Celluloid Forever Toy Repair
 Before: Celluloid toy
with seam split
|
 After: Celluloid toy with
split repaired
|
Before: Holes in Witch
Hat
After: Holes repaired
|
Celluloid plastic has
unique properties that make it
possible to repair. Julie has developed
tried and true techniques using vintage celluloid to mend splits, patch
holes, close open seams and fill gaps. Prices
range from $5 for restringing to
$35 or more for hole patching, dent removal and other types of repair.
RESTRINGING:
 Before |
 After |
 Before
|
 After
|
 Before |
 After |
Restringing a toy that
has
dangling arms and legs improves its appearance and enhances display. Old string that has lost elasticity is
removed, the limb openings are repaired if necessary and the item
restrung with
new cord. Generally prices run
$5 per
pair of limbs if no repair is needed to seams and limb holes. If
beaded necks or nodder toys are restrung
the price varies.
 Before:
in need of repainting
|
 After: Repainted
Celluloid
|
 Before: Celluloid Doll in need of repainting |
 After: Doll eyes and
lips repainted
|
 Before: Santa in need repainting |
 After: Santa repainted |
Often the appearance of a
toy
can be improved with proper cleaning and retouching sloppy or missing
details.The removal of old glue and
dried paint blotches can be very tricky. Dry
scraping is the method preferred. Solvents
which could permanently damage celluloid should
never be
used. Cleaning, repainting and touch
ups start at $5 per color.
  Before: Celluloid toy
missing foot
|
 After: Celluloid toy with
foot repaired
|
Sometimes toys have been
damaged and a new part needs to be made. This
Henry toy had a missing foot that someone repaired
using a black
plastic bag and rubber cement. The old
repair is removed and the celluloid cleaned and prepared. A replacement
foot is fashioned using a
combination of new and vintage celluloid. The
repair process is lengthy and takes about 12 weeks.
Average cost about $50 - $65.
 Before: Celluloid
Elephant in need of repair.
|
 After: Celluloid
wind-up Elephant repaired.
|
Sometimes a toy is so badly damaged it needs multiple repairs.The wind up mechanism was jammed, and the elephant was dirty, had split seams, holes, minor dents, broken parts and missing portions of the celluloid that needed to be rebuilt before it could be reassembled.It took about 7 months to repair and reassemble but when it was finished not only did the wind up mechanism work - the toy was beautifully displayable. Cost $100.
For more information, please contact me at: JulieRobinson@celluloidforever.com