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Premier Clay BJD Finish???

Feb 21, 2013

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    1. I'm almost done making my first bjd. The book I'm going by says to mix modeling paste with gesso and acrylic paint to finish doll but its so expensive and looks grainy when brushed on. What do the rest of you use to finish your clay bjd??? Thanks!
       
      #1 Christi, Feb 21, 2013
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    2. What kind of modeling paste are you using? Liquitex modeling paste is my go-to. It isn't grainy at all and when you sand it, almost looks like porcelain. I don't mix it with gesso though-- it's fine on its own, or with a dab of acrylic paint if you want color. You can get a small tub for like $8 and it lasts forever. I should add though, that I usually dilute it A LOT (until it's the consistency of acrylic paint) and then brush it on in layers, because the stuff is too thick on its own and can obscure details.
       
      #2 saibrrmen, Feb 21, 2013
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    3. I used Liquitex also but my Yoshida book says to mix 300cc modeling paste with 50cc gesso, 150cc water, and then acrylic paint for skin tone. I followed it to a T, but when I brushed it on it made my clay have tiny bumps all over it. I thought you had to use gesso to make the paint and modeling paste adhere to the clay. So I can just use modeling paste & paint alone?
       
      #3 Christi, Feb 21, 2013
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    4. Have you tried sanding it lightly? And no gesso isn't required to make the paste stick, it does make the modeling paste more opaque when it dries though. If it's still grainy your modeling paste might just be old-- use a palette knife or a finger to crush the lumpy bits and make sure your mix is silky smooth before you paint it on.

      PS: this post is better suited to the Materials section, for future reference :)
       
      #4 saibrrmen, Feb 21, 2013
      Last edited by a moderator: Feb 21, 2013
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    5. It is sanding off but it doesn't look quite as smooth as the clay looked before I added the paste. I'm wondering if I added too much water because it did have tiny bubbles in it after I mixed it. Oh well, trial & error. I'll just add the paste next time lol.
       
      #5 Christi, Feb 21, 2013
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    6. Also, do you mix your modeling paste with water before brushing on doll? Do you use a paint brush? Thanks!
       
      #6 Christi, Feb 22, 2013
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