M.U.S.C.L.E. Restoration

M.U.S.C.L.E. Restoration Tips
Tips to help you get your collection looking good again

Hmmm, can you do anything about my horn?
      /

If you've collected M.U.S.C.L.E. for any amount of time, you've probably ran across M.U.S.C.L.E. that have been used and abused, or just plain dirty. If you have some particularly filthy M.U.S.C.L.E. that don't want to clean up, there are a few different plans of attack. Here are a few tips to get your  M.U.S.C.L.E. looking good as new once again. 

Now of course.. there are some things you just can't fix with cleaning. For instance, a browning or tan M.U.S.C.L.E. will most likely remain that shade. This problem is known as the Browning M.U.S.C.L.E. Phenomenon. However, there are many other clean up needs with solutions that we have listed below.

TOOLS: An old toothbrush is a staple that every M.U.S.C.L.E. collector should have on hand. Mix up some dish soap with hot water in a cup, then use it to thoroughly scrub your M.U.S.C.L.E. This is a tried and true method to remove dirt out of all the cracks and crevices. A Dull X-Acto knife comes in handy as well, to scrape off stubborn deposits, mold, paint etc.

PAINT STAINS: Whether it's acrylic enamel or latex paint, you can usually carefully scrape the layers of paint out of crevices with a dull X-Acto knife, and sometimes even with your finger nails. You can also soak and scrub your M.U.S.C.L.E. with paint thinner or mineral spirits if need be. I have also seen some collectors use 'Simple Green' cleaner with some level of success.

MARKER STAINS: Arghh! The most frustrating stains to try and remove. Many used to write their initials on the bottom of their M.U.S.C.L.E.'s feet, or even colored in clothing, hair, etc. Depending on what type of marker was used, you can sometimes get these stains off, or at least lighten them up so they're not as noticeable. The problem, is that some marker ink will bleed into the plastic, in effect tattooing the M.U.S.C.L.E. for life. Here are a list of chemicals you can try...

Paint Thinner
Mineral Spirits
Paint Reducer
Graffiti remover
Nail Polish Remover
Hand Sanitizer

So now that your figures are clean, they may smell a bit funny. Not a problem. First, air them out. Then, get an airtight container and throw your freshly cleaned M.U.S.C.L.E. inside, along with a bunch of other M.U.S.C.L.E., and keep it shut for 2 to 3 days. Your M.U.S.C.L.E. will regain their 'plasticy' smell in no time!

What are all these little blue specks all over my M.U.S.C.L.E.?

Many times you will see little blue spots on your M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. These can simply be flicked off with a dull X-Acto knife or even your fingernail. M.U.S.C.L.E.'s that have these spots were sold in M.U.S.C.L.E. 4-Packs. The backs of the packaging were a blue cardboard type material. The M.U.S.C.L.E.'s inside of the 4-pack would rub against it, and over time pieces of the backing would stick to the M.U.S.C.L.E.