This was amazing. My mother and I would try repairing her holiday blow molds from the 90s with pieces of plastic jugs like yours and hot glue but it never lasted the season. She passed in 2018 and I just now moved some of the Halloween blow molds to my house this weekend. One little guy with a pumpkin head and ghost body had a hole at the base and that little problem is how I got to your video. Will try your repairs and if I do it right I know my mother would thank you for the knowledge.
Fantastic!!! Thank you! This is very valuable information for folks that collect vintage blow molds. It is hard to find blow molds in perfect condition without spending $$$. This information creates more options for collectors.
I rescue so many blow molds that are out on trash day. Its sad; so I thought that I could provide information on how to repair them. Thanks for watching.
Amazing! Won't help with my toy soldiers hat (too small to get hand into), but I have several other blow molds that are getting up there in age. I'll know how to fix them in advance. Thank you
Thank you For This Great Video. My Snowman Is The Same As Yours & He Got His First Hole There Also In the Same Spot. His Hole Is Tiny. But I Need To Repair It. Thanks For Showing Us This Video On How To Repair Blow Molds!!!!! HOLLY COW!!! That was some big hole at the bottom at the base! GOOD JOB!!!! WOW!!!! I Am Looking Forward To Seeing More Of Your New Future Videos. I Just Subscribed To You! -Greg.
Hi Greg, Thanks for the feedback. Yes the snowman has been a challenge because its so, so brittle and has large sections missing. I have started on part 2 of the snowman frontal repair and will post it shortly. We can fix it! Thanks for watching.
Hello; You are correct, repairs could be seen when illuminated. I use unique diffused interior lighting to help eliminate this. I will be doing a video on lighting shortly. I have been testing new opaque air brush paints and sealers which I will demonstrate in the next video. Thanks for watching.
Looking forward to seeing the paint restoration. Love your repair work so far but I'm wondering how how the repaired areas will look when lit up. I've seen blow molds repainted but the paint doesn't permit them to light up properly, it seems to block their transparency. maybe I'm hoping for too much.
Hello; You are correct. Repairs do show and acrylic paint does block the light. I have been testing multiple new opaque air brush paints to overcome this transparency problem. I have been testing these outside before I publish the airbrush video. These show promising results! Airbrush video coming this Fall. As far as lighting goes, I use very diffused interior lighting to reduce repair projections. I will be doing a specialty lighting video this Fall as well. Thanks for watching.
Awesome job ! I'm wondering if there is something you could pour inside the blow mold to strengthen the whole thing without losing much transparency for lighting ..... maybe a thin coat of elastomeric swished around ? Just a thought ! Keep up the great work !!!
Hello; Thank you. Perhaps an internal coating of a viscous adhesive clear flexible agent may provide increased overall structural soundness. Sashco makes a sealer product that may work. I will look into it. Unfortunately Frosty is so very brittle that it would still spider crack. The effect being like the shell of a hard boiled egg.
Hello; I have been testing a new line of unique opaque air brush paints and spraying techniques over the Summer. I have been testing them on HDPE plastic strips placed outdoors to determine longevity before I use them on the actual antique blow mold. I have several that show great promise that I will be using on the air brushing video in the Fall. Thanks for watching.
@@nickismith-um6kv Hello, Im sorry but I have not yet posted the airbrushing video. I have been working on numerous techniques to increase adhesion and harden the paint all while maintaining a translucent matt finish. I have had positive results and should have an airbrush technique video shortly. Thank you for watching.
Hi John! Your videos are terrific! You do great work! I have a blow mold Santa from my childhood in the 60's. It's one of my most treasured things. Unfortunately, it has gotten very brittle and has a few crushed areas. I'd like to try to take on the project myself but am very apprehensive for fear of ruining it. My blow mold Santa has so much meaning and emotions attached to it, I would do just about anything to save it. Do you do outside jobs? I totally understand if you don't but wanted to check. .
Hello; I receive so many comments on how sentimental antique blow molds have become for people. I still remember the snowman that my family had when I was a young man. Oh those memories. Yes I do repairs of clients blowmolds and animatronics. Can you please send some pictures of the damaged areas for evaluation. I will analyze for feasibility and advise. Thank you for watching.
