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Reagan · Member

how to bake?

Faye · Member

Hi Reagan,

I can't help you with any info about the drying gun because I baked my baby in the oven (doesn't that sound horrible?!) blankstare

If you're using Genesis heat-set paint, the oven settings are 265F (130C) for 8 mins (that's 8 mins each time you bake a new paint layer). You should do a swab test after each baking - just take a wet cotton swab and rub it over an area of paint that you've just baked. If it comes away clean your paint is set, but if there's paint on the swab you need to bake the parts for a little longer (I do it for another two mins then test again). This is a Secrist tip BTW... and I'm so glad I learnt it before making my first reborn, because a couple of times there WAS paint on the wet cotton swab after my first baking (my oven thermometer wasn't working properly)!

Hope this helps

Blessings,

Faye

Buffington · Guru

If you are referring to a hair dryer, then no. It's not hot enough. But you can use your heat gun (not an embossing gun). You must be careful using it though as it can melt your vinyl if not used properly. Most people I know only use it for touch-ups or nails, lips, brows, etc; you know, the little stuff that's not worth a full bake.

But mostly people either use their household oven or counter-top oven (not a toaster oven). If you use any vinyl other than Secrist or Apple Valley, we cannot guarantee it is safe or non-toxic in the oven. I do other kits besides the 2 I mentioned and don't dare do them in my food oven. I take my counter-top oven outside and bake there.

Reagan · Member

Thanks for the info. I am sure I will have lots more questions! And maybe one day, some of the answers. Have a great day, Thanks again.

debdolls · Member

Just my two cents from my own experience. I use my regular oven for all the dolls I do. The only ones I've had trouble with strong fumes are the older dolls (like Berjusa -- whew! What a stench! I put that baby away for summer when I can use my convection oven outside). Most of the kits made specifically for reborning aren't too bad smell-wise (I don't know if the fumes are toxic or not -- it depends on where the kits/vinyl were made). The heat gun is too iffy to do an all over set - you could easily miss a spot. I only use mine for minor details or small changes I might make at the last minute. Also, different kits have different thicknesses, so they might not take as long to heat up to the required setting temperature, so it's best to keep an eye on it until you know how long is long enough.

Whatever oven you decide to use, don't forget to set the parts in a shallow pan that is lined with either polyfil or a fire-retardent dish towel or cloth - and don't let the vinyl touch the hot pan or you can melt it. I've had a head roll over and touch an edge -- gruesome as that sounds biggrin

Hope this helps

shakyhandsme · Senior Member

I prefer the heat gun that I got from Genisis Paints. I use the oven for sculpting or resculpting but love using the gun for the paints. I find it easier to make sure all of my surfaces get dry and can control the way I work, how I apply the coats, and make sure that nothing from the oven interfere with my paint. But, that is just one woman's opinion.

Pat C.

Buffington · Guru

See, everyone has their own way. I'm sure in time that you will see what is best for you.

The main reason "I" don't bake any kits/dolls other than Secrist/Apple Valley in my home/food oven is not just because of the smell, it's mainly because of toxic fumes from the others. cry

The majority of the kits/dolls out there do give off toxic fumes if you bake them. Secrist vinyl is non toxic and they state that right on their website! I don't see ANY other manufacturers doing that!!!

Matter of fact I have an e-mail from one company who completely skirted around the question of toxicity and sent a whole page of worthless information. They would not say if their kits are toxic or not. I call that guilt by omission! IMHO. Legally they can't say they are non toxic if they are not! weirdface

But I don't want to take any chance with mine or my families health.
But do whatever you are comfortable with. smile

And that's my 2 cents worth biggrin

Reagan · Member

This is Reagan, I just wanted to say thanks again! I can't get over how everyone makes you feel 'welcome' to the group. It's nice to know there are still nice people in this world!

Buffington · Guru

We wouldn't keep this forum if everyone wasn't nice and helpful. biggrin

It really makes a difference doesn't it? Everyone willing to help without sniping and freely giving of their tricks, hints, and even saying what didn't work! Pretty cool I say!

Reagan · Member

This is Reagan, I have another question. Someone said something about placing a fire - retardent dish towel in the pan to place the doll parts on. Where would I find one of these?
I have looked at local stores, but they don't say if the towel can be placed in the oven. Any tips? Thank - you!

debdolls · Member

You could try the dishtowels that are with the oven mitts (in pretty much any store that carries that type of thing). If you can't find one that specifically says fire-retardent, you can also use a receiving blanket that is fire retardent (you can cut it down if it's too big). Those that are fire-retardent should say so on the label. :)

Reagan · Member

I had not thought of using a blanket. But it's true, alot are fire retardent! Thanks for that idea.
I am happy to get any hints I can.

shakyhandsme · Senior Member

Hey, me again. I don't like putting towels or anything like that in the oven, I bake clay in there, so I use parchment paper. You can find it in your baking isle of the store near the tin foil and wax paper. It is made to be used in the oven. I'm hoping you are from the U.S. because I forgot again what it is called in europe. biggrin
Good luck!!
Pat C.

