How I restored 1/6 Darth Vader's black suit from Flaking

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  • Опубліковано 24 лис 2024
  • Hey everyone! In today’s video, I want to show you how I restored my 1/6 Darth Vader figure (Medicom Toy) from a common problem: the crumbling synthetic leather.
    The process is simple, just remove the entire layer, wash the fabric, apply shoe polish, and buff it. The more shoe polish you apply and buff, the more it will look like real leather.
    I hope this video is helpful to you all.
    See you in the next one!

КОМЕНТАРІ • 426

  • @Aikurisu
    @Aikurisu Місяць тому +372

    "Lord Vader, your suit has finally returned from the dry cleaners!"
    "... as I have foreseen."

    • @JohnSkao
      @JohnSkao 21 день тому +9

      @@Aikurisu lord vader seeing his faux leather flacking off: you are as clumsy as you are stupid! *force chockes the tailor*

  • @decadentdave
    @decadentdave Місяць тому +866

    So cool they included Darth Vader’s cremation ashes! 😂

  • @lavideocasetera8398
    @lavideocasetera8398 Місяць тому +414

    I have this one on a box because it was flaking really bad.... now after seeing your video, lets say that you just gave him A NEW HOPE 🔥

  • @InformationIsTheEdge
    @InformationIsTheEdge 20 днів тому +80

    I just realized I like restoration videos WAY more when I have no idea how to rescue that target item! Very cool! Thanks!

    • @biginjapanminiatures
      @biginjapanminiatures  20 днів тому +3

      @@InformationIsTheEdge Thanks for visiting, mate! I hope this video is helpful in your restoration. 👍🏻

    • @InformationIsTheEdge
      @InformationIsTheEdge 20 днів тому +3

      @biginjapanminiatures WOW! A note from the channel! Thanks! I restore old carpentry tools so this was a welcome departure from the familiar. Your finished result was remarkable!

  • @Bamboozlenoodle
    @Bamboozlenoodle Місяць тому +274

    The nylon suit is the only reason I went ahead and bought the Hot Toys Force Unleashed damaged Vader (my first). Having to deal with this flaking shit on a premium collectable is something I do not want to do, ever.

    • @valthenvega2434
      @valthenvega2434 Місяць тому +31

      Hopefully premium collectibles soon develop a plastic leather just as flexible and resistant as those wrist bands managers put you when getting in hotels

    • @momsberettas9576
      @momsberettas9576 Місяць тому +18

      They could easily use real leather. Fake leather is the worst.

    • @kanesmith8271
      @kanesmith8271 Місяць тому +13

      The funny thing is that fake leather is more expensive that real leather

    • @GodWeenSatan
      @GodWeenSatan 28 днів тому +4

      ​@@momsberettas9576they would probably have animal activist all over them

    • @BackToTheGame.98
      @BackToTheGame.98 21 день тому +3

      Yeah, I guess some of them figured out coating it with vinyl will keep it from flaking, so its more like plastic than leather, but still has the look.

  • @GhostMotion7
    @GhostMotion7 Місяць тому +100

    Synthetic leather is just an insult.
    You did a great job, not only you restored but also improved the figure ❤

    • @Slam_duncan03
      @Slam_duncan03 Місяць тому +1

      Yeah pleather is nothing but an insult and disgrace to the high end name, and that greedy, egotistical, and smug scum Howard Chan thinking using fake leather on what are considered high end collectibles is a good idea shows that he is an idiot who has no understanding of what high end means. He has no respect for the customers and only cares about the money.

    • @biginjapanminiatures
      @biginjapanminiatures  Місяць тому +2

      Thanks a lot mate!! I appreciate it! 👊🏻👊🏻

    • @Wezwolf
      @Wezwolf Місяць тому

      @@biginjapanminiatures I don't really get it. I thought that when pleather starts to flake off, all that's underneath is cloth.
      Is this is a specific type of pleather? It seems like you've just scrubbed of dead skin, and there is a layer of new skin underneath. (?)

  • @NeedsMoreBirds
    @NeedsMoreBirds 20 днів тому +16

    The shoe polish trick on the fabric is really clever! I love that you added the straps for the box on his chest as well - they’re barely visible underneath the coat and shoulder plate, but you still put the effort in to make it more screen-accurate.