John thanks for your videos they are incredibly informative, thorough and well done. Can you please tell me what type of solder Iron I should get and tips? What wattage strength? Brand? I need to buy one to repair several pieces I bought recently. Merci and Merry Christmas!
Hello The soldering gun should be at least 25 watts. I prefer a non tapered tip. Also use steel wool to clean the tip immediately after each use. If you don't clean it each time, the plastic will bake onto the tip and turn black and smoke. Be careful not to breathe any smoke as it is toxic. Use a whole steel wool pad to help isolate your fingers from the hot tip when cleaning it. Here is a link to the soldering gun that I would recommend. amzn.to/41rkN3S Thank you for watching.
Great video! This has a lot of great information I needed to fix up a blow mold I just bought. What brand of thermoplastic pellets do you use? I want to make sure I get the same ones you are using for my project.
Me and my mom have hundreds of blowmolds. We need to repaint a old nativity set. I’m nervous because it’s so valuable. I tried repainting a pumpkin and the paint scratched. I used spray paint for plastic. Also when they’re brittle all over I was wondering a UV clear coating of some sorts to harden the plastic back
Wow, hundreds of blowmolds! Your on a mission. I'm happy to hear that you will be restoring them. It is indeed difficult to get paint to adhere to blowmolds. I airbrush all my creations using Createx transparent air brush paint. I mix in 4030 balancing clear along with an adhesion promoter. It sounds crude but I use fine steel wool and lacquer thinner to prep the surface of the blow mold for good adhesion prior to airbrushing. (Always test on sample first because lacquer thinner could melt some blow molds). I have yet to find a method of solidifying brittle plastic. I am still researching. You can find links to all the paints and supplies that I use in my page description. I will be posting an airbrush tutorial shortly. Thanks for watching.
Awesome video, I have restored a few blow molds. I am very interested with the therma plastic pellets. This is new to me. How well do they hold up? I am concerned that if they are stored anywhere the temperature gets hot , like the attic, if they would melts and sink? I do have a bunny that I used milk jugs and their handles to form the bunny paws. The pellets would look much better if I redid them. I look to learn from your experience.
Hello I have been using the moldable plastic pellets for several years now. The repairs are durable and seem to be holding up good. I have had only 2 repairs yellow slightly but I do believe that I may have overheated the mix or introduced some contaminant. I live in Central Florida where attics can reach 130-150F. I have stored repaired blow molds in my attic without incidence. However I would hesitate to store them in an Arizona attic that could reach 180F. The manufacturer of the pellets recommends 170F water for preperation. Do not microwave a water/pellet mix as the pellets will overheat and discolor. Note that the finished product is very durable and therefore need not be installed too thick. The thicker the application the more opaque it becomes. Thanks for watching.😊
I need to replace some light kits for a blow mold nativity scene i'm about to start on and all i'm finding on Amazon are indoor kits. Any tips on finding these? I did find some cool ones that had female connectors, but of course, indoor... I'm so happy i found your video, looking forward to this project!
Hello; Here is a link for a decoration light repair kit. UL listed for indoor/outdoor use. Find a (frosted, warm white LED bulb) with the appropriate wattage for the size of your blow mold. Be sure its a frosted bulb. amzn.to/41k17yL
Hello; No you cannot use food colorings. They will not hold up in sunlight. For best results use an airbrush with translucent air brush paint. I have links to the supplies that I use in the page description. Thanks for watching.
@@johnyanik1414 Thanks. I may give it a go using epoxy at the edges saw someone use E6000. My defect is too large for the thermoplastic pellets. The piece is pretty brittle so I will close my eyes and hope for the best. Far from good BUT good from far.
@@juicer52 How big is the missing section of your blow mold? I have done some larger areas with the thermo plastic pellets. The difficulty lies in getting it to grip to the original structure and supporting it from the back.
@@johnyanik1414 three ovals around 9"x2". Will cut pieces to adhere from the inside using a string to pull the pieces against the inside until set. Then taper the edges. Fortunately the defects are light in color on one of the wise men of a nativity scene. I don't see where I can post a pic.
