Your techniques and tips for classic Kenner Star Wars figures have allowed me to find affordable figures and restore them. Not only do I save money but I also have fun doing the restorations.
I'm a toy dealer and a collector, I've got a lot of passion for what I do. I think it's awesome that some people can bring life back to these toys and are able to collect due to restorations. Not everyone has 1k disposable income for carded pieces of plastic
Imagine the beaters out there that could be brought back to near mint condition from a well played with former life if we all had your skill. Wonderful work. Wonderful video. Thank you.
I have both versions of Han: the big head and the small head. The small head was my brother's, and it annoyed me when I bought my Han later on that all they had was the Frankenstein Monster head Han. It's hideous. I'm glad I bought the small head Han from him all those years ago. I don't have too many things of his, and he's no longer with us.
There are so many of these mass produced toys in rough played with condition. They look so much better restored or customised. Another great video. Thanks to you.
I can't believe both of these were considered accurate sculpts back in the day, but it didn't really matter. We still played with them and loved them, which is more than I can say for most modern toys.
Absolutely brilliant video,the small head Han solo was my very first star wars figure when I was a kid,this brought back some many great memories seeing him all restored 😀 thank you 👍👍
Big head Han will always be the 'correct' one to me. Yes, he isn't very complimentary, but it somehow captures Ford's disdainful expression. I never understood why they gave him a 'heil Hitler' hand though... I used it as a Wookie stroking hand... actually, he looks like he might be trying to use the force! 12:49 Man, Han looks 'spaced' out - he needs some rest!
Mixed it and tried thinning it. It's not terrible it just stays slightly sticky. I am an experienced modeler of many decades. I'm not criticizing toy polloi I like what you do it just has not worked for me.
Thanks to this! I just bought some 90’s Mattel Aladdin figures that I wanted to go over as some of the paint in certain areas is faded so I will now know what to do
I've found great joy with the Benzyl peroxide by leaving it on a radiator for a few days. I think it's the heat more than the UV that gets it activating
Thanks Dave, Han looks fantastic and less of a scruffy looking nerf herder. I have a battered and worn out Boba Fett that I plan to repaint one day. Will re-watch your Boba touch-up video when the day comes.
Really great job. I was impressed by the tape trick. LOL I enjoyed destressing after a long day watching this awesome video. Thank you for taking the time to make it & share it with the rest of us. I hope you have a great rest of the day.
A joy as always. I have actual thought of restoring my two versions. They are both heavely beaten up, but on the other side, I kind of love the wear and tear of the figures. It kind of show that they have been loved and played with. So I am, as we say it in Sweden "Lite i valet och kvalet" if I should restore them or not. 😄
Wow that is a big head but it does look a bit like Harry heh. Great repurposing of skin cream, neat. I know repainting the eyes is nerve-wracking but I wish more people would repaint worn action figures. :)
The red stripe reminds me on a trousers that I had in the 70s, a jeans with red stripes like Han-Solo. Wow, this so long ago. As always pretty good job, Dave.
Mid December ok some of these videos really are pre-recorded but I like it how in the opening with the big head Han with the marks on his face makes me think he’s drank coffee after staying up all night.
I film at least a month ahead as I never know how much time I will have to make new videos. If I have time I film a lot in one go. This is just a hobby for me, but I like to keep my uploads regular. Work still has to come first.
Thanks for the tip with the pin brush. Also, when little head Han had a missing eyebrow he reminded me of Mouser from police academy lol. Thanks again for a very interesting and useful video.
Ever thought of buying and trying one of this small UV light contraptions you put your fingers in to set nail varnish? Pretty inexpensive and probably ideal for a couple of figures like these.
Mrs TP had one. They only come on for a few minutes so you can't hurt yourself. I wouldn't know how to rewire one to stay on for longer. Maybe someone else does?
Smashing as always, I’ve also recently restored a small head Han ( not quite as bad condition as yours ) but this has reminded me that I forgot to use the satin varnish afterwards so I can go further improve him this week 👍
Love the nice paint job, if they were carded I’d be hard to tell if they were original mint condition or not. I got some old figures that a teacher gave me after learning i was I love with the franchise and had even 3D printed some lightsabers. I cleaned them up but I could never do the work you do, it is truly amazing taking a beater and turning it into an scenically a new looking figure.
