The most time consuming part of composition doll repair is in the sanding. After the paint removal, I sand the doll parts, then spray with a primer. Once the primer is dry, it is easy to see what has been missed and what still needs to be filled. Liquids like primer take the same shape as whatever you spray it on.
Do you repair antique porcelain dolls?
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. In this case since the doll is priceless the cost to repair it is inconsequential. I do not repair antique porcelain or China dolls using invisible repair techniques.
Can you repair or replace the body of a doll?
For cloth bodied dolls with composition heads and arms I can repair or replace the body. Often the body will need to be re-stuffed to return it to its original condition. I always recommend retaining the original body assuming it is clean and sound. If there are serous problems with the body I can make a new one from new or vintage material.
How do you repair a doll that has lost stuffing?
The stuffing usually sawdust or cork will then leak out. 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.
What happened to the dolls with rubber bodies?
In the late 40's and early 50's there were many dolls (like Tiny Tears) made with rubber bodies. Over time these bodies usually split or collapse like a deflated balloon (see picture to the right).
How do you fix a crack in composition doll?
1:103:09Doll 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.
How do you preserve composition dolls?
Protect from dust and direct sunlight when displayed. Anything organic in the materials could Page 2 2 be affected by the sunlight, and the shellac on the surface should be protected from dust. 4. Store sleep-eye dolls face down so the eyes are open.
Are composition dolls valuable?
Prices for Composition Dolls Prices for these dolls run the gamut from very inexpensive for unmarked or souvenir dolls to many hundreds of dollars (or more) for the choicest Shirley Temple, Effanbee, and Madame Alexander composition dolls in mint, original condition.
How do you clean vintage composition dolls?
2:3818:34HOW TO CLEAN ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE COMPOSITION DOLLSYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you buy the gojo. It's a great product for cleaning the bodies but do not get the one with grit.MoreIf you buy the gojo. It's a great product for cleaning the bodies but do not get the one with grit. And then we just. Take some fabric.
What is a 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.
Can old dolls be repaired?
Repairing an antique doll means fixing a part that is broken or damaged in some way. So, a broken arm might be glued back together or a wig could be cleaned and restyled. Restoration means bringing the doll back to its original condition including wigs and hair styling, clothing and facial features.
How much does it cost to restore a doll?
A typical doll restoration averages about $12 – $18 per inch of doll, but every doll has different needs, so the price on a doll repair bid may vary greatly.
Why are my old dolls sticky?
0:309:40How I Treat Sticky Doll Faces, Bodies, Hair, & Accessories! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell the answer is simple your doll is starting to break down plastic. Like anything else will ageMoreWell the answer is simple your doll is starting to break down plastic. Like anything else will age and as it gets older it starts to break apart and this.
How do I know if my old doll is worth anything?
2:415:47How to Find Value of Old Dolls by Dr. Lori - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's all about the head all the values really in the head it's probably worth you know 450. In theMoreIt's all about the head all the values really in the head it's probably worth you know 450. In the head and the rest is the body of that 600 bucks okay okay.
What were dolls made of in 1940s?
Celluloid dolls were child playthings created from cheap synthetic plastic from the mid 1800s until the 1940s. They were produced as an unbreakable alternative to the extremely fragile China, wax, and bisque dolls.
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.
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 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 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.
What dolls were made of rubber?
In the late 40's and early 50's there were many dolls (like Tiny Tears) made with rubber bodies. Over time these bodies usually split or collapse like a deflated balloon (see picture to the right). Many people say I can work miracles with dolls but unfortunately for these bodies there is no miracle repair. No one is making replacement parts for them. Any vintage doll I could get for parts is usually similarly deteriorated or is so brittle it would be damaged trying to remove parts. I know many of these dolls have tremendous sentimental value to there owners but unfortunately there is nothing I can do to repair them.
What to include in an email about a doll repair?
In the E-mail about a doll repair you should attach pictures of the doll and if possible close-ups of the damaged areas. Also the size of the doll is useful in assessing the cost of repairs. If parts are broken also indicate if you have the broken pieces (like fingers or toes).
What to do if your doll's eyes are missing?
If the eyes are missing you should try to find the eyes and any parts of the eye mechanism and bring them with the doll . Finding replacements can take time and is always more expensive than using the original eyes.
Can I repair vintage composition bodies?
I can repair most damage to vintage composition bodies. This includes repairs to the heads and molded hair. I am able to repaint molded hair and features to a close approximation of what the doll looked like from the factory. see Baby dimples repair
Can I repair bisque dolls?
For bisque or porcelain dolls with leather bodies I can repair and re stuff bodies. Over time the kidskin will become brittle and will crack. The stuffing usually sawdust or cork will then leak out. 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.
Can porcelain dolls be repaired?
I do not repair antique porcelain or China dolls using invisible repair techniques. Depending on the extent of the damage I can glue the broken pieces together if no pieces are missing. In this case the repairs may be visible. On porcelain or china dolls I can restring them, fix their hair, repair the bodies and eyes. (see other sections)
Can you return a doll to the shop?
When you return to pick up the doll you will contact the sales help and they will collect the money for the repair and return the doll. See the shops tab for details of where repairs can be dropped off. see shops
