MLP Restoration FAQs
"It's common and necessary to replace the tail washer or it will inevitably rust!"
If there isn't any sign of rust then you don't need to replace the washer; just don't dunk the pony in water.
Replacing the washer is usually a "neutral" act but if the pony's neck is glued on so tightly that you would need a hobby knife or hairdryer to get it off . . . just don't do it. There is a high risk you will tear or scar the plastic, to no benefit.
"I need to replace the tail clasp or it will become rusty!"
It literally cannot rust, it is not made of iron.
"I should blast my pony in a UV box to get rid of stray marks!"
Yes, this can work. It is the same principle behind sun-fading. However: it can also permanently damage your pony and "sunburn" it, leaving a pony covered with NEW marks, as seen on this page.
I mean it's an interesting effect, but pretty devastating if you were trying to restore a rare or childhood pony to its original hue.
In general the sun is the "safest" method of using UV rays on MLPs, and even then you want to keep a close eye on the pony. The sun can also sunburn ponies.
"Acne cream (aka benzoyl peroxide) can be used on ponies to remove marks!"
No no no no no no no.
It can bleach the pigment from a pony. And this can start occurring months / years after the acne cream is applied.
RIP Nightlight, you were discolored and the acne cream didn't even remove the Sharpie marks.
I was just looking at a Facebook pony group in which someone bought a Night Glider who had age spots that had been treated with acne cream. The plastic around the age spots bleached white. Then they turned yellow. Then the yellow stain began spreading down the pony's leg, like a drip. This happened over the course of several years. Also if an acne cream pony is in contact with other ponies, the acne cream can transfer to THOSE ponies. (G1 ponies have very porous plastic.) Literally a pony plague.
Unlike benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide is safe ; it is mostly used for hard plastic like pony playsets. Not used on the actual ponies much.
"What can I use to remove the round age spots with the dark dot in the middle, aka pony cancer?"
Unfortunately, nothing.
With pen marks or paint, the ink / paint is covering the original pigment; find a way to remove or destroy the ink / paint and you will see the colorful plastic again.
But with age spots, the original pigment has been destroyed. So you cannot remove the spots to reveal the old color.