@@johnyanik1414 Hi John. I am experimenting with different ways of "joining" HDPE. It seems like the most reliable 2 part conditioner/glue treatment is fairly expensive. I see that Gorilla Glue clear and E6000 get some variable results. After watching some heat welding videos, I took three thinnish pieces of wire, slightly thinner than a paper clip, and replaced a pencil soldering iron tip with this "trident" shape. I was able to "stitch" 2 pieces of new HDPE. I will try and make a repair to an older blow mold item to see how it behaves. This mechanical method can be used to supplement the weaker bond strengths of the adhesives.
how would you paint the white sections that you have repaired? to match the original white of the blow mold? Using white spray paint? Are the original white sections of the blow mold sections that have not been painted?
Hello; I use an air brush with Createx transparent air brush paint along with a clear reducer and an opaque clear hardener. There links to all the material that I use in my page description. The white sections are unpainted however I will air brush them transparent white to blend the repair area.
Hello; The beads are Betionol moldable plastic pellets. Here is the link: amzn.to/3TgBz3y After molded and dried they will turn a semi translucent white that matches the blow mold. Keep in mind that the thicker the layer the less translucent it becomes. It is very durable when formed so it does not need to be very thick. Be sure to use a clean glass bowl. Also keep your hands clean and dry as possible because when in melted state it is very sticky and catches everything.
🚨 help!🚨 I have a Casper family stacked foam blow mold by trend master and my toddler split the seam! How do I fix it?! I know super glue will eat foam!
I would use wood glue. It gets into the foam pores and it dries slowly giving you time to work the crack back together. Also use a bungee cord, string, a belt or a robe cinch to hold it together until dry.
Hello, Im in Debary Florida. Yes I repair all types of holiday blow molds and animatronic items. Please send me pictures and information about Winnie and I will advise.
I was wondering if you can give me a suggestion.. I bought 22" Pumpkin blow mold... But the eyes ..nose and mouth are yellow...i want them black.. Do I have to put duct tape around edges to protect the overall orange color. . Then use a black spray paint?
Hello, I would use an acrylic paint thinned enough to absorb into the foam without pooling. Go for more of a tinting then a heavy base coat. Use a small foam brush to avoid taping for spraying. And as always, experiment on an unseen area first. Thanks for watching.😊 .
@@GinaAnderson254 Ideally I would use an 0.5mm airbrush and I would apply a transparent black thinned with 4011 reducer in a few light coats. Createx makes a transparent black #5132. Use blue painters tape for masking.
This was amazing. My mother and I would try repairing her holiday blow molds from the 90s with pieces of plastic jugs like yours and hot glue but it never lasted the season. She passed in 2018 and I just now moved some of the Halloween blow molds to my house this weekend. One little guy with a pumpkin head and ghost body had a hole at the base and that little problem is how I got to your video. Will try your repairs and if I do it right I know my mother would thank you for the knowledge.
Love your videos, have used your great ideas please tell us how to stabilize a brittle snowman
Fantastic!!! Thank you! This is very valuable information for folks that collect vintage blow molds. It is hard to find blow molds in perfect condition without spending $$$. This information creates more options for collectors.
I rescue so many blow molds that are out on trash day. Its sad; so I thought that I could provide information on how to repair them. Thanks for watching.
Thank you Mr John! My wife and I scored a pair of Don Featherstone pilgrim blow molds cheap due to damage. I'm going to use you tutorial to fix them 👊
Don Featherstone, great find! I'm glad that I could help. I will have some airbrushing and lighting videos very soon. Thanks for watching.
Hey John, I think we are cut from the same cloth. Your repair work is phenomenal! Thanks for the tips and tricks!
Hello; Thanks for compliment. I trust that you have repaired some. Please send pics. Thanks for watching.
Very much looking forward to more blow mold videos!
Hello; Thanks, I will be releasing some new videos in the Fall.
Thanks for watching.
Amazing! Won't help with my toy soldiers hat (too small to get hand into), but I have several other blow molds that are getting up there in age. I'll know how to fix them in advance. Thank you
Your very welcome. Thanks for watching.