  • @Solidfluids
    @Solidfluids Місяць тому +133

    Hehe, the box said ‘danger choking hazard’

  • @stevemuzak8526
    @stevemuzak8526 Місяць тому +489

    This is the reason why I never buy faux leather figures.

    • @vaynelevant
      @vaynelevant Місяць тому +29

      @@BryceYT. hot toys pleather still flakes a lot.

    • @torquetheprisoner
      @torquetheprisoner Місяць тому +8

      but fake Leather dose that in general if you don't take care of it

    • @vaynelevant
      @vaynelevant Місяць тому +57

      @@torquetheprisoner from what i heard flaking is inevitable. proper care just delays the flaking.

    • @torquetheprisoner
      @torquetheprisoner Місяць тому +4

      @@vaynelevant yeah very true

    • @CaptainFantastik1
      @CaptainFantastik1 Місяць тому +32

      @@BryceYT. I had this same figure and it was kept indoors on display and it disintegrated just like this. Plenty of companies are still using this kind of material and this happens to their products too.

  • @wraith1701
    @wraith1701 Місяць тому +51

    Shoe polish = GENIUS! 🤯😃 Looks good, and no flaking. Excellent idea!

  • @uncardedreviews9721
    @uncardedreviews9721 Місяць тому +18

    These restoration videos are the absolute best 👌 It's so satisfying to watch the process and see the final product come back better than before 🎉

  • @Dazzgracefulmoon
    @Dazzgracefulmoon Місяць тому +37

    it kind of looks like he's wearing little darth vader pajamas. awesome work, as usual!

  • @chill_will9816
    @chill_will9816 Місяць тому +17

    My only concern would be the shoe polish hardening at which point its gonna flake, especially if you bend the joints. Id recommend not getting too heavy handed with the polish for that reason. If youve ever polished a pair of boots to a mirror shine only for them to start cracking after a few steps, you know what im saying

  • @Vix584
    @Vix584 17 днів тому +2

    "You cant rush art!" - Toy Repair Man
    Love these types if videos.

  • @TammyBoy
    @TammyBoy Місяць тому +49

    "I’ve Got To Save You"
    "You Already Have Luke"

  • @hadarych9
    @hadarych9 29 днів тому +4

    From Vader after mission to Vader before mission. The result looks cool! 😎

  • @nathanielrobite3573
    @nathanielrobite3573 Місяць тому +10

    Excellent method for that problem of a material...thanks for showing us this technique!

  • @dragmire86
    @dragmire86 23 дні тому +3

    1:41 this is extra accurate to the movie, hands down

  • @daribluestar7752
    @daribluestar7752 Місяць тому +20

    Brilliant work. May the Force Be With You.

    • @biginjapanminiatures
      @biginjapanminiatures  Місяць тому +2

      May the force be with you!!!
      Thank you for watching my journey in this restoration, mate!
      See you in the next one!

  • @rytlocknroll
    @rytlocknroll 15 днів тому +2

    "You don't know the power of the dark polish!"

  • @techyrock
    @techyrock 26 днів тому +8

    vader stands proud after the restoration 0:13

  • @somarriba333
    @somarriba333 Місяць тому +27

    All too easy... Impressive. MOST impressive.

  • @blakegriplingph
    @blakegriplingph Місяць тому +4

    I've had a similar issue with the shoes I got for an American Girl doll, and I must say this is a complete bane for us collectors especially when the toys are supposedly "heirloom quality". Animal cruelty concerns be damned, but there ought to be a more reliable alternative to pleather if real leather isn't feasible for toys on ethical grounds.

  • @meboyotube
    @meboyotube Місяць тому +16

    I frigging HATE that stuff almost as much as the rubber coating that gets sticky after a couple years.

    • @Thenogomogo-zo3un
      @Thenogomogo-zo3un Місяць тому +1

      I have a very good pair of binoculars that has that 'sticky rubber' syndrome for its casing. Such a shame, totally unusable.

