Maintenance How to remove a face-up: materials and techniques

Just seconding what KakuraChan said. I've used W&N on resin many many times without incident, but definitely be careful about getting it on other plastics.

There are different types of plastic. Thermoplastics and Thermosets, I think they're called. (Though don't quote me on that). Resin is the kind that will not melt down and cannot be remolded once it sets. Vinyl is the kind that can be melted and re-formed. I'm pretty sure all the plastics I've had issues with are of the melty variety.

(I had a messy incident involving those inexpensive "10 for $1" plastic paintbrushes and some W&N, as well as the vinyl covering on my card table that I use as a workbench).

 

We can't get this in the UK though.

 

Yeah, it's funny that. I ordered some big bottles from Dick Blick - it goes quite a long way and was worth it with the shipping for convenient faceup removal.

It's nice to use because it's non-toxic and quite gentle on the skin. Wouldn't leave a head soaking for too long, but then you shouldn't need to as it eats through faceups and MSC pretty quickly.

 

Hmmnn yeah, might have to give Dick Blick a look at. Do you have an available link at hand?

 

Here is the link:

http://www.dickblick.com/zz057/06/

 

Thankies katie.

 

I second this. The faceup comes off very fast. For the tough spots, like around the mouth, I'll use a soft toothbrush. Works like a charm.

 

Hmmm.... anyone in Australia, mostly Sydney, know where on earth you can get Windsor and Newton brush cleaner? I've tried a number of art supply stores and they never have it. I've tried both Methylated Spirits and Tamiya paint thinner (I think that's what I have) and while they do both work, I'm having a terrrrrrible time getting paint out of the little nicks and crannies on my boy's face

 

@Mahou-Koneko It might be that it's not available in shops in Australia? I live in the U.K, and we can't get it here, unfortunately! Have you tried looking through internet art supply stores? Perhaps you might be able to import some...? Good luck!

 

It seems to me like rubbing alcohol would dry the resin out if you leave a head in it to soak, and you might get cracking. It dries human skin out, anyway.

 

Ah, thanks kateb I shall start an online hunt for the Windsor and Newton brush cleaner, as I keep hearing good things about it Thanks again!

 

A word of caution to the wise, about ACETONE, especially those considering removing make up from white skinned dolls:

I just wanted to let you know, that obviously, as it has been stated here, acetone damages your doll. What it does is it causes a specific kind of 'advanced yellowing' to happen, and on Normal skinned dolls, this can't be seen as well, but on white skinned dolls, it is VERY apparent.

The first time I redid Phir's face up (a snowskin Volks Kohya, old version), the acetone, although I removed it as quickly as possible, did drip around the dolls face and head and, although I washed it off, left some noticeable to the eye yellowing. Each time I used acetone, it did this. It is coverable with white blushing over the area (I use chalk pastels) and afterwards, you can't tell it ever happened, but that is a pain in the ass to do all the time, so I am letting you guys know (If it hasn't been mentioned) and am saving you guys alot of time and effort. When my girlfriend used acetone, also, on her DoD Too, the same thing happened (so it is unversal accross resins) although it was much, much harder to see.

Use rubbing alchohol. Save your white skinned beauties. Do not yellow them faster than they will be yellowed.

 

A word of caution to the wise, about ACETONE, especially those considering removing make up from white skinned dolls:

I just wanted to let you know, that obviously, as it has been stated here, acetone damages your doll. What it does is it causes a specific kind of 'advanced yellowing' to happen, and on Normal skinned dolls, this can't be seen as well, but on white skinned dolls, it is VERY apparent.

The first time I redid Phir's face up (a snowskin Volks Kohya, old version), the acetone, although I removed it as quickly as possible, did drip around the dolls face and head and, although I washed it off, left some noticeable to the eye yellowing. Each time I used acetone, it did this. It is coverable with white blushing over the area (I use chalk pastels) and afterwards, you can't tell it ever happened, but that is a pain in the ass to do all the time, so I am letting you guys know (If it hasn't been mentioned) and am saving you guys alot of time and effort. When my girlfriend used acetone, also, on her DoD Too, the same thing happened (so it is unversal accross resins) although it was much, much harder to see.

Use rubbing alchohol. Save your white skinned beauties. Do not yellow them faster than they will be yellowed.

