Question about TE Restoration

blackestbird

Teeny Tiny Baby Pony
Joined
Dec 15, 2008
Messages
2,361
I've got a question for all you customizers/pony restorers.
I have some Twinkle Eye Ponies that are in great shape,
except for their Twinkle Eyes. The eyes aren't scratched
themselves, just the twinkle coating has rubbed off. Does
anyone know of a good way to restore this that looks pretty
close to the factory twinkle coating? Thanks luffs! <3
 
i haven't tried them myself, but i think you should be able to.
they may be flat on one end, so you may need to get something stuffed under it, as the twinkle eyes are more 'round'.

let me see if i find my pic...


DSC_0624.jpg


not sure if it's that clear, but just to give you an idea

DSC_0625.jpg
 
That picture is freaky CC!
 
I think I've read about someone using nail polish to coat the TEs and give them back their original look.. I can't remember where I've read that or what kinda Nail polish they've used tho.. I'll try and look out for the thread
 
I had some luck mixing interference powder and varnish to coat the eyes (although what I've done so far does not "match" the factory colors.) I might have a picture on the other computer if you want to see.

I can't think of a nail polish that will give you the factory look, either. Plus I've heard some horror stories of nail polish becoming gummy after a few years -- probably not the best medium to work with.

If you're going for the factory look, I think SoSoftClaire turned up a link to someplace online selling replacement jewels like what is in the pony and that link should be here in the custom forum somewhere. I came across this place while looking for stained glass suppliers for my job (they also do jewels -- it may be the same place SSC found, I don't know) Rainbow Art Glass Inc. Something like that is probably your best bet for the high shine factory twinkle. ;)
 
I had some luck mixing interference powder and varnish to coat the eyes (although what I've done so far does not "match" the factory colors.) I might have a picture on the other computer if you want to see.

I can't think of a nail polish that will give you the factory look, either. Plus I've heard some horror stories of nail polish becoming gummy after a few years -- probably not the best medium to work with.

If you're going for the factory look, I think SoSoftClaire turned up a link to someplace online selling replacement jewels like what is in the pony and that link should be here in the custom forum somewhere. I came across this place while looking for stained glass suppliers for my job (they also do jewels -- it may be the same place SSC found, I don't know) Rainbow Art Glass Inc. Something like that is probably your best bet for the high shine factory twinkle. ;)

Oh thanks! That's really helpful. I don't think I'll try the nailpolish route after all.

If you wouldn't mind, I'd love to see a pic of your technique.
And what is interference powder & varnish? And where could
I get them? Thanks luff! <3
 
Not a problem. Here is the eye of a Sweet Pop that had no coating left on her eyes. It is covered in I think two layers of blue interference powder and varnish mixture:
eyes5.jpg


My local Michael's craft store carries pigment powders near their fine art paints. Be careful about inhaling the dust, etc. This stuff will make a mess if you're not careful. Here's the website of the brand I found: Jacquard Pearl Ex Powdered Pigments The varnish will probably be in the same vicinity (I did not use the same brand of varnish as the powder, just my normal art varnish I use for applying glitter.) I practiced on a loose rhinestone first to get a feel for mixing the powder and varnish. I think it's still a little thick on this pony -- it kind of dulled the edges on the rhinestone.

I'm not completely happy with the results -- a little too milky and solid-tone for restoration purposes. As soon as I get brave enough to torture a Whizzer, I have some other things I wanted to try. But I'll keep everyone in suspense about that for now since it's probably going to be disastrous. ;)
 
Not a problem. Here is the eye of a Sweet Pop that had no coating left on her eyes. It is covered in I think two layers of blue interference powder and varnish mixture:
eyes5.jpg


My local Michael's craft store carries pigment powders near their fine art paints. Be careful about inhaling the dust, etc. This stuff will make a mess if you're not careful. Here's the website of the brand I found: Jacquard Pearl Ex Powdered Pigments The varnish will probably be in the same vicinity (I did not use the same brand of varnish as the powder, just my normal art varnish I use for applying glitter.) I practiced on a loose rhinestone first to get a feel for mixing the powder and varnish. I think it's still a little thick on this pony -- it kind of dulled the edges on the rhinestone.

I'm not completely happy with the results -- a little too milky and solid-tone for restoration purposes. As soon as I get brave enough to torture a Whizzer, I have some other things I wanted to try. But I'll keep everyone in suspense about that for now since it's probably going to be disastrous. ;)

Pretty result, but I see what you mean - it is a bit milky & foggy. Might be a nice effect for some customs though, but probably not if you're going after factory results. Let me know when you make attempts on Whizzer; I'd love to see, and if you find something that works, definitely let me know ^.^ Thanks for all your help <3
 
Look for some shimmery paint,it may work,or shiny sealer.:34353:
 
Mhh I have found the post on the german Ponies that I was thinking about...
They are talking about using iridescent nailpolish or acryl colors..
Appearently its important that the nail polish is "top coat" cause that means the originally color shows through

sorry I cant help you more :(
 
Well, you made me do it, Blackestbird. I tortured my Whizzer. So far, she's looking pretty hot! I'll see if I can get a pic of her in sunlight tomorrow with her brand new shiny eyes. ;) Even better, I bought all the supplies for this at the Dollar Tree, so we're not breaking the bank on art supplies. :D

Edit: Take some pictures!

This Whizzer had no shine left on most of her eyes, either. I tried my experimental method on her last night and we now have:
eyes6.jpg


Here she is side by side with the Sweet Pop with the interference powder (I should have grabbed my Mimic while I was at it to show unaltered worn eyes, but that didn't dawn on me until just now. I can if anyone would like to see all three together.)
eyes7.jpg


Definitely more factory finish looking, isn't it?
 
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Wow, that Whizzer looks really great! :] I think the powder seems like a good idea, or maybe even a light coat of a shimmery acrylic paint (watered down) that matches her eye color?
 
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