    • @meboyotube
      @meboyotube Місяць тому +6

      @@Thenogomogo-zo3un
      You can take zippo lighter fluid or goo gone and scrub them. You will take all that crap off and be left with shiny plastic. It's a pain in the ass though. You need a lot of paper towels, q tips and maybe even an old toothbrush. Once it's off though you are set.

    • @Thenogomogo-zo3un
      @Thenogomogo-zo3un Місяць тому

      @@meboyotube I got some goo gone. The zippo fuel is a bit pricey to waste, I'll keep it for my zippos

    • @meboyotube
      @meboyotube Місяць тому +2

      @@Thenogomogo-zo3un true.
      I'm probably a bit older than you. When I was a kid there was no go-gone so people use to buy lighter fluid because it's basically the same thing.
      I worked at a cigar shop and people would buy all sorts of things for weird stuff. Did you know if you spread skoal chewing tobacco around the base of the plants in your garden or keeps the slugs away?
      These old ladies coming in to buy lighter fluid and chewing tobacco.
      Let me know how it works out!

  • @Specsp421
    @Specsp421 Місяць тому +12

    I’m surprised that the suit didn’t tear while you were brushing in the shoe polish. The base cloth is a lot sturdier than it looks!

  • @AMVH2012
    @AMVH2012 Місяць тому +4

    Wow, that worked out so much better than I thought it would.

  • @eldau
    @eldau 16 днів тому +2

    When I was a child I always wanted that figure. I went to a shopping center and in a stand there was that one that was incomplete. I was about 5 years old. It should be noted that I am 18 and every time I went I always went to see that figure. And when I was about to get it, they said that I was not alone. I hope that whoever has the figure is taking care of it as I would have done.

  • @Ashleyjoannawilliams
    @Ashleyjoannawilliams Місяць тому +4

    This also happened to me! ive also cleaned up his suit from the pleather but i just let it stay that way lol thanks to you i can work more on it keep it up!

    • @biginjapanminiatures
      @biginjapanminiatures  Місяць тому +1

      @@Ashleyjoannawilliams Thank you, mate! I appreciate your support! 👍🏻👍🏻

  • @4feathers
    @4feathers Місяць тому +5

    Well done!👏 I came across your restoration video on the Hellboy Figure a month or so back but forgot to subscribe after watching it but couldn't find your channel again so glad it came back up on my feed cause I just did!🍻👊

  • @faxmuchine
    @faxmuchine Місяць тому +13

    Hey, as a bonus, the flakes double as Anakin's Jedi robes post-Mustafar.

  • @shovelchop81bikeralex52
    @shovelchop81bikeralex52 Місяць тому +3

    Interesting, I did exactly the same some years ago but instead of polish I used black ink, cool idea!

  • @Aldo.flores
    @Aldo.flores Місяць тому +18

    Amazing restoration, unfortunately all real and fake leather and other vinyl materials have this issue with time, one alternative it’s apply special oils and creams to maintain moisturized the fabric and extend its life cicle but it need to be applied at least once a month, and the figures need to be placed without folding the clothes (that’s almost imposible), so this is a great alternative to bring back to life our figures and sculptures

    • @MaseraSteve
      @MaseraSteve 18 днів тому

      The only glossy material that resembled the leather surface that I can think of is nail polish

  • @thomasguycott
    @thomasguycott 23 дні тому

    Great work: the finished version honestly looks more accurate to scale compared to the original material.

  • @user-eo8bd8hb3q
    @user-eo8bd8hb3q Місяць тому +2

    Man you added crazy details love your videos😊

  • @TheHapaDon
    @TheHapaDon Місяць тому +4

    I use Mothers VLR to protect the pleather before it even gets to that point. For figures with pleather it is probably not good to leave them in the box sealed without inspecting them as the outgassing plasticizers may negatively image the pleather.

  • @wenslystephen5591
    @wenslystephen5591 Місяць тому +2

    i rly like watching you fix hellboy & now darth vader ,more video like this please

  • @gundamo_creates
    @gundamo_creates Місяць тому +5

    great work, premium figures should not need repair.....i had three figures deteriorate from latex skin to faux leather. I stopped buying any figure with those materials now.