I always love your Vintage paining videos. Thanks for doing them. Have you ever tried repainting A Bespin Security Guard? That gold trim is always faded. But it might be tricky?
i love your channel :D have you ever thought of using silicon brushes to paint the eyes in at all (like those sculpting tools i mean) ? just thinking the pin might be sharp against the plastic. not tried them myself ( though i have this in my mind when i come to paint my own repairs and customs....thinking of other options to make it easier to draw those tini tiny details in lol> Great work as always thank you
They turned out looking great Dave! I can’t decide which version I prefer. The proportions are off on both but the big head has a better likeness. 🤔 Do you have a preference?
@@toypolloiI respect that. The small head version definitely is much easier on the eyes, and the big head version is so disproportionate that it kinda throws you off a bit to see it 😂
Great video Dave. I’m not an expert on Star Wars figures, but why didn’t you paint the sleeves on each of the figures white as well? Is that how they were back in the day? Keep up the great work!👍
@@toypolloi Have you also tried using Amor All, Mother's or Turtle Wax Protectant to restore your vintage action figures? It restores the plasticizers lost to time in the Kenner plastics. Try it; your figures will look great, as pointed out by Buried Egg. ruclips.net/video/fuFfzbvLH1Y/видео.html
I was always a bit annoyed with the original Han Solo figure - the first head is far too small, and the second is far too big - it's approaching the scale of the puppets from the classic Gerry Anderson shows, but as it's meant to be Harrison Ford, it doesn't really pass muster. Your old custom figure using the ESB 'Bespin' Han head, is perfect. Saying that, I prefer the 'small head' figure if I have to make a choice. The 'big head' figure always made me think of the late Peter Tork of 'Monkees' fame.
Great video mate.Very helpful.Have you ever painted the whole face on a Han Solo figure? The reason i ask is i have a really beaten up "Big head" Han and all the colour has gone from his face.He looks like one of the undead.
@@toypolloi Thanks for the response, you make us feel in contact with you and your work. I asked about the sleeves because I thought originally they were same color with the center to the shirt but I understand your point.
Toy Polloi, I think the toy/collector community really needs to address this peroxiding issue, yes it does 'repair' but the repair in itself is an oxymoron, the very process of exposing a toy to UV is exposing the plastic to the very element that causes the problem of plastic breakdown. Once the process starts that's it, a feedback loop at the molecular level occurs resulting in the eventual death of the toy. I hate to think how many people are buying costly vintage items off people who have used the peroxiding method to breathe new life into these figures etc they sell without having disclosed that the item has gone through this process. There needs to be transparency around this issue as it is ultimately fraudulent to not declare it if on-selling. Personally I don't consider it should be a method to be promoted in any shape or form. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts.
ive seen videos talking about the hate and stuff you and others get cause of what you do, but i look at stuff like preserving old art or an old car its basically the same thing i dont know why people get mad at this and not the others
Star Wars collectors don’t like to see toys fixed. It affects their investments. So you can imagine how much they love me showing how to repair old toys.
@@toypolloi I’m confused? Why is this a Star Wars thing? Are G.I. Joe or Transformers or MOTU collectors this way too? I do not know anybody like this.
I'm sorry, but small head Han always looks weird to me. It's more physically accurate to scale, but it just feels like someone repainted a M.A.S.K figure.
Really? I had a big head han growing up and I always found it grotesque looking. I was so pleased when I got my Empire strikes back Han a few years later as it's face didn't disturb me.
Your techniques and tips for classic Kenner Star Wars figures have allowed me to find affordable figures and restore them. Not only do I save money but I also have fun doing the restorations.
Same here mate. My collection is "unique", even if it isn't "valuable".
I'm a toy dealer and a collector, I've got a lot of passion for what I do. I think it's awesome that some people can bring life back to these toys and are able to collect due to restorations. Not everyone has 1k disposable income for carded pieces of plastic
Imagine the beaters out there that could be brought back to near mint condition from a well played with former life if we all had your skill. Wonderful work. Wonderful video. Thank you.