It doesn't do that. Human skin and resin are made of different compounds. When rubbing alchohol is used on human skin, our skin produces oils naturally to keep the skin healthy and safe from outwards contaminants like dirt and dust (through pores), and it is that which is soaked up by the alchohol, creating a dry skin effect. Resin has no pores, no 'oils', (save for the paint being removed from the resin surface) and will not effect the resin itself, of your doll, whereas, as I just stated, acetone causes effects on the resin itself, as it is meant to break things down and is corosive. So, you needn't worry. The achohol is perfectly safe, and in light of the problems with acetone, I would highly recommend it, also, if you are going to remove a face-up yourself.

 

It's odd you had that problem, Splynterhayde, I use acetone on all my white dolls (the only non-acetone nail polish remover I have is pink tinted, so I won't use it on a white doll) and have never had a problem with yellowing. In fact, it usually makes them much whiter. Maybe it's the brand of acetone or something? Or the age of it?

 

I'm totally not sure, but both my girlfriend and I used different bottles of acetone on our dolls.

I'm not saying you didn't have a problem, but both of us definately did. It's enough to make one worry, anyway. The next time I re-do my doll, I will take pictures, explaining and showing what I did, and for how long.

Either way, I'd still use alchohol, just to be safe.

edit:

Asides from that, i'd still recommend it, because after using both chemicals, acetone requires alot more work to use, and the rubbing alchohol just took the paint clean off with little work.

 

So I removed my girl's old faceup using alcohol & magic eraser (and frankly a lot of gently "chipping" away what I assume was acrylic paint). I then used Testor's Dullcote (I know some people say it's evil, but it is what I have) and decided to wipe that off to start again.

Well, after I wiped my faceup off there were areas of white residue which I assume is leftover sealant. So how do I get rid of it? I tried using the alcohol & magic eraser again & even scrubbed lightly with a plastic srubby pad, but when her head dried it was still there. Is it safe to try soaking her head in the alcohol? And if so how long? Any tips for getting rid of it are much appreciated!!

 

So... as much as I love the default Limho Mono face-up... I think it's time for my lovely boy to become a bit more boyish~ ^ ^; But I have a huge huge huge fear of his resin changing color when I clean it ;~;

I had a bad experience with that with a tan Bobobie and it made em even more cautious with him. So for anyone that's every cleaned a tan Limhwa doll, what did you use and did it 'white' them out at all? Thanks!

 

Bump, because I have a tan half elf coming home.

 

From what I hear, the best thing to use is that Volks cleaning spray.

 

So it doesn't 'bleach' out the tan? That's my main concern.

 

I have a heavily tattooed tan limho mono and I've never had any issues with stripping the paint from him causing bleaching. I use alcohol and just scrub using a cotton bud till it comes off. To be honest, I have more issues with the MSC making him appear ashy than the paint removal!

 

Yea MSC will create that cloud effect. Whatever you do make sure you have a soft towel and a bowl of water nearby. Oh yea, get some Q-Tips and a tothbrush for those crevices.

 

I just know my bobobie bleached out when I did and it worried me... Thanks for the advice/opinions though!

 

I am going to be doing my first face up soon and i was just wondering the best thing to use to remove her current face up?
it was done with chalk pastles, watercolour pencils, acrylic paint on the eyes & pva glue on the eyelashes and face decoration. it was fixed using mr super clear flat uv cut.

also, would it be possible to remove the eyelashes and then reattach them after the face is done?

thanks for your help

~hellcat272

 

There's stickies on how to remove faceups.

The eyelashes, I think if you took them off VERY carefully, then it shouldn't be any problem to reuse them. It would probably help to loosen the glue a bit with water.

 

http://www.denofangels.com/forums/showthread.php?t=248590

Its possible to remove eyelashes with a pair of tweezers and have them keep relatively intact. You have to be careful though.

 

ah brilliant! thank you

 

Acetone-free nail varnish remover works a treat on all my face-up removing and jsut soe cotton balls to get it off with. no damage to the resin or risk of damage and not hadanything stain as of yet (^^ ) try and avoid coloured stuff try get close to clear colour if possible.

 

For something cheep, Acetone-free nail polish remover. It'll take awhile, but it works well with no damage to the doll.