Thank you For This Great Video. My Snowman Is The Same As Yours & He Got His First Hole There Also In the Same Spot. His Hole Is Tiny. But I Need To Repair It. Thanks For Showing Us This Video On How To Repair Blow Molds!!!!! HOLLY COW!!! That was some big hole at the bottom at the base! GOOD JOB!!!! WOW!!!! I Am Looking Forward To Seeing More Of Your New Future Videos. I Just Subscribed To You! -Greg.
Hi Greg, Thanks for the feedback. Yes the snowman has been a challenge because its so, so brittle and has large sections missing.
I have started on part 2 of the snowman frontal repair and will post it shortly. We can fix it! Thanks for watching.
great repairs but can you see all the repair fixes once you plug them in? Can you show us
Hello; You are correct, repairs could be seen when illuminated. I use unique diffused interior lighting to help eliminate this. I will be doing a video on lighting shortly. I have been testing new opaque air brush paints and sealers which I will demonstrate in the next video.
Thanks for watching.
Great video! That putty is amazing! Thanks for the tips and tricks!
Thanks for watching!
This is great! I spent a lot of last year trying to repair some blow molds to mediocre results, looking forward to attempting these new methods. :)
How'd it go? Can you report on your own results?
Thanks for watching.
Santa and Mrs. Claus came out great! How do they look when they're lit up? Do the patches and touch-ups become obvious?
When illuminated some repairs can be seen. I do have a fix! I will definitely address the lighting solution in upcoming videos. Thanks for watching.
Absolutely a GREAT JOB!!!!
Looking forward to seeing the paint restoration. Love your repair work so far but I'm wondering how how the repaired areas will look when lit up. I've seen blow molds repainted but the paint doesn't permit them to light up properly, it seems to block their transparency. maybe I'm hoping for too much.
Hello; You are correct. Repairs do show and acrylic paint does block the light. I have been testing multiple new opaque air brush paints to overcome this transparency problem. I have been testing these outside before I publish the airbrush video. These show promising results! Airbrush video coming this Fall.
As far as lighting goes, I use very diffused interior lighting to reduce repair projections. I will be doing a specialty lighting video this Fall as well.
Thanks for watching.
Awesome job !
I'm wondering if there is something you could pour inside the blow mold to strengthen the whole thing without losing much transparency for lighting ..... maybe a thin coat of elastomeric swished around ?
Just a thought !
Keep up the great work !!!
Hello; Thank you. Perhaps an internal coating of a viscous adhesive clear flexible agent may provide increased overall structural soundness. Sashco makes a sealer product that may work.
I will look into it.
Unfortunately Frosty is so very brittle that it would still spider crack. The effect being like the shell of a hard boiled egg.
Great work!
Thank you so much! Great video
You're very welcome!
Excellent. I’ve got some work to do now!
Thank you.
Where is your video on airbrushing the blow mold?
Hello; I have been testing a new line of unique opaque air brush paints and spraying techniques over the Summer. I have been testing them on HDPE plastic strips placed outdoors to determine longevity before I use them on the actual antique blow mold.
I have several that show great promise that I will be using on the air brushing video in the Fall. Thanks for watching.
Can you also make a video of how to paint some of these ?
I will be posting a video on airbrushing techniques shortly. Thank you for watching.
@@johnyanik1414 Did you post a video of the airbrushing technique? I did not see one.
@@nickismith-um6kv
Hello,
Im sorry but I have not yet posted the airbrushing video. I have been working on numerous techniques to increase adhesion and harden the paint all while maintaining a translucent matt finish. I have had positive results and should have an airbrush technique video shortly. Thank you for watching.
We just your video. You did a fantastic job!! We were wondering what paint you use so you can see thru it when it’s lit up?? Thank you
Hi John! Your videos are terrific! You do great work! I have a blow mold Santa from my childhood in the 60's. It's one of my most treasured things. Unfortunately, it has gotten very brittle and has a few crushed areas. I'd like to try to take on the project myself but am very apprehensive for fear of ruining it. My blow mold Santa has so much meaning and emotions attached to it, I would do just about anything to save it. Do you do outside jobs? I totally understand if you don't but wanted to check.
.
Hello;
I receive so many comments on how sentimental antique blow molds have become for people.
