Photodegradation: Difference between revisions
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'''Photodegradation''', more commonly referred to by toy collectors as "yellowing", is the phenomenon by which the plastics in a [[Toy|Transformers toy]] grow discolored over time. The process is generally started by exposure to ultraviolet light, whether from natural sunlight or fluorescent lighting. Photodegradation is most noticeable on figures with bright white or light grey plastics, although it actually happens to virtually all colors (surprisingly enough, when blue plastics photodegrade, it is often referred to as "greening"). | '''Photodegradation''', more commonly referred to by toy collectors as "yellowing", is the phenomenon by which the plastics in a [[Toy|Transformers toy]] grow discolored over time. The process is generally started by exposure to ultraviolet light, whether from natural sunlight or fluorescent lighting. Photodegradation is most noticeable on figures with bright white or light grey plastics, although it actually happens to virtually all colors (surprisingly enough, when blue plastics photodegrade, it is often referred to as "greening"). | ||
There is no hard and fast way to determine which individual figures will be more susceptible to it. A [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] opened once, then left in a closet for 20 years seems just as likely to be affected as one left sitting on a shelf for the same amount of time. Since yellowing is a function of the plastic itself decomposing with age, it can still strike toys that have been kept in complete darkness for prolonged periods of time. Furthermore, different pieces of identically-colored plastic on the ''same toy'' can photodegrade differently, resulting in a [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] with a normally colored canopy and discolored legs. | There is no hard and fast way to determine which individual figures will be more susceptible to it. A [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] opened once, then left in a closet for 20 years seems just as likely to be affected as one left sitting on a shelf for the same amount of time. Since yellowing is a function of the plastic itself decomposing with age, it can still strike toys that have been kept in complete darkness for prolonged periods of time. Furthermore, different pieces of identically-colored plastic on the ''same toy'' can photodegrade differently, resulting in a [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] with a normally colored canopy and discolored legs. Areas covered by [[decal]]s are typically unaffected. As manufacturing changes over the years, the time for onset of photodegradation can also change; some collectors reported finding ''[[Studio Series]]'' [[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#Studio_Series|"Cybertron-flashback" Ratchet]] visibly yellowing while still [[MISB|on store shelves]], having decayed in just the time it took to ship from [[Asia]]. | ||
Photodegradation is not to be confused with cigarette smoke residue, which also leaves a yellowish cast on plastic (and can be removed with toothpaste or other products designed to remove cigarette stains) or sun damage, a bleaching effect caused by exposure to direct sunlight (which more commonly affects packaging materials). | Photodegradation is not to be confused with cigarette smoke residue, which also leaves a yellowish cast on plastic (and can be removed with toothpaste or other products designed to remove cigarette stains) or sun damage, a bleaching effect caused by exposure to direct sunlight (which more commonly affects packaging materials). | ||
Revision as of 14:42, 30 March 2022
Photodegradation, more commonly referred to by toy collectors as "yellowing", is the phenomenon by which the plastics in a Transformers toy grow discolored over time. The process is generally started by exposure to ultraviolet light, whether from natural sunlight or fluorescent lighting. Photodegradation is most noticeable on figures with bright white or light grey plastics, although it actually happens to virtually all colors (surprisingly enough, when blue plastics photodegrade, it is often referred to as "greening").
There is no hard and fast way to determine which individual figures will be more susceptible to it. A Jetfire opened once, then left in a closet for 20 years seems just as likely to be affected as one left sitting on a shelf for the same amount of time. Since yellowing is a function of the plastic itself decomposing with age, it can still strike toys that have been kept in complete darkness for prolonged periods of time. Furthermore, different pieces of identically-colored plastic on the same toy can photodegrade differently, resulting in a Nightbeat with a normally colored canopy and discolored legs. Areas covered by decals are typically unaffected. As manufacturing changes over the years, the time for onset of photodegradation can also change; some collectors reported finding Studio Series "Cybertron-flashback" Ratchet visibly yellowing while still on store shelves, having decayed in just the time it took to ship from Asia.
Photodegradation is not to be confused with cigarette smoke residue, which also leaves a yellowish cast on plastic (and can be removed with toothpaste or other products designed to remove cigarette stains) or sun damage, a bleaching effect caused by exposure to direct sunlight (which more commonly affects packaging materials).
Treatment Options
The Transformers fandom has struggled with this issue for ages, and despite having the answer for some time, fans still often tinker with various concoctions hoping to reverse this scourge. Simply put, if a liberal amount of denture cream/household cleanser/virgin blood gets the toy white again, it wasn't photodegradation, it was your common everyday grime that you removed. Some people have experimented with physically removing layers of plastic from toys (via fine-grit sandpaper) to remove photodegradation, but this seems like a temporary fix at best (and one that actually may damage the toy more).
However, a much more promising technique surfaced on discussion boards in December 2008. This newly-discovered method consists of immersing the yellowed figures in a clear container (plastic or glass) full of a hydrogen peroxide solution, then leaving it exposed to direct sunlight for varying lengths of time. Test runs have indeed shown that figures displaying substantial photodegradation were largely or entirely restored to their original pigments. Though the technique has not yet been evaluated by professional chemists, the Decepticons are already plotting to steal the miracle cure for themselves.
Note that even these dramatic results are more of a treatment than a cure: even plastic that is treated, then kept in darkness with an airtight surface cover (such as a coat of varnish) will eventually turn yellow again. C'est la vie.
A few caveats
- As of June 2016, there have been no reports that the hydrogen peroxide technique causes embrittlement or any other collateral damage to the toys. What has been confirmed is that the yellowing will eventually and inevitably return. The TFWiki will not be held responsible for any damage your toys may incur from trying this technique.
- Strong solutions of hydrogen peroxide are very nasty business, requiring proper safety precautions: thick gloves, goggles, and ample ventilation. The TFWiki will not be held responsible if you turbo-revvin' young punks mishandle the stuff and require hospitalization and skin grafts.
Fiction
Ask Vector Prime
The S.T.A.R.S. weaponized Gold Plastic Syndrome and invented the Photo Degradation Protocol in a failed attempt to fight off Galvatron's mindless hordes of Decepto-Pack-enhanced human slaves. Ask Vector Prime