The Breyer SpotLight: Your Horse Model Market Resource

Hi <>

• Personal Note: Challenges
• Article by: Cleaning Tips for Breyer Models
• Updates: Meet Diane Maccani

Personal Note: Challenges

Wheat harvest is finally done, yea, and we really did have a crop this year. It’s been several years since we have had that kind of blessing which makes this year simply wonderful.

Not that we did not have our challenges, well with dogging the severe thunderstorms, hail, and all the extra moisture; let’s just say it was interesting. If you have been following me on Facebook, you know of one of the bigger storms that went through our area. Thank God everyone is fine; however, it did take down several trees around our home and the horse pens. It has taken some time to get everything cleaned up but it is getting there.

So with all the cleaning that has been taking place; I was reminded of a question that came in a while back concerning the cleaning of Breyer Models. Thus today’s article is about the things I have done as well as tips I have heard from other Collectors on this topic.

And don’t miss the last part of this ezine that will introduce you to a Collector with a vision. She has a great vision and hasn’t allowed anything to hold her back from achieving it.

Today’s Article: Cleaning Tips for Breyer Models

With BreyerFest just being finished and everyone is starting to settle back into their normal routine, I thought it may be a good time to discuss the topic of cleaning your models. This has been a question that has come across my virtual desk several times recently so I think it deserves an answer.

My own personal idea’s about cleaning a model is pretty simple really; start with the easiest method first.

• Warm soap and water with a soft toothbrush. Yes, very simple, but this alone can do amazing things. The soap I use is simply my dish soap, Dawn or Dial, and most usually antibacterial.
• When using a soft toothbrush and soap, don’t be afraid to scrub! Making sure that you use a SOFT toothbrush, you can add some “elbow grease” to your method and usually do pretty well. Most of those little black marks will come off with this method.
• If you have a model that is yellowed you can use a mixture of bleach and water. Some have suggested adding vinegar to this solution as well. And while it will whiten the model, then you also will have a model that smells of this solution. **Make sure to mix this solution outside due to the fumes that develop.
• Always start with the weakest solution you can. For example, one cup of bleach to 4 gallons of water. Test the model submerged in this solution for an hour or so. Check to see if you notice any difference. If not, add a bit more bleach.
• Another way to whiten yellowed models is to place them in the sunshine. I have not tried this method myself as I do not have wide enough window sills. However, this seems to be the more common method used and is probably the safest. Keep in mind though that this method will take time. Also, if you place the model in a sunny window, make sure that the feet are above the window frame. Otherwise you will get a great looking model with yellowed legs on the bottom. And don’t forget to turn or rotate the model so that all sides are whitened.
• I have heard of but not tried this one: submersing a model in the pool with chlorine. This one seems to be another solution that is a bit bold; so that one I leave up to you.
• Some have suggested using rubbing alcohol on different stains. While this may remove the stain, it may also damage the finish of the model. So test it out in a small unseen area and make your decision.
• Do not use anything with abrasives such as Soft Scrub because this will harm the surface. The gloss or matte finish maybe very delicate on some models and you do not want to damage the surface. So avoid these at all cost.

We know that having a model that is clean and not yellowed is very important. Not only from our own personal enjoyment, but also when it comes to selling and showing the models.

When speaking with Denise Hauk of OR who is a Model Show Judge, the number one fault that she found were models that were yellowed or dirty in the lineup. According to Denise, this is a huge waste of time. She recommends taking the time of cleaning your models before you even think of showing them. Then clean them before safely wrapping and packaging to bring to the show.

Any model that is yellowed or dirty will not place. Simple.

Update: Introducing Diane Maccani

Speaking of Showing Breyer Models, next week I would like to introduce you to a Writer, Collector, Horse Enthusiast; Diane Maccani. Diane has some great insight in the hobby of collecting models. And because there were no “Model Horse Shows” in her area, she did not let that stop her. But I will have to let her tell the rest of the story….

Diane will be a guest writer for several of our Breyer SpotLight articles. I thought the information she had experienced needed to be shared because it is all so valuable; and she agreed! So be ready for some really great articles on showing your Model Horses and just maybe some insight as to the “why” of getting into the Model Shows. There is more that goes on than one might first think.

Until next time, enjoy Collecting!

Bonnie

Breyer Horse Collectors