New to restorations and loving it!

[autuba]

I got my ponies out of the attic after 25 years and was so ecstatic that they were all still in good shape! I actually stored them correctly! Whew! I started a new hobby of restoring and am amazed at the passionate people here on this forum as well as other platforms out there. I am a G1 restorer, but am in the process of cleaning up my niece’s G3’s, G3.5’s and 4’s on the side. There are a lot of ponies that need help out there! Sharing some “before and after” pics. I have only gotten started, but intend to get better. Starting off with general spa day, rehair, and “pony cancer” repair right now. Learning as many techniques as I can. Was proud to get the “pindot” bacteria/mold issue conquered with Applejack. Currently trying to figure out the age-old question of how to repair/repaint the cutie marks to where they look authentic and not like a 2nd graders watercolor page. Lol. Thank you for this forum and look forward to reading about this community of fun and encouraging pony-lovers!

 

[Cozytoyhoard]

Wonderful glow-ups!

 

[autuba]

Thank you! Starting small, but working my way up! Working on “My Moldy Pony” right now (I give them nicknames for their worst issues as I go). . Sunbeam will get a new identity, since I scrapped her hair and she lost her cutie marks before I got her (by the way, none of my restoration projects were from my original collection- I tried hard even as a little girl to take care of my ponies!). I’ll send the before and after pics when I am done- may be a while- she is pretty nasty on the inside. Lol

 

[Tak]

Great work! I especially love the de-flocking. I’m unable to do that myself.

 

[autuba]

Takes time and patience. Hot water to think the glue and then a way to scrape it off. Use liquid sugar soap to help loosen the glue. My problem is cleaning the flocked ponies! Cold water and a soft brush is what they recommend for that, but I only got Cupcake halfway done as of yet. See pictures (before and after- 2 sets- not in order)

. She is better, but still needs some deep cleaning. I am always very cautious when I try something new and I guess I was a little too cautious with her. She is one of the few from my personal collection that needed some help- the flocked ones pick up dirt so easily.

 

[marina]

Really nice work! So satisfying getting them cleaned up! I just started restoring my collection too and I'm also so cautious about the so soft ponies. I'm really trying to keep the flocking and am afraid of messing them up!

 

[autuba]

Warm/hot water will remove the flocking, but cold water should not. Gentle soap and soft bristle brushes and gentle scrubbing. I only deflock a pony if they are past the point of salvage. I like to maintain as much of the original that I can when possible. There are YouTube videos out there and the “mlprestoration” website that has a lot of good tips on how to clean them or deflock them safely- it takes patience and time. I will get my Cupcake cleaned soon, but my niece’s are taking priority right now- trying to finish one up right now for one of their birthdays. I am just their goofy aunt who is obsessed with plastic horses. Lol!
Please post how your efforts go- I am always interested in learning from others.

 

[meadowie]

my dream is to do this! i'm on the hunt for dusty ponies right now and seeing your glow ups is giving me inspiration!