How to Repair an Antique Doll
There are as many ways to restore and repair antique dolls. It all depends on the age of the doll, its condition and the materials originally used to make it. While individual attributes of each doll need to be taken into consideration before determining the approach and tools needed for repair, there are common methods that apply to the repair of most antique dolls made of bisque or ceramic material. Read on to learn more.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Cernit
- Darwi modeling mix
- Fabric softener
- Baby shampoo
- Metal pet comb
- Renaissance wax
- PVA glue
- Felt
- Humidifier
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1
Build up missing pieces by putting a flesh colored piece of felt covered with white glue into the hole where the material used to be. Apply Darwi modeling mix over the felt. Fill in the pieces and then paint only the area with faded color. You want to use a barrier like white PVA glue so that your painting can be altered later.
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2
Paint your doll with water-based acrylics, and apply a base with PVA glue before you begin. Mix colors under a daylight intensity bulb or at noon to ensure proper tone.
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3
Wash mohair doll hair with fabric softener, baby shampoo or hair conditioner. Rinse gently and separate the hair into sections before wetting. If the doll is fragile, some of the hair might fall out or become loose if you are too rough. Comb hair with a metal pet comb or flea comb.
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4
Use sodium lauryl sulphate (Orvus soap is a good brand) or Renaissance Wax to clean bisque. These solutions are available from conservation suppliers. Remember to scrub gently and use a soft, white cloth to remove stains.
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5
Compose replacement doll parts, such as fingers or toes, by making molds out of Cernit. Then sculpt the part from a Darwi mix.
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6
Reshape a doll's body by using a humidifier to induce moisture into the material. This will soften it enough to reshape it to its original form. Do this slowly, over a period of weeks, so you will not damage or crack the bisque.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Do not use cold cream to clean your dolls.
Don't permanently alter the doll's appearance. Make sure you can undo any changes.
