Paint Removal and Application Techniques
Removing Paint from Dolls
To remove paint from a doll’s face:
- Moisten a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol for permanent marker removal.
- Acetone nail polish remover is also effective.
- For other paints, gently rub the area with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, taking care around other painted or colored areas.
For acrylic paint stains:
- Gently work with a toothbrush, cotton swab, or small towel.
- Use acetone or turpentine with caution.
- Apply benzoyl peroxide for stubborn stains and let sit before wiping clean.
Choosing Paints and Applying to Dolls
Paint and Protection for Plastic Dolls
For painting plastic dolls:
- Use high-quality acrylic satin or gloss sealers.
- Katsilk acrylic doll paint is suitable for vinyl, plastic, and composition dolls.
Professional Tips for Doll Repainting
For a realistic appearance:
- Use shading techniques to give features a rounded look.
- Avoid painting over existing paint if possible.
When starting out with doll repainting:
- Practice painting over existing paint to learn about paint thickness, flow, and shaping doll features.
Additional Tips for Doll Customization
Doll Hair and Stain Removal
To paint doll hair:
- Use standard hair dye.
For most stain removal:
- Use a combination of baking soda, soap, and water.
- Try rubbing alcohol first for crayon marks.
Preparing Dolls for Repainting
Before using watercolor pencils:
- Seal the doll thoroughly.
- Apply more sealer after each color layer.
- Touch up factory paint chips with matching acrylic paint.
- Use plastic primer so spray paint adheres properly.
To clean the doll’s face:
- Wash with a cloth dampened with diluted dish soap.
- Gently rub soap in and let sit before wiping off.
Repurposing and Priming
- Tree Change Dolls repurpose materials for a more realistic representation of children.
- For Monster High dolls, use spray paint only after priming the plastic.