Please Note: Anything with acetone may not show damage, but it will cause your doll to be brittle. Considering that dolls love to fall while you are posing them... well... I would personally like the Resin on my doll's face to be a strong as it can be.
​

For something fast, Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner. I simply coat the face with it. Wait a few seconds, and everything simply cleans off smoothly with the next whip. It has a lot less fumes and only takes a little bit to get an entire face-up off.

Please Note: This suff will eat anything acrylic. I had some on my hands, and then typed on my computer... and it at at the keyboard. Also. I used a wash cloth to get the liquid off my doll, and then left the cloth on my table... The liquid ate the varnish off my table.
​

A helpful tip - Dipping a Mr. Super Clean Sponge in either of these liquids, then whipping the face-up off with it, will do wonders. For small places like ears, mouth creases, and noses - I use a pointy q-tips and toothpicks. I also use an old toothbrush...

★★★ My favorite site that shows you how to remove a face-up is here.

 

Anyone ever tried "denatured alcohol"? It was the only "alcohol" I could find at the hardware store (I was looking for 99% isopropyl). I'm a little timid, just because it's got a word on it I don't understand! I'm going to wiki it, I think, and maybe try it to see what happens.

 

I've never used it, but if you're wary, try going to the pharmacy section of the drugstore. They should sell your 99%.

Also, from what I know, soaking your doll's head in alchohol won't hurt it. . It's just alchohol.

 

Hey guys~ ♥
I'm having a lot of trouble removing paint and some blushing from smaller crevices. I don't know if it's just me and having trouble with it but...

Like in between my boy's lips I'm having great trouble removing the lip crease... Same thing when cleaning out his ears.... D:

 

ChiyoMiwa, I had exactly the same problem with my girl's lips (and the creases of her eyelids too). What are you using as solvent? I ended up just scrubbing it to death with an old toothbrush until most of it came off, then saying to heck with it and painting over the bits that were left :P Hopefully soaking in alcohol will make it easier.

Also, apparently the "denatured" bit means that the alcohol has been rendered toxic so they can sell it without it being taxed all to heck or checking ID, lol. To do this, they've added methane (methanol/methyl alcohol), and I have no idea what that will do to resin. Might try soaking her headcap in it for a minute or two to see what happens (I'm far too risky for my girl's comfort, lol!).

Edit: I'm a dork; methanol isn't methane, methane (for one thing) is a gas and has nothing to do with methanol It's just another type of alcohol. I'm much less concerned, now, as I'm pretty sure it won't hurt her at all. Still gonna try on the headcap, though.

 

Okay, another question that I know has been covered before but no matter which method I use that has been suggested, it still doesn't work!

Okay, this is actually since I blushed my boys feet, not a face-up, but it's the same basic principle in that as I'm trying to remove it, I just can't get all the coloring out from between his toes! (as I said, same problem as those tiny creases in the mouth or eyes) The blushing came out a bit darker than I had anticipated, and despite cleaning it with W&N, Magic Sponge, scraping with a pin, and a toothpick AND the fine bristles of a paintbrush, I just simply cannot get all the coloring out. It's rather horrible since it looks like he doesn't clean his toes and since it's a bit dark, using a lighter color over it won't conceal it

Not exactly the way I was hoping for my first blushing job to turn out, but if there are ANY other methods to clean out those itsy bitsy tiny creases, I am really all ears.

 

InkyBear: Did you try a toothbrush soaked in alcohol? I found that that got nearly all of the gunk out of her lips for my girl. Get a soft bristle brush and it should be able to get all that toe jam out with a little elbow grease

 

Yeah, the alcohol soaking idea is sounding pretty good to me at the moment. Definitely trying that the next time I wipe Maddy's face (which will be after I get my friend to take pictures with her awesome camera). From what I hear, it seems to loosen the paint right up, so even if you used chalk for your blushing, an alcohol bath would probably help loosen the sealant enough to get it off with a toothbrush.

 

Ah, well I can't seem to find the alchohol I bought for this exact purpose, but I did use Windsor&Newton brush cleaner with the toothbrush and it worked great! There's only a tiny bit left now stuck between the really far in creases, but it's definately MUCH lighther than it was before. I had thought using the stiff paintbrush would have had the same effect, but nope, the toothbrush was so much better. Thank you!