Dave is a genius.
Both of them have been through the wars.
The Star Wars, one could say.
I have both versions of Han: the big head and the small head. The small head was my brother's, and it annoyed me when I bought my Han later on that all they had was the Frankenstein Monster head Han. It's hideous.
I'm glad I bought the small head Han from him all those years ago. I don't have too many things of his, and he's no longer with us.
I can't get over the fact that the big head version almost looks like a Beatles member.
You have the hands of a surgeon!!! Anytime I paint a figure I have to hold my breath just to get started.... let alone work AROUND a camera!!! 👍👍👍
Thanks. It's much easier without the camera.
That big head version is funny looking
Amazing make over looking better than ever. 💥💥💥💥💥
There are so many of these mass produced toys in rough played with condition. They look so much better restored or customised. Another great video. Thanks to you.
Nice one 👍 I have an original large head beater to attend to.....😎
I can't believe both of these were considered accurate sculpts back in the day, but it didn't really matter. We still played with them and loved them, which is more than I can say for most modern toys.
Why? They are accurately sculpted. Hydrocephalus Solo looked exactly in the movie.
@@mheuzeroth insurance. Had to look up Hydrocephalus. 😆 Nice.
They look great Dave
Absolutely brilliant video,the small head Han solo was my very first star wars figure when I was a kid,this brought back some many great memories seeing him all restored 😀 thank you 👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Its amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for these figures. Fantastic.
Big head Han will always be the 'correct' one to me. Yes, he isn't very complimentary, but it somehow captures Ford's disdainful expression. I never understood why they gave him a 'heil Hitler' hand though... I used it as a Wookie stroking hand... actually, he looks like he might be trying to use the force!
12:49 Man, Han looks 'spaced' out - he needs some rest!
Great restorations of these Han Solos. They look brand new now. The small face Han looks very cool. I wish that became the standard version back then.
Thanks for the tip on the satin varnish I also enjoy restoring figures for display purposes.
I don't recommend that Vallejo satin varnish. I had a problem with it remaining slightly sticky and won't fully cure.
You need to mix it more before applying it. That should help. Cheers
Mixed it and tried thinning it. It's not terrible it just stays slightly sticky. I am an experienced modeler of many decades. I'm not criticizing toy polloi I like what you do it just has not worked for me.
Take a look at this video as I have a tip that may help you ruclips.net/video/veeOMtJ01qI/видео.html
You are a master of the craft!
So enjoyable to watch you work
Thanks to this! I just bought some 90’s Mattel Aladdin figures that I wanted to go over as some of the paint in certain areas is faded so I will now know what to do
A great video. Your videos have really inspired me to give toy restoration a go. Might attempt to breath/paint life into some of my old beaters.
I've found great joy with the Benzyl peroxide by leaving it on a radiator for a few days. I think it's the heat more than the UV that gets it activating
Thanks Dave, Han looks fantastic and less of a scruffy looking nerf herder. I have a battered and worn out Boba Fett that I plan to repaint one day. Will re-watch your Boba touch-up video when the day comes.
That red stripe looks especially nice. Great job with both Hans!
Thanks 👍
Really great job. I was impressed by the tape trick. LOL I enjoyed destressing after a long day watching this awesome video. Thank you for taking the time to make it & share it with the rest of us. I hope you have a great rest of the day.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great restoration... I just wish I could paint my hair back on. ;)
Same here!!
I love "snipers dream" and "beetlejuice" Han Solo as all Vintage Collectors call them LOL
A joy as always.
I have actual thought of restoring my two versions. They are both heavely beaten up, but on the other side, I kind of love the wear and tear of the figures.
It kind of show that they have been loved and played with. So I am, as we say it in Sweden "Lite i valet och kvalet" if I should restore them or not. 😄
Awesome. I have a broken Vader, his head has been loped off. I’d like to see a repair video on that lol!