Buffington · Guru

I too use parchment paper (I think it's called "pastry paper" in Europe). Yes, it's great cause you don't have to worry if something will happen to it in the oven.

Some have also said to use a nice bed of polyfil. But whatever you use, don't leave it unattended!

Reagan · Member

Do you lay the parchment paper flat? Isn't the idea to keep the doll parts from touching the hot pan? I would guess you would have to use many sheets of it, for it to be thick enough.
Thanks, for the info. I am from the U.S.A, a small town down south! Reagan

shakyhandsme · Senior Member

Reagan,
Just lay them on a single sheet of parchment paper. You don't want them touching your baking sheet because you don't want to pick up something from the sheet and you don't want the paint to end up baked on your sheet.

No one that I know of has invented a limb holder that can be used in the oven... at least not that I've heard of.
It's okay, give the paper a try and see how it works for you.
Pat C.

Buffington · Guru

I take a peice twice as large as my pan and fold it in half so it's a double layer. Yes, even though it seems thin, it really works! confused

And it does keep it away from the metal of your pan. Besides Genesis is not supposed to be mixed in metal containers (and not baked touching metal). I have been using parchment paper to bake mine for over 4 years. I love it! And there's just something about vinyl touching hot metal that makes it melt and stick AND get shiny! idea

Reagan · Member

This is Reagan, I have painted and baked my first baby. She did, I must say come out better than I thought! But, now I have more ????? All the reborn/newborners I read about, talk about "the many many layers" that they use. I am a bit lost, as the video only says to do things one time. Should I, on my next baby paint and bake more than once? Well, again any thoughts are most helpful!!!!

Have a great night!!

Kilcannon star · Member

Hi Reagon .
You should bake your baby between each layer of painting . Do one layer of paint , bake and then do the next layer of paint until your finished . I do know on some kits you have to be careful as too much baking can cause the vinyl to go shiny .
Hope this helps ..
Sarah ...

Reagan · Member

This is Reagan again, I don't think I made my question understood. What I was asking was:
should you paint one layer, then bake that layer and then repeat the same layer? Would this give the baby a better, 'more real' look? Once again thanks!!!

Kilcannon star · Member

Sorry Reagan ..
I have just finished my first reborn and i only did one layer of each apart from the mottling , i did that a few times just to make it stand out a little better .
1, internal purple wash
2, veining
3. base skin layer .
4, blush layer .
5, two tone skin layer .
6, mottling , eyebrows and lips .
7, i added another mottling layer
8, glazing .
I know other reborners will have there own way of doing it and possibly do things a different way round . It,s just personal preference .
I bought a practice limb and that helped me no end as i tried all my techniques on that first to see what it came out like .
Hope this helps .. Sarah ...

Zweers · Veteran Member

Reagan,..
As long as you bake each layer of genesis paint you will be OK,..Just make sure your layers are very transulante ,..you can always add a little more paint later on wink

Danielle

-- Edited by Zweers at 16:50, 2008-05-08

-- Edited by Zweers at 17:02, 2008-05-08

Reagan · Member

Thanks for the info. Like I have said before, everything helps!

Thanks again, Reagan

LovesDolls · Guru

I don't recommend using a heat gun because you aren't likely to get your paint evenly set. The heat guns are really for artists who use the Genesis Heat set paints in a more traditional way (painting on canvas). I've known so many people who have gone through multiple guns, melted dolls, had paint peel, etc. because of them. I guess they also burn out fast.

If you are concerned about fumes get an oven for outside. An oven will heat the paint and set it the best.

I purchased a white cotton terry dish towel and lay it on my baking sheet. It works beautifully.

-- Edited by LovesDolls at 02:00, 2008-05-09

Date: May 29, 2008

I would like to know that temperature and time I put in the oven a kit silicone.tkans

Buffington · Guru

Silicone is not intended to go into the oven, nor are you supposed to use the Genesis paints on them. They need silicone paints. The other paints won't work, or will work for a short time and then not be good any longer.

If you are intent to put your silicone in the oven all I can say is that our vinyl goes into the oven (using Genesis Heat Set paints) at 265 degrees ferenheit for 8 minutes (10 minutes for the internal purple wash). If you use the celeius scale then its still 8 minutes but at 130 degrees celcius (10 for internal wash).

Hope this helps

Date: May 30, 2008

I have seen several reborn silicone by Ebay and various pages painted with Genesis. I have doubts because I bought a silicone mold and not to do with him: (

Cuisle · Veteran Member

I have found out that the Elly Knoops kits are safe for use with Genesis Heat Set Paints and for baking in the oven. That is good news for me - so I went ahead with my Hanna kit. All went well.

Buffington · Guru

Ya, it's just the straight silicone (solid or hollow) that you need silicone paints for.

Date: Jun 12, 2008

How about the new plastic baking sheet. It is non stick, and has come down in price here. I have a friend that uses it in her oven all the time to bake on and it just wipes clean and doesn,t go out of shape.

