My C-3PO has turned black in some places, with the most pronounced at the left armpit, to which, is referenced in the photograph. Does anyone know what this from? Can it spread? Is there anything I can do? I tried to search for such a thing, but to no avail.  Any information and/or help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

I have posted pictures before on this forum from my gallery, but I am struggling with it now for some reason. My apologies. Below is the link to the picture from my personal TIG gallery. If someone could also help uploading it, I would greatly appreciate that as well. It's the most recent picture of C-3PO, with an arrow pointing to the area of concern.

https://2img.net/u/3011/13/96/10/album/20180111.jpg

I'm adding your pic now.

It looks to me like a reaction with the metallic paint. Maybe some chemical got onto the figure? I've not seen this before as I recall so not sure tbh.

Thanks for posting my pic and for your input. For some more context... It's difficult to tell by the picture, however, where it has turned black at the armpit and other areas not shown in the pic, the gold paint is missing revealing only silver paint. So the areas where it has turned black, it is on the silver areas where there is no gold.

Perhaps he kept with unclean women

Perhaps. I didn't note it prior. This is a Takara C-3PO. Is it possible they used paints that degraded and tarnished over time, unlike the Kenner counterparts?

Is it 'tarnish' or has gold chipped off to reveal black plastic underneath? I have seen another with 'chips' and black plastic was exposed.

It's not chipped, so I would say it's tarnish. The only thing I can think of is that the tarnished areas were exposed to moisture somehow. If that's the case, is there anything I can do. This figure is one of my "prized" ones.

Assuming you have already done the warm soapy water and soft toothbrush to it to see if it is something that will wash off? Outside of that all you could do is introduce chemicals which is a no go in my book.

I haven't done anything yet. I was thinking about apossibly using chemical solution, ie, a chrome polisher, but I won't now after your feedback about using chemicals a no go. As long as the tarnish doesn't spread to other areas, I can live with it. Thanks

I would recommend a warm soapy bath with a soft toothbrush to scrub the areas. The thing with chemical introduction is the chance that long term damages can occur. Chemical can make the plastic brittle, alter the color of the paint, make the paint peal, melt plastic, etc... there are no chemical introduction that can be made that you can still call the toy vintage and original. even shining products can add a layer of something that wasn't originally there. For purist these factors play an effect in the item such as lowering value or diminishing the item.

wow on a takara , that sucks bro . I feel for you . ive been after one for years and id be annoyed that this happened to such a rare figure to say the least . good luck with it

Thanks for the sympathy HellHippie, I am sick about it. TrappedTexan, you made the point that if I did polish it in anyway that it would alter it. That is something I would have never thought of. I am glad you made that point. Because if I got a figure that was polished or altered to look better, I would not be pleased, so why would I do the same to mine. I will take your advice and try to spot clean the affected area first with soap and water. I am too apprehensive at this point to soak the entire figure. If nothing works, i will live with it. It is still a great figure even with this defect.Thanks again