Toy Horse Into Bronze Garden Sculpture! Painted Like a Boss!

5 Materials
I saw this large toy horse at the thrift shop and instantly fell in love with it. I just had to get it and do something with it. The mane and tail were typically matted. Red nail polish and other stains decorated it.
I thought of removing the nail polish and stains, but plastic can melt. Painting the horse was necessary. There really is no salvaging matted synthetic successfully...
It's such a large horse, about 22" tall and long. Where to put it was how I came up with the idea... outside.
So I lathered it with plaster of paris. Mane and tail. I ran the substance completely through, squeezing and reapplying it. Then I formed the base where I wanted the mane to flow onto the body. After allowing the plaster to dry, I applied indoor/outdoor caulk. Like decorating a cake, but with a caulk gun, I made a flowing mane and tail.
Then painted the horse. Looks like a bronze statue. Like a boss!
The lengthy in depth details are posted on my blog.
Suggested materials:
  • Toy Horse   (Thrift Shop)
  • Plaster of Paris   (Hobby Lobby)
  • Outdoor Silicone Caulk   (Walmart)
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Robin @ Redo It Yourself Inspirations
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  2 questions
  • Victoria Victoria on Jun 11, 2020

    Where is the rest of the details - you said on your blog, but I can not locate it.

    Thanks!

  • Mcgypsy9 Mcgypsy9 on Jul 16, 2020

    Did you know you can’t leave plaster of Paris outside?

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  • Deb Schroeder Deb Schroeder on Feb 15, 2021

    Beautiful rescue! This idea could be used to rescue or preserve so many wonderful toys. You have provided a wonderful opportunity for those of us who are still “kids” at heart, to display or beloved memories. Thank you for the great inspiration!

  • V Smith V Smith on Feb 20, 2021

    I love what you made of this find. If you ever need to un-mat synthetic hair try WD40. It might even remove nail polish from plastic. The stuff is amazing.

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