Staining and Cleaning (continuously updated)

skywalkersaga wrote:I’m finally hoping to purchase a tbleague body soon, and I just had a quick question regarding maintenance. GubernatorFan has already kindly explained to me various options for keeping the body from getting too ‘sticky’, but I’m still unsure how to go about ‘dusting’ them.  For the rubber torsos on jointed bodies, I tend to just use a small piece of cloudy scotch tape as a mini ‘lint roller’. Can I do the same for the tbleague , or is there a better option?

You can do that, or an actual mini lint roller, but remember to apply protective powder to them afterwards. While I generally keep my seamless bodies unclothed (lest there are stains or semi-permanent imprints on them -- though they do tend to bounce back), I also keep them in self-sealed bags (like Ziploc or Hefty) and stored away in boxes. So they don't have much of a chance to get dusty. But of course all that is different if you want/need to keep them on display.

GubernatorFan wrote:You can do that, or an actual mini lint roller, but remember to apply protective powder to them afterwards.

Noted! (but where does one get a mini lint roller??  )

GubernatorFan wrote:While I generally keep my seamless bodies unclothed (lest there are stains or semi-permanent imprints on them -- though they do tend to bounce back), I also keep them in self-sealed bags (like Ziploc or Hefty) and stored away in boxes. So they don't have much of a chance to get dusty. But of course all that is different if you want/need to keep them on display.

Thank you for the tips -- that definitely sounds like a great way to keep them as pristine as possible. I tend to store any bodies (even just jointed ones) that I'm not 'using' in a very similar manner (in their original packaging and/or bubble wrap, in a plastic storage container).

And you're right...that method only really works for me with spare bodies or parts, or if I'm not finished with a figure yet. Once I complete something, I prefer to keep it out and on display, in part because I want to look at it , but also because my projects often involve delicate clothing or hairstyles that I don't necessarily want to remove, and which I'd be concerned about 'crushing' if I just wrapped it all back up again.  When I want variations on the same character, I tend to just make entirely different figures for different outfits (and just swap out the headsculpt at most, though sometimes I even just have multiples of the same headsculpt for each), so I generally don't intend to remove the garments all that much, other than to improve or tinker with them in some way. (I realize that in the case of a tbleague body, this will make it in danger of being stained, but for now I'm willing to take that risk.) That said, if I end up with any 'extra' seamless bodies (which no doubt will happen at some point, lol), I will definitely keep them safely stored away rather than out in the open.  

Eventually, I plan to have my finished figures on display on a shelf or in a glass case (detolf or otherwise), but due to my recent house move, I unfortunately do not yet have a permanent setup. Back at the old place, I  had been keeping almost my entire collection set up as if 'on display', but entirely out of sight on shelves inside a dust-free storage cupboard. That was honestly my ideal set-up in some ways, as I had the best of both worlds... my figures were there for me to view whenever I wanted, but safe from sunlight, dust, and my hyperactive dogs.

For the time being, I'm lucky in that I *do* at least have a (small) room where I can store my collection, and which I keep closed-off most of the time. In the meantime, all my in-progress figures I either have laid flat on my craft table in said room (covered), or propped up on their figure stands (likewise draped with protective coverings). But of course this is not fool-proof and is simply a makeshift, temporary solution, hence why I was curious about dealing with lint and dust until I'm able to furnish my display area. : )

Has anyone tried pain pigment? I'm thinking about blending flesh tone pigment over a stain from black nylons.

Grease Gazzo wrote:Has anyone tried pain pigment? I'm thinking about blending flesh tone pigment over a stain from black nylons.

Considering the difficulties in painting silicone or rubbery skin, this is not likely to be the first thing one thinks of. Also, I would imagine there would be the added complication of finding the right color match, and then making sure it is not transparent. The most successful way to paint these bodies is oil pastel (see the Painting Seamless Bodies thread), and that might take care of the second concern, but it makes color matching fairly difficult unless you happen to get lucky or unless you repaint the whole body.