  • @BeerusTVDB
    @BeerusTVDB 22 дні тому +1

    That was a fantastic modification using the shoe polish. But if you really want that to shine you should bake it under a heat lamp or a heat gun and then polish

  • @jacobholley4312
    @jacobholley4312 Місяць тому

    Good for you dude I'm glad you finally figured out how to fix the Darth Vader pleather problem it would just be nice if Hot Toys did actual leather

    • @dolly.gwendolyn
      @dolly.gwendolyn 21 день тому

      @@jacobholley4312 if leather is not consistently moisturized it will crack as well so it wouldn’t be able to be a stay in box collectible

  • @brendaowens2466
    @brendaowens2466 21 день тому

    Very well done sir. Commend you for this excellent project.

  • @CrimsonFlagg
    @CrimsonFlagg Місяць тому +4

    Man, you did such a great job at restoring this.

  • @thebigmangamer
    @thebigmangamer Місяць тому +2

    Insanely cool job on this restoration (though Vader didn't have visible straps on his chest box for the Revenge of the Sith suit, but that's just being OCD here lol)

  • @Siansonea
    @Siansonea Місяць тому +5

    I think I would have remade his bodysuit in a shiny black satin, that would give about the same effect as leather, without any possibility of flaking.

  • @joginator
    @joginator 14 днів тому

    i have the old Kenner Toy, which starts to flake off as well! will give this a try some day! thanks for posting this video!

    • @joginator
      @joginator 9 днів тому

      I cant believe this technik works! Ok i my Case i have to apply way more Coats, but im about to get a smooth Surface! Thats because the Figures Suit flaked off down to the Cloth, which has naturally a rougher Texture! Fun-Fact: If u stop after just a few Coats, u get something that looks like Suede.

  • @14Kostuch
    @14Kostuch Місяць тому +3

    Try to use liquid leather for the heavy fractured parts - should cover the gaps :)

  • @ghostsoap6681
    @ghostsoap6681 4 дні тому

    I like that they detailed the head even though it is covered by his mask.

  • @elusana
    @elusana 28 днів тому

    The suit getting assembled at the end makes me think Vader really did have that shit on 🔥

  • @miss_river_
    @miss_river_ 10 днів тому +1

    Why is the most articulated figure for male dolls DARTH VADER ?! I would so love if a 3D designer/artist could scan this so we can have more male dolls in the #OOAK community

  • @bluemakina
    @bluemakina Місяць тому +1

    awesome solution!!! I´m definitely gonna give it a try on my ROTJ RAH Vader 👍👍👍

  • @gtosor
    @gtosor Місяць тому

    Alors là, vous avez tout l'on respect. Une restauration digne d’un pro et fallait y penser au cirage de chaussure 👍👍👍👍👍

  • @razumtazum3246
    @razumtazum3246 Місяць тому +2

    Looks like this figure was being stored on Dagobah! ;) Amazing restoration though!

  • @Skellitor301_VA
    @Skellitor301_VA 20 днів тому +5

    rip James Earl Jones. He really brought this character to life with his unique voice

  • @akoeyfenfen1492
    @akoeyfenfen1492 Місяць тому +2

    instead use shoe polish, i used black acrysion from mr hobby. Applied it 3 layer and then use gloss varnish from reeves to make it glossy

  • @not_b_rian
    @not_b_rian Місяць тому +1

    I've still got this figure somewhere. Last time I looked, it was in a similar state.

  • @NumberOneGeek
    @NumberOneGeek Місяць тому +2

    Nothing beats polishing Darth Vader's helmet.

  • @theonemasterwarhero
    @theonemasterwarhero 26 днів тому

    This also happened to my kenner 12 inch Darth Vader which came with Darth Maul...I simply just removed all the synthetic leather with some warm soapy water...the body suit doesn't shine anymore and is just the material...but it looks good and I won't have to worry about it peeling again.

  • @yeeyaboi5563
    @yeeyaboi5563 8 днів тому +2

    not the cheeck spread at 0:56 🤣

  • @Nobiemon
    @Nobiemon Місяць тому

    Incredible! I have a Dredd figure that completely went to hell just like this. Gotta try to save it now!

  • @Pzd07
    @Pzd07 Місяць тому +1

    Love this bro keep them coming !😊

  • @sparkstron73
    @sparkstron73 24 дні тому

    Looks great as did the hellboy.
    Shoe polish has a strong smell, thats the only downside.

