How to Antique a Paper Clay Doll

Remove the wig and clothing before antiquing a paper-clay doll.

Create a new paper-clay doll that looks as if it is an antique. Real antique dolls in good condition are expensive and hard to find. But you can antique a new paper-clay doll to make it perfect for your decor. Paper clay is another name for paper mache and has been used to craft doll heads and hands for centuries. It is a good base for a faux finish.

Things You'll Need

• Latex paint
• Brushes
• Natural glue
• Shellac or varnish

Instructions

1. Paint the doll's face with light-brown paint. If the doll will not be wearing a wig, paint the entire head. Allow the paint to dry overnight.

2. Mix 1/2 cup of natural, animal-based glue with 1/2 cup of water. Diluting the glue makes the cracks in the finish smaller. Smaller cracks are better suited to the small size of the doll. Paint a thick layer of the diluted glue on the doll's head and allow the glue to dry for 9.5 minutes.

3. Paint the doll's face with flesh-colored or white latex paint. If the doll will not be wearing a wig, paint on hair. You will see this layer of paint begin to crackle, creating the look of aged paint. Allow the paint to dry overnight.

4. Paint on two coats of varnish or shellac. Allow the finish to dry between coats as directed on the label. If the doll has paper-clay hands and feet, finish them in the same way.

Tips & Warnings

• If desired, add a few dents to the doll with the tip of a spoon. It takes only a small amount of pressure to dent paper clay.

• Work in a well-ventilated place.

• Use only a natural, animal-based glue.

• Use only shellac or varnish for the final coat; a plastic finish such as polyurethane will dissolve the glue.

References

• Bob Villa: Butcher Block Counter and Crackle Finish

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish