When one acquires a BJD, one immediately begins to seek out ways to make it truly unique. But that is often easier said than done. Here I describe all my adventures, quirks, mistakes, and discoveries.
Any modification to the body of the doll is referred to as an "esthetic." The seam lines on the body, make up, and eyes can be modified if the owner so chooses to do so. A doll can be customized by removing the factory make up and reapplying make up to create a truly unique look. This is referred to as a "face-up."
Acrylic paint and watercolor pencils are used to paint fine details, whereas pastels are used for shaded areas. Oil pastels should never be used for face-ups, however. And when selecting pastels, one should inquire as to if oil is has been used as a binding agent. Rubbing the pastel between one's fingertips is a good gage into how much oil has been used. There are a variety of tools that can be used for face ups that can be purchased directly through your favorite doll manufacturer or at your local art supply store.
Watercolor Pencils
These are used for drawing fine details such as eyelashes, individual hairs on eyebrows, and fine details such as shine lines on lips. Since color application can be light, repeated application may be necessary.
Pastels
Ideal for shading, light application to the eyes and cheeks can create a soft effect. These can also be used for eyebrows and to apply lip color.
Acrylic Paints
An alternative to watercolor pastels, acrylic paint can be used for painting fine details such as eyelashes and eyebrow hairs. Acrylic paint can also be used to paint lipcolor.
Make Pen/Eyebrow Pen
A pen used to draw eyebrows. This can be used instead of or in addition to watercolor pencils, pastels, and acyrlic paint.
Mr Super Clear (MSC) Matte
This is used to seal face-ups. This is very volatile, so use this in a well ventilated area away from open flames and heat sources. Multiple applications may be applied to a single face up.
Zoukei Mura Finishing Spray, UV Cut
An alternative to MSC, this can also be used to seal face ups. This is very volatile, so use this in a well ventilated area away from open flames and heat sources.
Zoukei Mura Cast Clean Spray
Used to remove oils, dirt and residue from the surface of your doll. It is applied to the surface of the doll and let to sit for five minutes before being wiped off with a tissue. It can damage or remove face ups so the head should be removed from the body prior to use. This is very volatile, so use this in a well ventilated area away from open flames and heat sources.
Ceramic Knife
This tool is used to even out seam lines. While not sharp enough to cut skin, it will cut resin so exercise extreme care when using this tool.
Eye Beveling Tool
When eyes do not fit well in the eye socket, this tool can be used to sand the eye socket to achieve a shape that can accomodate the eyes to fit better
Acetone
Acetone can be utilized to remove a faceup and any residue from sealants. However, there have been reports that acetone can dissolve or "melt" resin so it is advised to rinse the resin with water soon after its use. It is very volatile, so use in a well ventilated area away from open flames or heat sources. If concerned about the potential to damage resin, an alternative paint remover such as Mr. Paint Remover should be used.
Mr. Paint Remover
Like acetone, this is used to remove face ups. Volks recommends this product for use on its dolls. It is very volatile, so use in a well ventilated area away from open flames or heat sources.