do. Permanent
marker is also something you most likely will not be able to remove.
I always used damaged M.U.S.C.L.E.'s such as these for fillers in my
collection until suitable replacements were found. For solutions to
other restoration needs, please check the information below.
Tools: An old toothbrush is a staple
that every M.U.S.C.L.E. collector should have on hand. Mix up some dish soap,
and some hot water in a cup and use it to thoroughly scrub your
M.U.S.C.L.E. This will remove dirt and debris from all of the figures
cracks and crevices. A Dull exact-o knife is nice to have as well to scrape
off stubborn deposits, mold, paint etc.
Paint Stains: Whether it's acrylic enamel
or latex paint, you can usually carefully scrape the layer of
paint off with a dull exacto knife, and sometimes with your fingernails.
You can also soak and scrub your M.U.S.C.L.E. with paint thinner or mineral
spirits if need be.
Marker
Stains: Arghh!
The most frustrating stains to try and remove. Many kids used to write
their initials on the bottom of their M.U.S.C.L.E.'s feet. Some got
bored and colored in clothing, hair, etc. Depending on what type of marker
was used, you can sometimes get these stains off, or at least lighten them
up so they're not as noticeable. Here are a list of chemicals you can
try...
Paint Thinner
Mineral Spirits
Paint Reducer
Graffiti remover
Nail Polish Remover
Now that my
M.U.S.C.L.E.'s are clean, they smell funny!
No problem! Just get an airtight container and throw your freshly cleaned
M.U.S.C.L.E. inside along with a bunch of other M.U.S.C.L.E. and keep it
shut for 2 to 3 days. Your M.U.S.C.L.E.'s will get that fresh
"Plasticy" smell back in no time!
What are
these blue spots all over my M.U.S.C.L.E.?
Many
times you will see little blue spots on your M.U.S.C.L.E. These can
simply be flicked off with a dull exacto knife or even your fingernail.
M.U.S.C.L.E.'s that have these spots were sold in M.U.S.C.L.E. 4-Packs.
These card backs backs were blue cardboard. The M.U.S.C.L.E.'s inside of
the 4-pack would rub against it, and over time... pieces of the backing
would stick to the M.U.S.C.L.E.
M.U.S.C.L.E.
Oxidation
Unfortunately,
there is no fix for this one. You can read more about M.U.S.C.L.E.
Oxidation here.
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