The Energon Pub

I've recently gone through my basement and found a handful of my old transformers. My question pertains to Ultra class Jetstorm, Deluxe Blastcharge (the gold/red one), and Transmetal Rattrap. The latter two moreso, but they've all started chipping QUITE badly. It's so bad that I can't really pick up Jetstorm; I'm just glad that metallic paint is only on his torso.

Is there anything reasonably simple solution to the chipping? Like, can I coat it with anything?


EDIT: Could anyone suggest to me a good varnish to use? Preferably a spray of some sort. Tamiya was mentioned here and I've seen Humbrol mentioned in my brief google search.

You could try a hard-wearing varnish, like floor varnish. Test on a little patch first though, to make sure it doesn't react.

Metallic paint is the worst thing to ever happen to Transformers.

Ah, yes. The old "chrome flaking" problem. This is well known in the fandom. It's not really metallic 'paint', I think, but an incredibly thin layer of metal.

What causes it isn't clear. I have several chromed toys, between 10 and 20 years old, and the problem seems to surface randomly. I have the odd duplicate of a toy, and one specimen suffers while the other doesn't.

I think Mykl is right, a varnish will at least allow you to handle the toy. A spray would probably be best, as a brush could further damage the finish if you're not careful.
Some of these varnishes can have powerful solvents in, mind, it could dilute the pigment on the metallic parts, or even attack the plastic underneath. Make sure whatever you choose is compatible with the plastic - perhaps try Tamiya or another brand specially for model kits.

Thank you very much all, I'll have to look into it over the weekend. Luckily there are a few pretty sizable craft stores around here.

Henkei Sunstreaker, Mirage, Ratchet's gun, Thrust, and Inferno are the only things on the few Henkei figs I own with shiny paint apps. Has anyone experienced any chipping considering how long ago this line was released?

Nemesis Destron wrote:Henkei Sunstreaker, Mirage, Ratchet's gun, Thrust, and Inferno are the only things on the few Henkei figs I own with shiny paint apps. Has anyone experienced any chipping considering how long ago this line was released?

As far as I know, only Beast era figures are affected in a big way. On the rest of the lines the color just fades away.

Mykltron wrote:You could try a hard-wearing varnish, like floor varnish. Test on a little patch first though, to make sure it doesn't react.

Seconding floor polish/varnish. Future is a very mild product, and there's little chance of it attacking the base plastic, paint, or vac-metal finish.