Repairing Guides

how to repair composition dolls

by Peggie Roberts Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Do invisible bisque and china repair, including rebuilding shoulder plates and fill in missing pieces.* (If you take the full seminar)
  • Fully restore composition dolls, from just repairing cracks to completely stripping them to bare composition and making them like new.
  • Completely restore hard plastic dolls. ...
  • How to clean dolls without damaging them.

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Part of a video titled How to fix your Composition Doll START TO FINISH - YouTube
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So this guy has seen a lot in his years.MoreSo this guy has seen a lot in his years.

Full Answer

Should I repair my old composition doll?

Having said that doing a repair on an old composition doll with sentimental value can have a profound result. I have had customers close to tears when they give their mother or grandmother back their old doll that now looks like they remember from their youth.

How do you repair doll bodies?

In extreme cases an arm or leg is fully detached. I can patch the bodies and re-stuff them as needed to return them to their original condition. Note that the patches will be visible on the bodies. This is the accepted means of repair for these dolls. While I can usually match the leather patches they will be visible on the body.

How do I paint my composition doll?

Put down the paint brush and step away from the doll! We strongly advise you to not attempt to alter your composition doll's visage, but if you do, then the only thing you should use is acrylic paint. This type of paint won't dry out the surface, but it will conceal some of the crazing and cracks that are bound to have happened to your doll by now.

Can you repair porcelain or china dolls?

On porcelain or china dolls I can restring them, fix their hair, repair the bodies and eyes. (see other sections) I am able to repair or replace eyes in most bisque headed dolls. For antique bisque dolls I can reset the eyes if they have come dislodged.

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How do you fix crazing on composition dolls?

0:553:09Doll Tutorial: How to Repair Cracks in Your Doll - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBe sure you have a proper color. Again I have to be careful of the brow and the lashes then with aMoreBe sure you have a proper color. Again I have to be careful of the brow and the lashes then with a soft cloth I have it just a flannel here you just gently wipe. It dolls in Colorado or lucky.

What kind of paint do you use on composition dolls?

acrylic paintWe strongly advise you to not attempt to alter your composition doll's visage, but if you do, then the only thing you should use is acrylic paint. This type of paint won't dry out the surface, but it will conceal some of the crazing and cracks that are bound to have happened to your doll by now.

Why do composition dolls crack?

Composition dolls, especially those with a heavily sealed or lacquered finish, are especially prone to fine cracks, called crazing. The crazing is caused by changes in moisture and temperature. Because so many of these dolls have crazed over the years, light crazing on a composition doll is acceptable to collectors.

What is composition doll made of?

A composition doll is a doll made partially or wholly out of composition, a composite material composed of sawdust, glue, and other materials such as cornstarch, resin and wood flour.

How do you clean vintage composition dolls?

3:1318:34HOW TO CLEAN ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE COMPOSITION DOLLSYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI had to clean that with a q-tip. But so this works really well on all kinds of composition dollsMoreI had to clean that with a q-tip. But so this works really well on all kinds of composition dolls and bodies we use this all the time.

How do you remove paint from a composition doll?

2:5928:08How to Remove Paint From Composition Dolls for RestorationYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUnder the paint like that and then you can either just pull up on your handle to pop it off or twistMoreUnder the paint like that and then you can either just pull up on your handle to pop it off or twist it. And it'll come off. And it could hit you in the eye.

How do you fix a broken ceramic doll?

0:041:02How to Repair Porcelain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCarefully line up the second part and press together for ten seconds. Do not move the bond duringMoreCarefully line up the second part and press together for ten seconds. Do not move the bond during this time as this will disrupt the curing. Process that's. It you.

How do you repair a plastic doll?

If the head, arm, or leg comes off a doll with push-in limbs, use a hairdryer to make the plastic pliable, then reinsert the part into the body. If the elastic inside the doll that holds limbs or the head on breaks, replace it (see below).

How do you restring an old doll?

0:213:57Doll Tutorial: How to Restring a Doll at Home - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we're going to start at the hip area up through the body and back down to the other leg. I justMoreSo we're going to start at the hip area up through the body and back down to the other leg. I just tie a little knot around there so it doesn't keep falling. Off. Okay that's in the body we. Go.

Are old dolls worth anything?

Price: Around $200 to $300 each, if mint; $1,000 to $1,500 for full set mint and all original. In very good condition (missing some of the original outfits; some flaws and crazing), from $100 to $150 each. Comments: Dolls shown have original outfits but are lacking their pins.

What were dolls made of before plastic?

The earliest materials were rubber and celluloid. From the mid-20th century, soft vinyl became the dominant material, in particular for children's dolls. Beginning in the 20th century, both porcelain and plastic dolls are made directly for the adult collectors market.

Is my porcelain doll worth anything?

Limited editions and dolls made before the 1930s generally sell for loftier amounts because they are considered true antiques; however, others can sell anywhere from $10–$2,000.

What is the best paint for porcelain dolls?

There are specialty paints available for ceramic and glass surfaces, or simple acrylics can be used. This is the easiest method, but this kind of paint often scrapes off or is easily damaged. This is because porcelain is not a surface conducive to ordinary painting.

How do you wash bisque dolls?

Dip the cotton tip into the warm water, roll on the dry towel if the cotton tip is dripping. Then use the dampened tip to gently clean the eyes, nose, ears. Using a swirling action with the cotton tip to clean the more intricate parts of the doll head works well. Just remember not to rub.

How do you clean porcelain dolls face?

Remove the stains on your doll using gentle detergent diluted in water. A mix of baking soda and water can also be an option, but try it on the doll's hidden part first. 2. Use a dry cloth to wipe the porcelain and a Q-tip to clean the doll's nose, ears, mouth, and other places that are hard to reach.

Use a Sand-o-Flex for your composition doll repair

A sand-o-flex sander is what I use to sand my doll parts and it saves me many hours of sanding time. I only do details like the face and fingers by hand. My dad put this together for me about 30 years ago and I have really used it.

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You might have seen some of my posts on my previous website. I transferred my blog articles to my new Forget Me Not Doll Repair website.

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