When I tried out the ZC World Mens Hommes Airforce uniform on a TBLeague M33 body (see Clothing TBLeague / Phicen Seamless Bodies Part XII), the socks left a nasty stain on the lower legs. I should have known better. Anyway, I washed the area with soap and water, but the stain remained. I put some protective powder on it and put it aside until I could go get some acne cream with Benzoyl Peroxide, half hoping that by then the stain would have disappeared. When I got around to treating it, the stain was still there, to my disappointment. So I washed the area again (to remove the protective powder) before treating it, and lo and behold the stain was gone! Good as new. The Benzoyl Peroxide remained unopened, and no sunlight exposure was needed at any point in the process. I don't know to what extent this would work every time or whether the stain would have disappeared completely on its own given a few more days, but I thought I'd share.

Interesting. Thanks for the info. Did you pre-soak any part of the uniform, etc. before putting it on?

Stryker2011 wrote:Interesting. Thanks for the info. Did you pre-soak any part of the uniform, etc. before putting it on?

Welcome. No, I was too lazy to try that -- of course I should have done so. I did have a feeling the socks and pants might cause problems, which would have been all the more annoying as the pants couldn't be closed at the waist; strangely they did not stain anywhere -- just the socks. I think it might have to do with the elasticity of the material and the related ability (or lack thereof) to hold on to the dye. I'm just glad the body is back to normal and is now being cast as Ramses.

Sorry to ask if already explained but I couldn't see it in this thread. When you refer to 'protective' powder what do you mean? A pricey silicone-based powder or something else? I have to admit I only use cheap cornstarch once the factory applied powder wears off.

Corn starch works fine. Or you could use baby powder. Either is fine.

Just like Stryker said. Or use silicon finishing powder (used in make up). Do keep in mind that some or all of these will show if you try to take photos with a flash.

Recently got a new tbleague body and stupidly tried some pleather clothing on it, and while I only left it on for a few seconds to check the fit, it left an awful stain. Only had the thing one day and I already stained it. I really don't want to bother with buying acne cream, so I'm thinking my best bet is just to clean it, put the powder on it, store it back in the box, and then leave it for a while and hope for the best?

skywalkersaga wrote:Recently got a new tbleague body and stupidly tried some pleather clothing on it, and while I only left it on for a few seconds to check the fit, it left an awful stain. Only had the thing one day and I already stained it.  I really don't want to bother with buying acne cream, so I'm thinking my best bet is just to clean it, put the powder on it, store it back in the box, and then leave it for a while and hope for the best?

Do all that, but if you can I’d leave it out of the box to let it get some air. I’ve heard some of the stains will fade in time.

Ah ok, no problem... I will leave it out for a bit and see what happens. Normally I try to keep the figures/bodies out of sunlight, but maybe in this case a for a few days it might actually help.

Yes, I wouldn't leave it out in direct sunlight for ages. Judging by my recent painting experiment, a determined wash with somewhat warm water and soap might help. Either immediately or eventually, reapply protective powder. If it is still stained, try setting it aside and not looking at it for a few days. Then, if still stained, wash again and see if that helps. I'm not sure I have enough data or consistency of experience to tell you how, but the stains have always disappeared sooner or later -- on the TBLeague silicone bodies that is. Stains on hard plastic bodies, on the other hand, have been removed or greatly faded only after lengthy and repeated application of acne cream, and then not completely -- at least in my experience.

Thanks, GF. I'm going to reapply the powder once I wash it once more time in warmer water like you suggested. I'll leave in the sunlight while it dries thoroughly, and then put it away for a bit.

Although it is probably safe (witness gooboo's dyeing experiments), I avoid using overly hot water on them. Not being the patient type, I usually pat dry with a paper towel.

