How to reborn a purchased doll?

by Tamara
(Cut Bank, MT US)

Hi, I'm interested in reborning a couple of anatomically correct dolls. They are from Jersma and are rather bland in a cute sort of way. So I was wondering if there was something that I needed to do to get it ready to paint. Like do I have to sand it to remove the paint already on it,which would be the skin color. There's no hair either so I'll probable need some help with that. Any words of advice would be fantastic. And for all of you artists out there doing this already...I am speechless at the beauty of your dolls. So many times you buy a doll, Ashton Drake as an example, and they don't look exactly like the picture. You have started something and I for one think it's fantastic!!
Thank You for your artistry!!
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Hi Tamara
If you feel the dolls you have, have the realistic features needed to create a lifelike doll, then you'll need to strip off any factory paint - usually found on the cheeks, lips and sometimes tops and bottoms of feet. Pure acetone or Goof Off ( it's nasty stuff though ) on a cotton ball. Once all the paint is removed, you'll need to wash all the pieces in hot soapy water. Then you should be able to paint the dolls.

For the hair, you can either purchase a wig or micro-root it with mohair. Micro-rooting creates the most lifelike effect - but it is a learned skill.

There are some reborn doll tutorials here and you can visit our reborn supply store to purchase supplies and training materials.

Good luck with your dolls and welcome to the art of reborning!
Kim