Stripping manufactured paint from dolls

There are two products that I use for stripping manufacture paint from dolls:

My primary stripper is from Doll Dreams:

LDC Cleaning Lotion~see here

This lotion is non-toxic, does not harm your skin and, it smells good! It is great for removing manufactured paint and glue from Berenguer, Cititoy and other vinyl manufactured dolls. It does not remove the paint from silicone/vinyl dolls such as Ashton Drake and Masterpiece dolls (at least not very fast...it WILL if you leave it set for a while). It does remove Genesis Heat Set Paints.

The other stripper I use is 100% pure acetone (NOT finger nail polish remover! Buy Acetone at the hardware store) I use the acetone to remove the stubborn paints and glues on the Ashton Drake and Masterpiece dolls. Acetone makes the vinyl shiny so I then go over the doll again with the LDC Cleaning Lotion as the lotion leaves a nice matte finish.

I do NOT use Goof Off and neither should you! It is toxic and harmful to you and it has been known to turn many vinyls orange.

Okay, here is how you remove paint:

First, cover the area you are going to work on with a white, large kitchen trash bag. Make sure that any printing on the bag is facing down or it may end up on the vinyl of your doll. (Trust me, I know...I HAVE had this happen!).

I work in the kitchen right next to the sink as water is used to bathe the doll after the stripping process.

Gather your supplies:
cotton balls
q-tips
toothpicks
toothbrushes~you will need several as the strippers eventually ruin them
a dish for the stripper
vinyl gloves if you use Acetone
industrial strength gloves if you use Acetone
your un-assembled doll
clean sponge for washing the doll
clean toothbrush for scrubbing the doll during washing

Fill your sink basin with hot water and Dawn Dishsoap
Fill the other sink with hot, clear water

It's important to not get water in your LDC cleaning lotion or the acetone so keep your hands and area dry while working with the products.

Dip a cotton ball into the LDC cleaner and generously apply to the vinyl of your doll. (Acetone directions are listed below) I always start around the bridge of the nose and work my way out. It's important to strip ALL of the doll even if you don't see paint as there are oils and coatings on the entire doll. Change the cotton ball frequently.

Rub the cleaner to remove paints and debris. Use a toothbrush, toothpicks and q-tips to get into the creases and small areas of the doll. You must use some "elbow grease" while working with any cleaners. This rubbing helps remove anything that is on the doll.

When the head is stripped, plop it into the hot soapy basin. Continue on to the limbs paying close attention to the finger and toe nails and the creases. After each limb is stripped, plop it into the hot soapy basin as well.

Wash each vinyl part well in the hot soapy water. Use the sponge and clean toothbrush to remove the LDC cleaner. Rinse in the other basin then dry each piece with a clean towel. Turn the limbs upside down on a drying rack constructed of dowels. (A baby bottle drying rack works well for this)

If you find white remnants of the LDC cleaner when you begin to paint your "kit", just remove it with a toothpick or small brush. You do not need to wash it again.

***ACETONE USE***

All of the instructions are the same for acetone use EXCEPT that you do not apply acetone generously, in fact, your cotton ball should just be damp, not drippy and do not allow the acetone to drip down the vinyl or pool up in ears, eyes, nose, mouth, finger and toes. Acetone will eat through vinyl, especially silicone/vinyl. (Be sure to protect your skin and have moving ventilation while using acetone)

Strip your doll again using the LDC cleaner for a matte finish. (you will not need the amount of elbow grease on this final stripping)


******Tomorrow's Topic~German vs China made vinyl******

Happy Tuesday!