  • @Neon99
    @Neon99 18 днів тому

    Very helpful. I have a couple of Barbie and the rockers with fake leather that’s starting to peel

  • @THERedstoneBR
    @THERedstoneBR 13 днів тому

    vadder is like my headphone and my chair, i love this material

  • @Stuff_I_Watch
    @Stuff_I_Watch 6 днів тому +1

    Vader was in serious need of some WD-40!

  • @Abefroman-lq3md
    @Abefroman-lq3md Місяць тому

    Bravo sir. Brilliant work.
    Salutations from Belfast Northern Ireland 🇬🇧

  • @einsnewtrigger8530
    @einsnewtrigger8530 Місяць тому +14

    I'm not trying to be negative with the video, it's a nice idea and all that; but... you do realize that shoe grease, over time, will not only rot away that decomposing leather, but will also damage the other parts over time... I'd recommend looking into replacing that part of the suit with a vintage kit or making it by hand with rawhide. I just want the figure to continue hunting rebels and not get lost in the force.

    • @biginjapanminiatures
      @biginjapanminiatures  Місяць тому +4

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
      I did the same procedure with my Hellboy over a year ago. He's the same, nothing has changed, dried out or something like that 👍🏻

  • @darthethan1995
    @darthethan1995 Місяць тому +1

    My Power of the Force Vaders had that flaking problem. My Ultimate Villain Vader surprisingly doesn’t. I’ve had him for 5 years and his suit is still in good condition. It was a pain in the rear to switch from Anakin to Vader so I got a second body for him.

  • @SevenDeMagnus
    @SevenDeMagnus 8 днів тому

    The damage looks like our vinyl gaming chairs, lol (should have ordered the clothe one but that's harder to clean but still).
    God bless.

  • @skunkworksstudios
    @skunkworksstudios 26 днів тому

    Fantastic. I have a Ken Gatchaman I’m with a flaking suit. Need to do something similar.

  • @Lahire-s7l
    @Lahire-s7l День тому +1

    Super taf de resparasion top😊

  • @ZombieFBody
    @ZombieFBody Місяць тому +1

    Impressive. Most impressive!

  • @Trid3nt861
    @Trid3nt861 19 днів тому

    really cool restoration.
    On a side note is someone doing the riverdance on the roof alot of noise in the background randomly.

  • @I_love_bread_and_Hungry_Jacks
    @I_love_bread_and_Hungry_Jacks 16 днів тому

    That worn out Vader is the Vader in the Robot Chicken universe who decided he didn't want his to be lit on fire anymore

  • @8bitbonsai
    @8bitbonsai Місяць тому +1

    i just watches 23 min of darth vader laundry day

  • @ucitymetalhead
    @ucitymetalhead Місяць тому +2

    I have a hell boy kroenen with a jacket that did that and a tyr from the show Andromeda that is heading that way.

  • @PremiumFig
    @PremiumFig Місяць тому +3

    Most guys way too lazy todo this and would buy a new undersuit. However, this looks great, I would imagine the polish needs to be redone as it would dry out?

    • @biginjapanminiatures
      @biginjapanminiatures  Місяць тому +2

      I did the same procedure with my Hellboy over a year ago. He's the same, nothing has changed or dried out.
      Thanks for watching!!

  • @arturalex
    @arturalex Місяць тому

    Tks a lot my friend, i have the same problem with the pants of Hellboy from Hot Toys. Working on it now !!!!! :)

  • @NotMorganFreeman.
    @NotMorganFreeman. Місяць тому +2

    Now all it needs is that head sculpt repainted.

  • @luisbenitez1099
    @luisbenitez1099 Місяць тому +2

    ROTS VERSION HAVE NOT THE LEATHER STRIPES ARROUND THE CHEST BOX. ONLY THE ORIGINAL TRILOGY VERSIONS HAVE IT .

    • @biginjapanminiatures
      @biginjapanminiatures  Місяць тому

      Yes, you are correct! I used references from the trilogy. I made a mistake 😅😅

  • @theonepstein5100
    @theonepstein5100 23 дні тому

    This can be prevented by oiling the material every so often to keep the molecular bonds strong and thus prevent flaking. It's not 100% foolproof but until they can get better material we'll have to make do.

