🎟️ Sofubi (soft vinyl) refers to soft vinyl toys made from PVC plastic.
🔥 The production process, known as the “oil oven” or “oil stove” method, is entirely handcrafted.
📚 Understanding these basics will help you identify authenticity from the start.
Traditional Sofubi toy manufacturing involves several intricate and labor-intensive steps:
The process begins with a designer or artist sculpting an original model, typically using clay or wax. This model serves as the prototype for mold-making.
Once the prototype is completed, molds are created. These molds are usually made of metal and come in multiple parts to capture all the details of the original sculpture.
PVC pellets are melted and mixed with various colorants to achieve the desired color and consistency. This mixture is kept in a container on an oil stove, maintaining its liquid state.
The liquid vinyl is poured into the metal molds, which are then sealed and rotated to ensure even coating of the vinyl on the interior surface. This step is crucial for achieving uniform thickness and detail.
Once the molds are coated, they are cooled to solidify the vinyl. The cooled molds are carefully opened to remove the soft vinyl toy.
The raw vinyl toy may have excess material, called flash, that needs to be trimmed off. Any separate parts are assembled and attached.
The final step involves hand-painting and adding any additional details or decals. This stage requires a high level of skill and artistry to meet the quality standards expected by collectors.
Genuine Sofubi Godzilla toys typically exhibit intricate details and proportional balance. In contrast, counterfeits may appear rough and poorly proportioned.
Authentic toys feature more refined and accurate shapes, while counterfeits might look clumsy and lack detailed craftsmanship.
Authentic toys have vibrant, even colors and sharp paint edges. Counterfeits may have dull colors and uneven paint applications.
Genuine Sofubi toys have meticulously handled details and tight seams. Counterfeits may have poorly treated seams with visible gaps or rough edges.
Authentic Sofubi toys will show seam lines from the mold parts, which are typically clean and precise, reflecting the handcrafting process.
Check the toy’s base or packaging for manufacturer marks and copyright information. Authentic toys have clear markings, while counterfeits may be blurry or have misspellings.
Genuine products usually display clear copyright symbols, indicating the production year and brand information.
Authentic Sofubi toys feel solid and have a balanced weight. Counterfeits might be too light or heavy, with a feel that noticeably differs from genuine items.
Authentic toys have a certain elasticity and softness, whereas counterfeits may use inferior materials, feeling either too stiff or overly soft.
Genuine products come in well-crafted packaging, often with brand logos and anti-counterfeiting labels. Counterfeits may have cheap, poorly designed packaging.
Authentic toys include all accessories, such as manuals and certificates. Counterfeits might lack these or provide low-quality replacements.
Always purchase from reputable retailers and collectors to ensure authenticity. Avoid buying from unreliable websites or marketplaces.
Some brands offer anti-counterfeiting verification services to ensure you purchase authentic items.
If you suspect you have bought a counterfeit, promptly communicate with the seller and understand the return and exchange policies.
Seek professional toy authentication services to confirm the toy’s authenticity.
Identifying genuine Sofubi Godzilla toys requires patience and keen observation.
With the guidelines provided above, you can confidently collect authentic items.
Remember, each genuine Sofubi toy is a unique piece of art, deserving of appreciation and protection.
Let’s become savvy collectors and enjoy the thrill and satisfaction of collecting Sofubi Godzilla toys.
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