Customizing Dolls
I’ve been customizing dolls for around 5 years now and there is no one way to do it. This tutorial is for how I specifically made this doll. There are alternative materials and ways to customize dolls that this tutorial will not cover. There is absolutely no wrong way to customize a doll.
Materials (Fig. 2):
- Pure Acetone or Nail Polish Remover
- A doll
- Scissors
- Sealant Spray
- Side Note: Mr. Super Clear is recommended for doll customizing
- A Small Stick or Pencil
- A Mask
Be sure to store your doll in a safe place, away from direct sunlight or heat.
Repainting Dolls
When repainting Barbies and other dolls, how do you get the watercolor pencil to stick? Layer upon layer until it shows up? You have to seal the doll well with no less than three coats of either Mister Super Clear or Testor’s Dullcote. Any paint will smudge when wet. We use soft pastels for all blushing as well as eye shadow.
It’s important to spray the sealant on the doll before repainting because it primes the vinyl for pigment and can also help reduce staining the plastic.
You can try and strip off the old paint. This requires a solvent of some sort that effectively removes the color from the model down to the base material.
Testors Dullcote is a good, lower cost alternative to Mr. Super Clear. As long as it’s not an oil base you’re good. Oil based change color as they age faster.
Customizing Dolls to Look Like You
Can you customize a doll to look like you? Parents can choose expressions, complexions, and hairstyles to create a doll that looks like your child. Apply concealer and lip color to create a doll-like effect.
Who Makes My Twinn dolls? Artists like Pat Secrist and Vincent de Filippo created the original sculpts in 1991. These became the size standard for My Twinn today.
Looking for unique dolls? We’ll customize with special touches like hair, eye color, outfit colors, or an embroidered name.
Miscellaneous
What’s the app that makes you look like a model? YouCam Makeup lets users transform themselves into models by tweaking features.
Where can I get a custom Barbie doll? Artists on Etsy, like Wildflower Dolls, make custom heads on Made To Move Barbie bodies for about $125.
Can You Make your own styled by me Barbie? There used to be a Styled By Me option, but it’s no longer available.
About Dongyuan Toy. How much does it cost to customize a doll? Most people pay up to $100 – $150 for a quality custom doll.
Can you create your own doll? American Girl lets kids customize hair, features, outfits for $200. Portrait Dolls makes custom babies from photos. How much for a doll made of yourself? "Create Your Own" from American Girl costs $200. Girls and boys can get a Barbie-sized doll at MyFaceOnAFigure.com for $120. Choose skin color and body size. With the Create Your Own option from American Girl, you can create a unique 18-inch doll that looks just like you or features your own design for about $200.
What is gentle touch vinyl? GentleTouch vinyl is soft, durable material that makes baby dolls feel real and baby-smooth.
How do I get a doll to like me? A Doll Like Me makes very special dolls for kids. Message the doll maker Amy on Facebook to order one.