  • @myaaou
    @myaaou 8 днів тому +1

    素晴らしい発想、そしてコロンブスのワックスは流石ツヤツヤだぜ。

    • @biginjapanminiatures
      @biginjapanminiatures  7 днів тому +1

      コメントありがとうございます!!
      私はコロンブスの靴磨き用クリームが大好きですね... 🙂

  • @CosminNeagu
    @CosminNeagu Місяць тому +6

    Happened to my Audiotechnica headphones and I was intrigued. I knew some designs used this material and for a collectible that's a tragedy.

  • @robertpodina5964
    @robertpodina5964 21 день тому

    Finally we see what vader does in his resting chamber

  • @antspineaha6844
    @antspineaha6844 Місяць тому

    Nice restore bro!

  • @Denon0122
    @Denon0122 Місяць тому +2

    Always loved Darth Vader

  • @TheSerpentDK
    @TheSerpentDK День тому

    Reminds me of old plastic phones from the 90s and early 2000s

  • @karltonalston1086
    @karltonalston1086 Місяць тому +4

    I notice you did not use the acrylic paint this time.. like you did with Hellboy. Was there a reason?

  • @optiondezzo1513
    @optiondezzo1513 Місяць тому

    the Takara Jin-Roh figures also uses this faux leather fabric. Good to know I can fix this problem so I can display them again!

  • @naxemsic2278
    @naxemsic2278 29 днів тому

    The best figure that Medicom Toys released at that time was Darth Moul, I have it, I changed his body and it is like the Sideshow 2.0 one.

  • @toomanyhobbies8351
    @toomanyhobbies8351 Місяць тому +1

    Looks like Vader experienced Mustafaar a second time.

  • @ItachiSan_RUS
    @ItachiSan_RUS 2 дні тому +2

    Откровенно говоря, это паршивая версия реставрации. Покрыть костюм гуталином, конечно, чтобы эта дрянь пачкалась. Нельзя же купить жидкую кожу и сделать всё по уму. Цепочка на шее должна быть чёрной. Всё понимаю, она заржавела, так налей в стакан кипятка, засыпь лимонной кислоты и брось цепочку. Она не только от ржавчины очистится, так ещё и почернеет (Самый простой способ воронения стали). Вместо простых действий - 23 минуты дрочки.

  • @matthewmccarron8915
    @matthewmccarron8915 Місяць тому +5

    After adding the shoe polish/grease/wax, does it come off in your hands, or transfer onto other materials, like the plastic parts? It seems messy, but I think it's MUCH better than nothing!

    • @amcleartayba
      @amcleartayba Місяць тому

      @@matthewmccarron8915 I was wondering the same thing.

    • @rayray1232333
      @rayray1232333 Місяць тому

      I also want to know. Anyone can tell?

  • @IzMyVideoz
    @IzMyVideoz 22 дні тому

    Impressive. Most impressive.

  • @Bloodimpaler
    @Bloodimpaler 21 день тому

    Bro came wel prepared. Gteat job!

  • @Fletch85uk
    @Fletch85uk Місяць тому +1

    Very smart restoration!

  • @kevinkite3418
    @kevinkite3418 Місяць тому +1

    Looks a million times better than that fake leather.

  • @f8hammer938
    @f8hammer938 12 днів тому

    Nice work!

  • @DianaWanMa
    @DianaWanMa 16 днів тому

    The thumbnail seemed like it was a lace socks hahahaha

  • @igorsouza6811
    @igorsouza6811 Місяць тому +1

    Great work!

  • @SuperGetterRobo
    @SuperGetterRobo Місяць тому +1

    This is exactly what I plan on doing to my medicom RAH Eva unit 1 figure if the plastic ever starts to flake off like this.

  • @drewdonald6260
    @drewdonald6260 17 годин тому +1

    Subscribed immediately!!

    • @biginjapanminiatures
      @biginjapanminiatures  16 годин тому +1

      @@drewdonald6260 I really appreciate you supporting, mate! 👊🏻👊🏻 Welcome to my channel!