[trevor0402]

Hello guys... I recently got this figure and it came damaged... Is there a way I can repair the leather material itself?
Skynet made this figure back in 1998.

Here are the photos of the damage shown.
Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet

If anyone could help me it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[GubernatorFan]

I am not certain this is doable. This also happens to old 12" Hasbro Star Wars figures with the same kind of pleather finish over a fabric foundation... eventually it cracks and flakes.

 

[rollotomasi]

Fox915 did a great job repairing his HT Selina Kyle's flaking leather costume through a repaint... the instructions are there but the pics are gone...
maybe you can PM him to update his thread... hope this helps.

Fixing cracking and flaking leather (pleather)

 

[Fox915]

I just saw this and updated the pictures on that thread. Hope it helps

Thanks rollotomasi for reminding me, I need to fix some of my old threads.

 

[papaya]

My Medicom Kenshiro which should be 10 years Junior the Skynet already suffered flaking few years back.

Problem with Kenshiro is he has so many buttons on his shirt that you have to becareful when removing the flakes.

you can use plastic dip paints to give it a vinyl look, or make a new set with genuine leather. or keep it battle damaged.

 

[GubernatorFan]

Fox915's repair tips look very promising, I had forgotten about them. Thanks for the pictures, btw, they worked fine when I looked. Perhaps Fox can report on whether the fix worked permanently, i.e., whether the repaired surface is still in good shape and sufficiently flexible now, some 10 months later.

To summarize them, clear all flakes and apply Liquitex fabric medium + desired acrylic paint + water repeatedly over the fabric base.
http://www.liquitex.com/fabricmedium/

Note also ZombieKev's suggestion (post #14 of Fox's thread) to use vinyl fabric spray (for auto interiors) on the surface either before it cracks in the first place or after having removed all the flakes.

 

[CobraTrooper11]

its bad that the leather is cracking, but even worse that the brand is skynet...how could you? funding terminator developements....lol jk. but seriously...what does one do? couldn't one commission a real leather jacket to replace what is cracking?

 

[Fox915]

@GubernatorFan, I just checked, everything’s still intact. Did some flex test, bent the elbows and knees, still no signs of cracks. But the original Hot toys suit however, is getting worse.

@OP, Also keep in mind that what worked for me, might not be as easy on a more complex piece you’re trying to fix. Since mine was just simple gloves and boots, the tubular shape is simple enough to work with. Word of warning though, the results will make the material feel a lot less like leather/pleather (less soft, smooth and pliable), but heavier and more rigid (like canvas or vinyl maybe, but still has enough flexibility).

That was a trade-off I was OK with. So do attempt it at your own risk

 

[GubernatorFan]

Thanks for the confirmation, Fox915!

 

[trevor0402]

I found another one of my other Skynet Kenshiro Figures... I cleaned the flaking leather off and I am curious as to if he is ready for the paint job.

 

[papaya]

I found another one of my other Skynet Kenshiro Figures... I cleaned the flaking leather off and I am curious as to if he is ready for the paint job.

View attachment 381146

you need to really remove all the residues, with a brush, or finger nail, can see there are still some on the pants.

 

[Fox915]

If you decide to paint the clothes while on the figure, be sure to wrap the whole body in plastic/Saran wrap, because the paint will seep through.

 

[trevor0402]

Should I remove the leather from this one? Or should I paint over it?

 

[Fox915]

Painting over the old flakes will result in uneven surface, and it may come loose again. Starting with a clean and even surface is better for a cleaner and smoother paint job.

I wiped mine with a rag to make sure there’s no residue, sometimes after removing all the leather flakes, there’s dry powdery residue left.

Looking at the pictures you provided, it seems like a really tough job. The clothing is quite complex, having to watch out for zippers, metal studs, and Velcro, and the fabric is quite thick.

Best of luck.

 

[trevor0402]

I got most of the leather off. The pants was easy. But the Jacket... I tried to be very careful... There is still tidbits of leather paint on it.

 

[Fox915]

The next part is gonna be tedious, since you're covering a larger area than mine. Be patient, and allow each coat of paint to dry evenly before applying the next coat. The first few coats will be a little more difficult and time-consuming, since the fabric will soak up most of the paint, but once a few layers form, things get a lot easier.

A hair dryer can be really helpful in speeding up the drying time a bit.

 

[masamune]

Dang.... that was just horrible. No justice for the Fist of the North Star...