First faceup, issues with sealant :( (Ramcube Din)

Hmm, I think if you're going to use non-spray sealants, its best to invest in an airbrush. Any sealant that's brushed on by hand will wipe off the current layer of pastels/watercolor. Or just use a spray can sealant so you don't have to use a brush to seal anything. Remember to use a ventilation mask!

 

I understand! I've been saving forever for an airbrush/compressor. Maybe try a light sponge instead of a brush? Perhaps you'll have more success with it!

 

You don’t need an expensive airbrush to seal a faceup, actually. If you’re not going to be doing it often or as a side gig (having a faceup shop) you can get by with an inexpensive one to work on your own dolls when needed.

I use an airbrush in the $60 range for sealing. I’d never use my expensive one with sealant. You’ll see many faceup artists running more expensive ones because some of them shade with it and it requires a higher end model to achieve the best results. For sealing, however, you don’t need a $200+ airbrush. I know $60 can still be pricey for many budgets, but I’ve friends who use the least expensive ones with success. Perhaps they get replacement guns every year (which adds up in the long run but it worth it on a lower budget if you just want to practice a bit.) Small compressors run at about $60, though I do have a friend who uses canned air for her sealing due to not being able to run a compressor in her living space.

If you aspire to have a shop, a basic setup will get you far enough where commissions could later finance a more expensive set up. As for the sealant, I personally prefer Vallejo (for airbrush) but really you shouldn’t have a problem with your current one so long as you shoot it through an airbrush.

There really aren’t “non-toxic” alternatives in a spray can sadly. Just remember though, if you do get an airbrush, you’ll need to use a respirator just the same! Nontoxic doesn’t mean you should be breathing in the particles. So do protect yourself if you save for one.

 

I use Liquitex as well. But it's not the Medium that's a sealant (it's for tooth or something like that), it's the Varnish. My application method involves a makeup sponge, the tiniest amount of sealant each time, and shaking the bottle every time I pour, as the main agent is in suspension and it will be shiny otherwise. I use watercolor pencils and pastels andI haven't had a problem.

 

Citadel's purity seal )now called Munitorum) or Mr Super Clear UV are both good options! I've used both and Citadel's new formula is supposed to be pretty good for BJDs and its a lot easier to find.

Munitorum Varnish | Games Workshop Webstore

Mr%20Super%20Clear%20UV%20Cut%20Flat

Sorry if these links are to the wrong local ( I am UK based)

 

Not sealant advice, but those eyebrows you've done are fantastic. My one piece of advice would be to go a little lighter on the pink blushing, unless that's what you're going for. Are you sure that's your first faceup?? It's really well done!

 

First of all for your first bjd faceup it looks great, my first eyebrows didn't look half as good
As others have mentioned you want the Liquitex matte varnish not medium, the medium will help if you shave pastels and mix them into a little bit of it to create a pastel coloured paint, that's how I do my freckles and make them semi opaque.
I have had issues with liquitex varnish peeling when exposed to moisture so be sure to keep it safe and dry! I unfortunately had to learn that the hard way and wipe my first faceup because of it