I wouldn’t recommend leaving it in the sun for any length of time, but out of the box to let the silicone breath should be sufficient — if it isn’t direct sunlight, you should be able to leave it alone for several days without issue.

I’ve covered it up with a light cloth to keep the sunlight off it now, but left it out of its box for a bit longer. Hopefully that will be ok ...

Hello, i came here because i think i may have some chances to have answers to my questions.
Please forgive me by advance my lack of vocabulary : I'm French

I recently buyed a 1/6 TOYSEIKI GANTZ Reika figure :



I knew it was a figurine based on a Phicen/TBleague Body.
I've got some hot toys but it's the first time i buy this kind of stuff.  

I also buyed, last year, un set of 1/6 clothes by MC TOYS, without having an occasion to put it on a doll.




So it tried it on the Reika Fig ! I didn't knew how Phicen Body were fragiles before coming in this thread...

I put the skirt without the stockings...
A few days were enought to mark the thights in blue :





I tried soap, dishes soap, and even the thing to remave nail paint (very bad idea for the last one : silicon has started to melt :s)

So, here, i learned the talc method (cornstuff) and the diyng method for the clothes, thanks. BUT !

Impossible to put back the original costume with thoses visibles stains !

so here is my question number 1 :
How can i fix this stains ?
Is there a solution ?
Skirt is in false leather. Body in silicone.
I take every solution...

And question number 2 : With this picture under spoiler, can a specialist identify the body ?
Is it in the Phicen products line ? (S20A ? Don't seems so...) So i can replace it ?
Or is it a custom and it's die for me ? ^^'

18+:

Thanks for your futures advices

That's a good question about which body it is. It's bound to be one of the ones that they produce as base bodies. But it's hard to tell for me. I'd guess it is suntan and large-breasted, and obviously with the removable feet, so this (if correct) would narrow down the possibilities.

I've started a reference thread for these bodies here:
https://onesixthfigures.forumotion.com/t3013-tbleague-phicen-seamless-bodies-with-steel-skeleton-catalog

You can poke around Giantoy's materials here:

https://giantoy.com/blogs/guides/tbleague-phicen-standard-female-figures-comparison-with-photo-body-shape

and

https://giantoy.com/blogs/guides/how-to-choose-the-right-phicen-tbleague-female-body

and

https://giantoy.com/collections/phicen/products/1-6-phicen-tbleague-stainless-steel-skeleton-seamless-female-body-12-inch-skin-tone-pale-1?variant=14705474175039

As for cleaning the body, don't use anything too strong. Soap and water should do it. In a case like this, wash and dry, leave for two or three days, then check -- the stain might have disappeared on its own. If not, wash and dry and check again -- last time this happened to one of mine, the stain disappeared at that stage. Repeat as needed. Make sure you cover the body in protective powder after washing. If everything else fails, dedicate this body to the look that caused the stain, and research and find the same or very similar body to use with the other set of clothes.

GubernatorFan wrote:That's a good question about which body it is. It's bound to be one of the ones that they produce as base bodies. But it's hard to tell for me. I'd guess it is suntan and large-breasted, and obviously with the removable feet, so this (if correct) would narrow down the possibilities.

As for cleaning the body, don't use anything too strong. Soap and water should do it. In a case like this, wash and dry, leave for two or three days, then check -- the stain might have disappeared on its own. If not, wash and dry and check again -- last time this happened to one of mine, the stain disappeared at that stage. Repeat as needed. Make sure you cover the body in protective powder after washing. If everything else fails, dedicate this body to the look that caused the stain, and research and find the same or very similar body to use with the other set of clothes.

Thanks for your  answer. I think it's a custom body, i looked more in detail, i don't think it's  the S20A. The hips are thiner, and the knee less detailled... Impossible to buy alone i think.
I don't want to dedicate this body to only one outfit. I will aplly the color fixer method, and try to clean with your method. And with the stockings it will be OK for the skirt.