Buffington · Guru

You are welcome to try whatever you like. I haven't heard of "plastic" bakewear. I have a silicone bread pan. But that's all wibbley (like Jello) even before it goes in the oven. Obviously I don't use it for bread lol.

Pawcat73 · Member

What is a table top oven? I am looking for a solution since I cannot get my oven to give me a good temperature and I am not willing to ruin my doll because of a malfunctioning oven. I know a toaster oven isn't the solution due to the way it heats up. It would totally melt the doll. Does anyone have a link of a table top oven that would be ok to use?

Pawcat73 · Member

Would something like this work...

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-FC150BR-Speed-Cooking-Countertop/dp/B000NCRYPE/ref=sr_1_78?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1225127811&sr=1-78

or this...

http://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Housewares-AST-900E-AeroMatic-Convection/dp/B0002AZ062/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1225127912&sr=1-11

This is so frustrating. I just wish I could get my oven at home to preform properly. /sigh

Buffington · Guru

No no no... those items are all wrong!
Here is what will work the best:

http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-31199R-Counter-Rotisserie/dp/B000EWJLEU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1225662426&sr=1-1

this is the one I have:

http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-31197R-Countertop-Convection/dp/B0002HDWNS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1225662426&sr=1-3

Doesn't have to be that brand but it does have to be the same type oven. And you are right! A toaster oven just will not work!

Willa · Member

What a great Idea. I never thought of a countertop Oven. I use my oven and just to be make absolute sure of the temp. I stick the oven thermometer for Genesis paints in oven. I'm the type to check and then check again before doing something. I have now learned to allow extra time for this in my life. But it has worked. Different brands of ovens, the age of the oven how often it used it makes a difference. It's worth getting.

Buffington · Guru

Yes! I just LOVE mine to peices!!! I could never do the babies I do (other than Secrist) because of the toxicity issue. And if I have toxic bubs I have to bake I just unplug the tabletop oven and bring it outside and cook them there! :)

catriona1 · Newbie

Hi, I'm new here. Just started reborning. I bought a counter top oven after reading here and have yet to bake the dolls in there as every time I try to get the oven to reach 265 degrees, my towels (100% cotton/flame retardent) or polyfill get scorched after 5 minutes or so. When I use the same stuff in my regular oven, everything is fine. Its not that the oven is too hot, as it hasn't even reached 265 degrees yet and I have the oven thermometer in there.

I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. I set it to bake. I've taken a few ovens back and tried different brands, but the same thing happens every time. I'm so frustrated and feel I'm probably doing something stupid to make it happen, but I can't figure out what.

Anyone else had this problem?

Mary

Buffington · Guru

Hmmmm? That sounds really strange. I have never encountered that before. Maybe someone else will come along that has had something similar. Sorry :(

Cuisle · Veteran Member

That hot oven problem - could it be the old coconut - Farenheit versus Celsius - I started out with that burning problem.

Cuisle · Veteran Member

I've used some Elly Knoops kits by now - they are so sticky, aren't they? I prefer the Secrist vinyl - the Petunia is my current favourite - such a lovely baby.

Buffington · Guru

I like Petunia too! She's adorable. Glad you like her. :)

loblolly · Newbie

What about this? It's a large convection toaster oven. Why are toaster ovens bad?
http://www.epinions.com/content_319106879108

Date: Feb 18, 2009

Hi there,

I 'm about to purchase the hamilton beach convection oven model 31197R.
What is the difference between that one and the one you said was better, model 31199R?

Thanks for your help!

Kim

Buffington · Guru

Loblolly and Kim,
I'm doing some checking and will get back to you with my answers shortly. I'm looking for more information on the ovens you mentioned.

catriona1 · Newbie

I had a really hard time with counter top ovens....tried a lot of different ones but each time I had trouble with scorching. I finally bought an 18qt turkey roaster and its worked really well. Just something else to think about. I got mine at Walmart for $29.99.

Mary

Buffington · Guru

I'm glad that worked for you but Secrist does not recommend this for their vinyl.
As far as scorching... that is "usually" a problem with any type of toaster/convection oven. These are also not recommended, mostly because of scorching/heating issues.

Date: Feb 27, 2009

do you lay the limbs down? what about the head? wiil the paint that is touching the towel get cured too?

Buffington · Guru

First of all I use a double layer of parchment/pastry paper to line the bottom of my cookie sheet. Then I set the head upright on the neck flange. I do lay the limbs down if they are longer than the 1/4 limbs (those I also set on the flange upright). Yes, the paint on the bottom gets cured also. But I don't use/trust a towel in my oven so thus the parchment. I can bake it about 10 times or more before I have to get new.

loblolly · Newbie

So how do I know if the paint is cured? Someone said to use a wet q-tip, I assume you wet it with thinner? What if a little paint comes off? How long should I re-bake it?

Buffington · Guru

Take your cotton tipped applicator and wet with water. Gently rub a few areas looking each time at the cotton to see if there is any color coming off. If there is your paint is not thoroughly cured. If no paint comes off, not even a little hint or smidge of paint, then you are good to go :)