How to Restore a Mary Hoyer Doll
According to Doll Reference.com, there are two different kinds of Mary Hoyer dolls. From 1924 to 1946, the dolls were made from a composite materials of resin and sawdust. After 1946, the dolls were made from hard plastic. Both materials can use the same repair method. Restoring a Mary Hoyer doll is a simple process that requires many tools and extreme patience. The key to doll restoration is to take the time to restore the doll to its original appearance. This project will probably take several weeks to complete.
Things You'll Need
- Mild detergent
- Sewing machine
- Needle
- Thread
- Soft tooth brush
- Cotton swabs
- Soft towels
- Dish soap
- Petroleum jelly
- Epoxy filler
- Polyester resin
- Sandpaper
- Paint
- Airbrush machine
- Paintbrushes
- Spray seal
- Doll wig
- Craft glue
- Comb
- Tissue paper
Instructions
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1
Clean the surface of the doll before starting any repairs. Remove all clothing and hand wash in a sink with warm water and mild detergent. Line dry. Repair any tears with a sewing machine or by hand sewing.
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2
Remove the hair from the doll completely if it is damaged in any way. Discard the old hair.
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3
Wash the body with warm water and dish soap. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the body clean. Wipe hard to reach areas with a cotton swab. Dry the doll with soft towels. Rub petroleum jelly over any flexible vinyl on the doll. This jelly can lift surface stains. Clean the jelly with dish soap when the stain is gone.
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4
Inspect the doll for cracks or breaks. Work with small sections at a time. Fill in broken areas with polyester resin. Mold the resin over the broken area to match the undamaged area of the doll. Allow the resin to dry for 24 hours.
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5
Use epoxy filler to fill in any cracks in the surface of the body. Allow the filler to dry for 24 hours.
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6
Sand the repaired areas until they match the level of the rest of the doll. Paint the repaired areas to match the skin tone with the airbrush. Paint on any missing features with paintbrushes. At the same time, paint on any dull features on the doll to give the doll a refreshed look. Allow the paint to dry.
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7
Coat the entire doll in spray sealer. This gives the doll a cohesive appearance. Allow the coat to dry for 24 hours.
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8
Glue a new wig onto the doll's head. If the original hair is still in good condition, then comb it to remove any tangles. Dress the doll in clean clothes and shoes. Store the doll standing upright or face down in tissue paper.
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