I have cleaned it 2 days ago with soap and water, and again tonight. The stain seems to be lighter. I'll continue  this method for a few days to see if it works, i'll keep in touch. Thanks again for your answers.

I already had HOT TOYS, even customised some of them, but this doll is clearly another world. i wasn't execpting that ! I tought i was buying another figurine !

jokuzo wrote:Thanks for your  answer. I think it's a custom body, i looked more in detail, i don't think it's  the S20A. The hips are thiner, and the knee less detailled... Impossible to buy alone i think.
I don't want to dedicate this body to only one outfit. I will aplly the color fixer method, and try to clean with your method. And with the stockings it will be OK for the skirt.

I have cleaned it 2 days ago with soap and water, and again tonight. The stain seems to be lighter. I'll continue  this method for a few days to see if it works, i'll keep in touch. Thanks again for your answers.

I already had HOT TOYS, even customised some of them, but this doll is clearly another world. i wasn't expecting that ! I tought i was buying another figurine !

You are welcome. Give it a few days (say three) between washing and checking or washing, washing, and checking.

Did you look through the newly posted catalog of Phicen/TBLeague seamless bodies with steel skeleton? I'm thinking S12D or S21B (which is the suntan version of S20A) might be possible matches.

https://onesixthfigures.forumotion.com/t3013-tbleague-phicen-seamless-bodies-with-steel-skeleton-catalog

I can only go based on observation, but to my eyes that body looks like it may be specific to the figure. At least, it does not look like any tbleague body that has been sold separately thus far. The closest to it seems like it might be the upcoming ‘anime’ body that is still on pre-order — but even then it’s hard to tell if it’s an exact match.

Hello everybody! I come a year later looking for help, the same thing happened to me a few days ago that the boy with a purple spot I have no idea why it was done, the clothes do not reach the area of ​​the stain ... Do you think that a wash of soap and protective powder will solve it?

Start by washing it with some soap and warm (not necessarily hot) water. Then dry and leave for a few days. If the stain does not disappear, do it again. Don't try benzoyl peroxide or other harsh compounds unless you determine these simpler interventions fail. You might want to remove those stockings and other dark clothing for the duration of the cleaning process. Reapply protective powder when done.

Have no help here, sorry Friends. But a warning ! Don´t place Your TBL figures on a newspaper. I did it ....and hell i need hours to get the printers ink off. Adheres better than Oil pastel Take care

Sorry for your troubles, Ephiane -- that's a very good reminder, for sure!

A question for this thread... has anyone found a suitable way to treat faux leather so it does not stain? Or is that just something one has to grit one's teeth and deal with? Black pleather is definitely the bane of most tbleague bodies, and it would be good to know if there was any way of preventing stains, aside from wrapping in clingfilm, which is not always practical, depending on the design of the clothing.

ETA: Asking because it was unclear to me as to whether some of the methods already mentioned here actually worked on pleather or not.

Pleather is the worst, but I have no solution. Sometimes even an incomplete protective wrap that supposedly covers the parts that would come into contact with it is insufficient, as if the dye finds a way around it. Perhaps (perhaps!) if you glue a fabric lining on it, keeping it at a mm or two distance from the skin?

GubernatorFan wrote:Pleather is the worst, but I have no solution. Sometimes even an incomplete protective wrap that supposedly covers the parts that would come into contact with it is insufficient, as if the dye finds a way around it. Perhaps (perhaps!) if you glue a fabric lining on it, keeping it at a mm or two distance from the skin?

Yeah, I figured it was difficult to impossible to fully prevent staining. The design of the clothing item in question makes it a bit awkward to fully wrap the body in cling film. I actually don't care if the area under the clothing gets stained, as I have no other plans for the body, but the problem is that the clothing might shift during posing, and this could reveal some stained areas of skin along the edges, if that makes sense. Perhaps if I somehow just make sure the edges are lined, it might help. Will have to do some experimenting.