You've not been watching all my videos. I can tell 🤣
ruclips.net/video/_OQDZSuxxyI/видео.html
Awesome video 👊
Thank You for the tutorial
Wow that is a big head but it does look a bit like Harry heh. Great repurposing of skin cream, neat. I know repainting the eyes is nerve-wracking but I wish more people would repaint worn action figures. :)
Wow… I remember watching when you first got that original tube of benzoyl peroxide. And now it’s gone. End of an era!!😀
I'm on about my tenth tube. It's very useful
These turned out wonderfully.
The red stripe reminds me on a trousers that I had in the 70s, a jeans with red stripes like Han-Solo. Wow, this so long ago. As always pretty good job, Dave.
Mid December ok some of these videos really are pre-recorded but I like it how in the opening with the big head Han with the marks on his face makes me think he’s drank coffee after staying up all night.
I film at least a month ahead as I never know how much time I will have to make new videos. If I have time I film a lot in one go. This is just a hobby for me, but I like to keep my uploads regular.
Work still has to come first.
@@toypolloi at least you seem organised I was just surprised.
For details just a bit bigger, I used a similar tool I made with a square toothpick split at the tip like a pen nib.
Thanks for the tip with the pin brush. Also, when little head Han had a missing eyebrow he reminded me of Mouser from police academy lol. Thanks again for a very interesting and useful video.
Great video, love your channel :)
Love your videos!! Great job on these!!
Hey Dave just a suggestion for a video can you please do Han Solo trench coat replacement
Ever thought of buying and trying one of this small UV light contraptions you put your fingers in to set nail varnish? Pretty inexpensive and probably ideal for a couple of figures like these.
Mrs TP had one. They only come on for a few minutes so you can't hurt yourself. I wouldn't know how to rewire one to stay on for longer. Maybe someone else does?
I'll have to try some of these things on my han solo I just got off of ebay
Smashing as always, I’ve also recently restored a small head Han ( not quite as bad condition as yours ) but this has reminded me that I forgot to use the satin varnish afterwards so I can go further improve him this week 👍
I thought you would have matched the shirt color to the sleeve color. Not a big deal but I think you've matched it in the past.
Love the nice paint job, if they were carded I’d be hard to tell if they were original mint condition or not. I got some old figures that a teacher gave me after learning i was I love with the franchise and had even 3D printed some lightsabers. I cleaned them up but I could never do the work you do, it is truly amazing taking a beater and turning it into an scenically a new looking figure.
That big head Solo is just so creepy looking.
Right? Always found it looked like Butthead from Beavis and Butthead. I gravitate to the small head myself.
Truly amazing! You've got a steady hand mate! But why don't you paint the arms?
Thanks. The arms were not painted originally so I like to leave them as they were intended.
I always love your Vintage paining videos. Thanks for doing them. Have you ever tried repainting A Bespin Security Guard? That gold trim is always faded. But it might be tricky?
Thanks. I've not. But take a look at my M.A.S.K. Miles mayhem video. Might give you some ideas.
@@toypolloi I just watched it. Great idea on that one! Thanks. It should work great for Bespin Guard too. :)
I thought so. Glad it helped.
Never understood the yellowish sleeves if it is all one shirt. Wish they made them where you can remove the limbs and head.
Is not Enamel paint more wear and touch resistant?
i love your channel :D
have you ever thought of using silicon brushes to paint the eyes in at all (like those sculpting tools i mean) ?
just thinking the pin might be sharp against the plastic. not tried them myself ( though i have this in my mind when i come to paint my own repairs and customs....thinking of other options to make it easier to draw those tini tiny details in lol>
Great work as always thank you
They turned out looking great Dave! I can’t decide which version I prefer. The proportions are off on both but the big head has a better likeness. 🤔 Do you have a preference?
I prefer small head Han. I never liked the big version.
@@toypolloiI respect that. The small head version definitely is much easier on the eyes, and the big head version is so disproportionate that it kinda throws you off a bit to see it 😂
Great video Dave. I’m not an expert on Star Wars figures, but why didn’t you paint the sleeves on each of the figures white as well?
Is that how they were back in the day?
Keep up the great work!👍
Thanks. The sleeves were not painted originally. And I don't like to paint things that should be bare plastic. Cheers
Any reason not to prime them?
Great job. Hey, why didn't you paint Han's arms, though?
Because they were not painted originally.
@@toypolloi Ah, interesting. I am going to try white paint on the arms of Leia, Luke, Han and the Stormtrooper.Wish me luck.
@@toypolloi Have you also tried using Amor All, Mother's or Turtle Wax Protectant to restore your vintage action figures? It restores the plasticizers lost to time in the Kenner plastics. Try it; your figures will look great, as pointed out by Buried Egg. ruclips.net/video/fuFfzbvLH1Y/видео.html
I was always a bit annoyed with the original Han Solo figure - the first head is far too small, and the second is far too big - it's approaching the scale of the puppets from the classic Gerry Anderson shows, but as it's meant to be Harrison Ford, it doesn't really pass muster. Your old custom figure using the ESB 'Bespin' Han head, is perfect. Saying that, I prefer the 'small head' figure if I have to make a choice. The 'big head' figure always made me think of the late Peter Tork of 'Monkees' fame.
Great video mate.Very helpful.Have you ever painted the whole face on a Han Solo figure?
The reason i ask is i have a really beaten up "Big head" Han and all the colour has gone from his face.He looks like one of the undead.
I would use the same techniques and paints for that. I haven't ever painted a full head though. But would be possible. Cheers
@@toypolloi Brilliant. Cheers Mate :)
I tried the Satin Varnish and it just ripped the paint right off. What am I doing wrong?
Is this an enamel number 61Humbrol Paint for the flesh tone?
No, these are all acrylics.
@@toypolloi I am having a hard time trying to find it in America, any recommendations?
There are conversion charts online that will show you what this colour is similar to in other paint brands. Check those out.
Funny how Kenner knew enough to give him the red stripes, but gave him black pants.
Is Enamel paint a nono?
I prefer acrylic. But go with what you like.
@@toypolloiSorry I asked same thing now, thanks
Nice restoration! But why you didn´t paint the shirt sleeves? The red line is perfect!
The sleeves were not painted to start with. And I don't like painting things that should be left as bare plastic.
@@toypolloi Thanks for the response, you make us feel in contact with you and your work. I asked about the sleeves because I thought originally they were same color with the center to the shirt but I understand your point.
It looks as if the previous owner of the small head Han Solo tried to give it a Tye-died shirt.
Toy Polloi, I think the toy/collector community really needs to address this peroxiding issue, yes it does 'repair' but the repair in itself is an oxymoron, the very process of exposing a toy to UV is exposing the plastic to the very element that causes the problem of plastic breakdown. Once the process starts that's it, a feedback loop at the molecular level occurs resulting in the eventual death of the toy.
I hate to think how many people are buying costly vintage items off people who have used the peroxiding method to breathe new life into these figures etc they sell without having disclosed that the item has gone through this process. There needs to be transparency around this issue as it is ultimately fraudulent to not declare it if on-selling. Personally I don't consider it should be a method to be promoted in any shape or form. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts.
ive seen videos talking about the hate and stuff you and others get cause of what you do, but i look at stuff like preserving old art or an old car its basically the same thing i dont know why people get mad at this and not the others
Why would he get hate for this?
It's a long story 😂
@@toypolloi well what’s the short version? Anybody have a link to these hateful videos?
Star Wars collectors don’t like to see toys fixed. It affects their investments. So you can imagine how much they love me showing how to repair old toys.
@@toypolloi I’m confused? Why is this a Star Wars thing? Are G.I. Joe or Transformers or MOTU collectors this way too? I do not know anybody like this.
Great repair! But man, how UGLY these figures can be?
I'm sorry, but small head Han always looks weird to me. It's more physically accurate to scale, but it just feels like someone repainted a M.A.S.K figure.
Really? I had a big head han growing up and I always found it grotesque looking. I was so pleased when I got my Empire strikes back Han a few years later as it's face didn't disturb me.
@@Cyril29a You're right it is grotesque,but I guess I was just so used to seeing it, that the variation just threw me off.
they look nothing like han solo.. lol