 

Before you read: I have read and reread the stickies here... but everyone says something different, so please help me out...


Hi there,
Today i went out and bought everything I need to do a face up on my girl... however I couldn't find the right non acetone clear non oil nail polish remover(ANYWHERE). What I did find were:

Equate non-acetone pads
and
Cutex non-acetone pads

They both have caster oil in them, is that okay?
The pads are tinted pink which makes me nervous... is this okay as well?
Also the color yellow number 11, I read to stay away from yellow#5... is 11 okay?

They also has a fragrances...
I'm so confused.

Someone... please advise!

 

no, no, no do not use them. the oil and the color will damage your doll's resin. you don't have to have nail polish remover to do a face up. all you need to clean the head is a Mr Clean magic eraser. and if you need something a bit stronger, you can try clear rubbing alcohol, or if you can get to an art/craft store, i highly recommend Winsor&Newton acrylic brush cleaner and restorer. i never use nail polish remover.

 

Got it. Thank you so much for your quick reply.
Also! Is the alternative to MSC that dullcoat product?

Edit: I also already have a box of MCME, should I put water on them?

 

Yes, Testors Dullcoat can be used in place of MSC. And, the face-up will probably not come off if the eraser is dry, so wet it with water or rubbing alcohol (if you can find it).

 

Thank you very much for your help!! /bow

 

I used surgical spirit (which is just a mixture of ethanol and methanol) to clean off my doll's faceup the other day, it worked fairly well and doesn't seem to have harmed the resin at all. It's available at most chemists in the UK, so this might be a help for those who can't get hold of W&N brush cleaner.
I obviously can't say it won't damage any resin, because I've only tried it on one doll, but testing out of the headcap first should be fine.

 

I just (as in, about 10 minutes ago) removed my first faceup. I used 91% rubbing alcohol and a child's toothbrush (very small and very soft) and it was AMAZINGLY easy to remove it. I also used a Magic Eraser to remove the painted fingernails as they were painted and glossed thickly in acrylics. I went over every part of the body with the alcohol and toothbrush, then dropped it into water and then did it one more time. Then I washed them with Dawn dishwashing soap and water, then put them under running water for about 5 seconds each piece. They came out beautifully clean and even. I don't anticipate any complications, and it was CHEAP. $1.50 for alcohol, $1.50 for the toothbrush, $2.00 for Magic Erasers, $1.00 for Dawn, and $5.00 for gloves. This assumes you have absolutely nothing you need to remove it. Only $11.00 for a full faceup removal kit!

Note: My faceup was done with soft pastels, watercolor pencils, and acrylics and sealed with MSC. So, this kit I used is applicable to such faceups.

 

If the product your using is taking a lot of work then it is most definitely NOT pure acetone... If you have a look at my sticky on the three most common solvents used for removing face-ups - Brush-cleaner, Alcohol and Acetone you can read all the ins and outs of the actuall product as well as what the chemicals are...

True pure Acetone will wipe clean through to bare resin 5-6 layers of MSC plus acrylic paint of with ONE wipe, leaves no-reside whatsoever, and has been tested for safety on the resins listed in my sticky and will-not cause your doll to dissolve into a sticky gooey mess in-spite of popular myth.... the list was compiled through tests and trials on each type of resin with the help of my tech teacher from college where I was studying.

 

No m'dear, do not use anything with Castor Oil in it - Castor oil is an emoliient used to counter-act allergic skin reactions and so making the polish-remover pads more gentle on the skin.... however this is not good for resin As a side note it is also used as a laxative so dont get it in your mouth LOL!!

Ask at a pharmacy for rubbing alcohol. It is not as effective as ethyl acohol or isopropyl alcohol but will still sucessfully remove the face up and sealant without doing any damage to your doll with a litte bit of elbow grease. It is always better to go with a an alcohol based product if you are unsire about an acetone based one... using the wrong type of acetone product with fragrances or colours can damage the resin whereas with alcohol based products you just have to work a bit harder to get it off....