I still remember the snowman that my family had when I was a young man. Oh those memories. Yes I do repairs of clients blowmolds and animatronics. Can you please send some pictures of the damaged areas for evaluation. I will analyze for feasibility and advise. Thank you for watching.
John thanks for your videos they are incredibly informative, thorough and well done. Can you please tell me what type of solder Iron I should get and tips? What wattage strength? Brand? I need to buy one to repair several pieces I bought recently. Merci and Merry Christmas!
Hello
The soldering gun should be at least 25 watts. I prefer a non tapered tip. Also use steel wool to clean the tip immediately after each use. If you don't clean it each time, the plastic will bake onto the tip and turn black and smoke.
Be careful not to breathe any smoke as it is toxic. Use a whole steel wool pad to help isolate your fingers from the hot tip when cleaning it.
Here is a link to the soldering gun that I would recommend.
amzn.to/41rkN3S
Thank you for watching.
Great video! This has a lot of great information I needed to fix up a blow mold I just bought. What brand of thermoplastic pellets do you use? I want to make sure I get the same ones you are using for my project.
I'd like to know too
Hello. I use Betionol moldable plastic pellets from Amazon.
Me and my mom have hundreds of blowmolds. We need to repaint a old nativity set. I’m nervous because it’s so valuable. I tried repainting a pumpkin and the paint scratched. I used spray paint for plastic. Also when they’re brittle all over I was wondering a UV clear coating of some sorts to harden the plastic back
Wow, hundreds of blowmolds! Your on a mission. I'm happy to hear that you will be restoring them. It is indeed difficult to get paint to adhere to blowmolds.
I airbrush all my creations using Createx transparent air brush paint. I mix in 4030 balancing clear along with an adhesion promoter. It sounds crude but I use fine steel wool and lacquer thinner to prep the surface of the blow mold for good adhesion prior to airbrushing. (Always test on sample first because lacquer thinner could melt some blow molds). I have yet to find a method of solidifying brittle plastic. I am still researching.
You can find links to all the paints and supplies that I use in my page description. I will be posting an airbrush tutorial shortly. Thanks for watching.
does anyone make these things anymore as they are much nicer than the inflatables.
Hello;
I only see small blow molds around 24" tall at the big box stores.
Awesome video, I have restored a few blow molds. I am very interested with the therma plastic pellets. This is new to me. How well do they hold up? I am concerned that if they are stored anywhere the temperature gets hot , like the attic, if they would melts and sink? I do have a bunny that I used milk jugs and their handles to form the bunny paws. The pellets would look much better if I redid them. I look to learn from your experience.
Hello
I have been using the moldable plastic pellets for several years now. The repairs are durable and seem to be holding up good.
I have had only 2 repairs yellow slightly but I do believe that I may have overheated the mix or introduced some contaminant.
I live in Central Florida where attics can reach 130-150F.
I have stored repaired blow molds in my attic without incidence. However I would hesitate to store them in an Arizona attic that could reach 180F.
The manufacturer of the pellets recommends 170F water for preperation. Do not microwave a water/pellet mix as the pellets will overheat and discolor.
Note that the finished product is very durable and therefore need not be installed too thick. The thicker the application the more opaque it becomes.
Thanks for watching.😊
Thanks, I'm a New Yorker, extreme heat is never an issue. I like what I see, and look forward to your painting tips.
I need to replace some light kits for a blow mold nativity scene i'm about to start on and all i'm finding on Amazon are indoor kits. Any tips on finding these? I did find some cool ones that had female connectors, but of course, indoor... I'm so happy i found your video, looking forward to this project!
Hello;
Here is a link for a decoration light repair kit.
UL listed for indoor/outdoor use. Find a (frosted, warm white LED bulb) with the appropriate wattage for the size of your blow mold. Be sure its a frosted bulb.
amzn.to/41k17yL
Question: Could you add Red, Green, Blue or whatever color plastic you're trying to repair Food Coloring to the Melted Thermoplastic?
Hello;
No you cannot use food colorings. They will not hold up in sunlight. For best results use an airbrush with translucent air brush paint. I have links to the supplies that I use in the page description. Thanks for watching.
What material was used for the hole by the Santa boot?
I used Betionol moldable plastic pellets. Amazon has it.
What is the brand of plastic pellets that you use?
