How to Repair Old Dolls
Got an old doll with chipped paint or torn clothes? Instead of throwing it out, take a few simple steps and fix it yourself. Repairing an old doll takes little effort and can enable you to keep the same dolls for generations.
Things You'll Need
- Doll stand
- Small detailing paintbrush
- Needle
- Thread
- Scissors
- Bobby pins
- Comb
- Baby shampoo or fabric softener
- Water-based acrylic paints
Instructions
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Strip the doll of any clothes and carefully wet the hair with warm water mixed with some baby shampoo or fabric softener. Use your fingers to gently rub the hair to get rid of any dust. Carefully use the comb to detangle the hair, and use your fingers to make small curls before pinning them down with bobby pins. Do not remove bobby pins to style until the hair is completely dry.
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Check the doll's clothing for any rips or tears, and thread a needle with matching thread. Begin to sew the tear shut, making sure to do the first threading on the inside of the clothing. When the tear is completely sewn shut, point the needle back to the inside of the clothing and secure by knotting the thread together. Cut the needle from the knot with scissors. Repeat on any other rips or tears.
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3
Place the doll on a doll stand, available at any craft store. Use a very small detailing paintbrush to carefully recolor any faded areas on the skin with a water-based acrylic paint. Use a light pink to repaint blushed cheeks and hair-colored paint to renew eyebrows and eyelashes. Paint wherever repair is needed, such as fingernails, eyes and lips. When the paint is completely dry, put the clothes back on the doll and wait for the hair to dry, if it hasn't already.
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Tips & Warnings
When combing the doll's hair, be extremely careful to avoid pulling any out. If the doll is too old, you may need to use a toothbrush to get rid of the dust instead of washing and combing it.