 

Hi,

I just got a new doll and i'm sending her out to get a face-up done. I want to try and save a bit of money by taking her face-up my self. I don't want to use acid, that sounds really bad. The only thing I've ever done to my one doll is paint her nails. So I'm a bit hesitant to be doing things to dolls. But I am willing to try this. So how to, step by step, would be very nice. Thanks
Julie

 

There's a Sticky all about face-up removal here. ^^

 

I only have one bit of advice.
Stay away from Mr. Color Thinner; it works like a charm but inhale it for only a short amount of time and you've done some damage to yourself, like I did end of last year whilst cleaning a head

Took months to get better and even now I'm still sensitive to fumes of any kind :/

 

I've heard of others sanding it off. I don't recommend this if your doll is tan, and it certainly may scratch up your doll if you don't use the right texture of sandpaper.

 

.....Don't sand a faceup off, there is no reason to even attempt sanding a doll unless the coloring and sealant hasnt come off with other cleaning methods.

 

Put some Winsor & Newton brush cleaner on a cotton ball and scrub a bit. Rinse. Repeat. If there are stubborn spots try the brush cleaner on a Magic Eraser. I personally gently use a soft baby toothbrush on crevices like lips, but be careful of scratching. It's pretty easy.

 

Mr. Clean magic eraser. Use as directed :3 Also, non-acetone nailpolish remover works for tough spots.

 

Ok .-. after to have cried like a baby because the face up I did to my doll ( Leo DZ ) is a mess, I need to remove it è.é the eyeslashes turn awful as the eyebrows, everything else is perfect and that's why I feel so bad and angry !

But now I'm hyper confused, I have nail polish remover but with acetone, can I use it or no ?! I can't use isopropyl alcohol, it looks like I can't buy it in France, well it looks like it is reseverd for industries T-T from the infos I found.

Please someone can help me about nail polish acetone ? .-. Leo is yellow normal skin .-.

 

Most people suggest staying away from acetone-based things, since it seems like a bit of a chance to take. Some people have had bad things happen, others have been fine. I'd suggest trying to find non-acetone nail-polish remover. You have to scrub a little bit, however, there's no chance of hurting the resin that way Oh, and stay away from the coloured nail-polish removers - like blue, or green or red... since the colour might stain... I have a very pale yellow one I use, because I couldn't find clear...

I hope that helps you

 

Mahou-Koneko

Thank you for the help I will try to resist to the need to remove that bad face up now lol and visit shop to find nail polish without acetone.

 

Right, I'm going to be doing my first faceup over the next couple of weeks and no doubt I'll be taking it off and redoing it many a time. So I've got clear, acetone free nail polish remover.

Firstly, what do I use to to apply the remover with? Q-tips and cotton wool pads?

Secondly, I've read that I need to wash the head in 'warm soapy water' every so often so the nail polish remover doesn't affect the resin. What sort of soap do I use for the soapy water, I've read hand soaps (possibly too oily?) and I've read dishwasher soaps (can stain?). If yet to either of these then which and what should / shouldn't it contain.

All this for a floating head that's never going to have a body but I don't want to ruin, gorgeous, expensive resin.

Also anything else faceupy I need to know then it would be appreciated.
xx

 

If you look on ebay, you can get 5litres of 99% Rubbing Alcohol for about £15 inc postage.
(Thats a bloody good price, compared to what I paid last yr...I paid £6 inc postage for 250mls!!!!)
A Magic Eraser will help, LOADS! Should be able to get them from somewhere that does JML products.

I'd Use makeup pads and a soft toothbrush(to get into crevices) to clean the face.
You could fill a bowl with the Alcohol and put the head in it.
Leave it for a few hours..The paints/pastels & MSC should lift right off.


About the soap,
I actually used Fairy Liquid... It didn't do anything harming to what I can see.

 

You know, all throughout my life I've seen JML products and now I can't, for the life of me think where I would find some. So rubbing alcohol is safe, do you know how it compares the non-acetone, colourless nail polish remover? I guess there'd be less scrubbing involved with the alcohol!

Okay I'll get fairy liquid too.
This is scary, first face up woo!

 

Woolworths. Asda. JML site , Poundstretcher possibly?
I think I've seen some MagicEraser equivalents in Poundland
Ermm....You should be able to get them all over the place
Check the MagicEraser StickyThread . .. I'm sure there is a list of places in the UK where you can buy them...

I wouldn't know about the Nail Polish remover.
Sorry >_< I'd rather play safe with the alcohol