Hello
Here is the link for the moldable pellets.
amzn.to/49QQPtV
Thanks for watching.
Do you have a demonstration of using the milk jug material to make a large patch?
Hello
I don't use the milk jug material for large patches. Rather I cut it into strips that I hot melt glue to the inside for bracing and cracks.
@@johnyanik1414 Thanks. I may give it a go using epoxy at the edges saw someone use E6000. My defect is too large for the thermoplastic pellets. The piece is pretty brittle so I will close my eyes and hope for the best. Far from good BUT good from far.
@@juicer52
How big is the missing section of your blow mold? I have done some larger areas with the thermo plastic pellets. The difficulty lies in getting it to grip to the original structure and supporting it from the back.
@@johnyanik1414 three ovals around 9"x2". Will cut pieces to adhere from the inside using a string to pull the pieces against the inside until set. Then taper the edges. Fortunately the defects are light in color on one of the wise men of a nativity scene.
I don't see where I can post a pic.
@@johnyanik1414 Hi John. I am experimenting with different ways of "joining" HDPE. It seems like the most reliable 2 part conditioner/glue treatment is fairly expensive.
I see that Gorilla Glue clear and E6000 get some variable results.
After watching some heat welding videos, I took three thinnish pieces of wire, slightly thinner than a paper clip, and replaced a pencil soldering iron tip with this "trident" shape.
I was able to "stitch" 2 pieces of new HDPE. I will try and make a repair to an older blow mold item to see how it behaves.
This mechanical method can be used to supplement the weaker bond strengths of the adhesives.
Hey do you know what color spray paint matches good with the train?
@@matty0088 I custom mix all my air brush paints to match the original color.
how would you paint the white sections that you have repaired? to match the original white of the blow mold? Using white spray paint? Are the original white sections of the blow mold sections that have not been painted?
Hello;
I use an air brush with Createx transparent air brush paint along with a clear reducer and an opaque clear hardener. There links to all the material that I use in my page description.
The white sections are unpainted however I will air brush them transparent white to blend the repair area.
I see. Thank you!
What are those beads called? 🤔 Thermo plastic beads?
Hello;
The beads are Betionol moldable plastic pellets. Here is the link: amzn.to/3TgBz3y
After molded and dried they will turn a semi translucent white that matches the blow mold.
Keep in mind that the thicker the layer the less translucent it becomes. It is very durable when formed so it does not need to be very thick.
Be sure to use a clean glass bowl. Also keep your hands clean and dry as possible because when in melted state it is very sticky and catches everything.
Also there are links to all the materials that I use in my page description.
🚨 help!🚨 I have a Casper family stacked foam blow mold by trend master and my toddler split the seam! How do I fix it?! I know super glue will eat foam!
I would use wood glue. It gets into the foam pores and it dries slowly giving you time to work the crack back together. Also use a bungee cord, string, a belt or a robe cinch to hold it together until dry.
Where do you live, can you restore a Winnie Pooh?
Hello, Im in Debary Florida. Yes I repair all types of holiday blow molds and animatronic items. Please send me pictures and information about Winnie and I will advise.
I was wondering if you can give me a suggestion.. I bought 22" Pumpkin blow mold... But the eyes ..nose and mouth are yellow...i want them black.. Do I have to put duct tape around edges to protect the overall orange color. . Then use a black spray paint?
Hello, I would use an acrylic paint thinned enough to absorb into the foam without pooling. Go for more of a tinting then a heavy base coat. Use a small foam brush to avoid taping for spraying.
And as always, experiment on an unseen area first. Thanks for watching.😊
.
I was assuming that the pumpkin was foam. Let me know if it's plastic and I will offer different advice.
@@johnyanik1414 It's plastic.
@@GinaAnderson254
Ideally I would use an 0.5mm airbrush and I would apply a transparent black thinned with 4011 reducer in a few light coats. Createx makes a transparent black #5132. Use blue painters tape for masking.
@@johnyanik1414 Thanks Johnny.. I appreciate info. ✌❤
Try spray paint because paint chips off
Hello; I will be demonstrating airbrushing in a future video using an opaque paint. Thanks for watching.
Great work!
Thank you! Cheers!