Replies to This Discussion

Community ManagerPermalink Reply by Simon Farnworth on September 2, 2012 at 13:35

I'm sure someone will be able to help Sam. Be sure to sharepics of your work when you are done! 

Permalink Reply by Sam on September 2, 2012 at 15:56

My search led to heat-set paint for OOAK which sounded very interesting, but now I'm wondering can Tyler or Fashion Royalty stand the heat.  250 degrees sounds hot to me.  I haven't had the guts to try warming a head to remove it from a body for a body-switch.  Can anybody suggest a book, website or whatever so I can learn more?  Thanks!

Permalink Reply by Johnny Pimental on September 3, 2012 at 2:51

Hi Sam,
I have done many repaints and always use the pure acetone (nail polish remover) to remove the paint. I wash it off with lukewarm water after I am done. Never had a problem with Tonners, FR's or Barbie dolls.

To get FR doll heads off I cover the hair with something and run hot water slowly around where the neck meets the body, always turning the doll and slowwwwwly wiggling the head back and forth until the head pops right off. Takes about 2 minutes for the plastic to "un-harden."

Heat allows the hardest of plastics to become pliable.

I personally wouldn't do the 250 degree method and there's no need to remove the head unless you are doing a reroot.

Just wrap the doll to the neck with saran wrap or towel(s) and use painters tape to secure.

If you are doing a reroot, feel free to visit my blog;  www.dollthatmatters.blogspot.com

Rerooting is in my April 2012 section.

  Johnny

Permalink Reply by Sam on September 3, 2012 at 3:05

Thanks, Johnny!  I hope to repaint an FR, and swap bodies on some Tonners I have.  I've tried a couple of repaints, but my results were very average.  Even with magnifying glasses and a magnifying lamp (double magnifying) I could scarcely get the paint on the doll before it dried!  I have HUGE respect for those who do it well!  My reroots were a bit more satisfying, but a couple of tries was enough.  I make a wig occasionally now!  My thing is sewing the clothes.  I appreciate your information.  Thanks again!
 
Johnny Pimental said:

Hi Sam,
I have done many repaints and always use the pure acetone (nail polish remover) to remove the paint. I wash it off with lukewarm water after I am done. Never had a problem with Tonners, FR's or Barbie dolls.

To get FR doll heads off I cover the hair with something and run hot water slowly around where the neck meets the body, always turning the doll and slowwwwwly wiggling the head back and forth until the head pops right off. Takes about 2 minutes for the plastic to "un-harden."

Heat allows the hardest of plastics to become pliable.

I personally wouldn't do the 250 degree method and there's no need to remove the head unless you are doing a reroot.

Just wrap the doll to the neck with saran wrap or towel(s) and use painters tape to secure.

If you are doing a reroot, feel free to visit my blog;  www.dollthatmatters.blogspot.com

Rerooting is in my April 2012 section.

  Johnny

Permalink Reply by Johnny Pimental on September 3, 2012 at 6:42

You're welcome Sam! Repainting just takes lots of practice. The good part is you can always remove what you've done with acetone and a small q-tip. 

To keep the paint from drying too fast I sometimes use Liquitex slow-dri fluid retarder. Works pretty good, depending how hot my house is.

I have tons of respect for those who can sew!

I have "Sewing for Dummies" and, um...not helping...LOL!

I'm always more than happy to help, I'm very passionate about repainting.

Take care

Johnny

Permalink Reply by Terry Barner on November 1, 2012 at 3:17

I just joined this community and hope to contribute what I know and learn new things.   I have been repainting for several years now and all I can say is practice, practice, practice.   You can always start over.   I generally use just plain water to thin my acrylic paints.   I have tried extenders, but for me, they take too long to dry.   They do help when you want to blend colors that you are painting but for the most part, I just layer very thin coats of colors and stop when I like it.   I use pure acetone also to remove paint, rinsing is good, just a word of caution, do not rub too much while using it, you can scar or damage the vinyl.   Many times you can fix it but be careful to avoid it.   I have caused more damage using a nail polish remover that did not have enough acetone to remove the paint, so buy a good one, not just the cheapest one.

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