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beegirl_01 · Veteran Member

Questions about painting

Buffington · Guru

Here is how I teach my students (I am Secrist Factory certified) and I tell them that this is a place to start, that they may find another way that works for them once they know the basics:

Matte Varnish: I only use it when and IF there is shine! Some people use it no matter what but I say less is more. You may want to invest in a larger jar if you are going to do more dolls. But first see if you need it at all.

Apply method/amount: All Genesis products are "thixatropic" meaning they are thick in the jar and need to be stirred to make them smooth and creamy. This will also allow you to use less product. When using the matte varnish, apply as thin a layer as possible, do not mix with thinners.
Use a sponge and pounce it onto your peice.

I teach using both thinning mediums. For lips, brows, and nails I use the Geneisi thinning medium with my paint. This gives you thin coverage without loosing your color, or getting any runs, drips, or any paint dots left in lip creases (the premixed lip color already contains thinner so don't add more). For the base color, mottling, blush, and creasing colors I use the low odor thinner.

Now, others may have their own way of doing this but remember, I am Secrist certified and this is the way I teach... advanced classes may contain different options but for non-advanced people, this is what we are taught to teach.

One final note: if you do not have the Beginner Classroom training DVD I highly suggest you get it! :)

-- Edited by Buffington at 16:32, 2008-06-30

LovesDolls · Guru

Genesis thinning medium for nails, lips, and brows. Odorless thinner for blushing. Somewhere I read that if you use the thinning medium for flesh it won't get chalky but so far I've not had success with that. Pretty much what Buffington described.

I had the experience with the Zoe & Missy sculpts of them becoming shiny after I rooted them. So I had to add the matte varnish then. That is why I now use it on all my dolls as a last layer. Your petite jar should last you quite a few dolls. I use very little. IMO, it is really only needed on the face. I don't think anyone is going to notice shine on arms and legs. I use the make up sponge and pick some up out of the jar (no thinning) and pounce lightly on the face, particularly nose, forehead, cheeks and chin!

beegirl_01 · Veteran Member

Thanks Pat and Loves! That information is really helpful. I will wait and see if I have trouble with shine and I will follow those instructions about thinning my paint. Now if only baby would get here...LOL I am so excited to get started. biggrin

-- Edited by beegirl_01 at 16:39, 2008-06-30

Buffington · Guru

You're welcome! :)

Date: Jul 10, 2008

Buffington wrote:

You're welcome! :)

Hi there, I am new to reborning, and have been researching 'til my eyes turn inside out! lol! I would like some info on the heating technique when painting the layers?
Do you use your own oven or something? Ijust can't seem to find any info about it. would appreciate some help :) Thanks

Buffington · Guru

Dinkydi wrote:
...some info on the heating technique when painting the layers?
Do you use your own oven or something? Ijust can't seem to find any info about it.

We do have all that information in our DVDs: http://www.secristdolls.com/inc/sdetail/696
http://www.secristdolls.com/inc/sdetail/29044
http://www.secristdolls.com/inc/sdetail/2736

IF you are using Secrist or Apple Valley vinyl kits, they are non-toxic and you can put them in your home oven. Also Genesis says you can do the same with their paints (thus the paints suggestion for our vinyl). They must be oven/heat cured at 265F (130C) for a minimum of 8 minutes (internal wash is 10 minutes). Remove and completely cool (paint will grab too fast if parts are not cool).
You can also use a countertop oven if you don't want to use your home oven
(ex: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4012129 or something similar). I have one similar to this one and it's fabulous for baking my baby parts! I can fit an entire 22" doll in there all at once! You don't have to get it at walmart (I didn't). They are available in lots of stores.
DO NOT use a toaster oven, they are not the same.

Hope this helps you out, but I really would suggest our dvds if you don't already have them.

One note: there are a lot of doll kits out there (and dolls too) that when you bake them, the fumes ARE TOXIC!!! Secrist is the only doll manufacturer that states in writing right on the site that their vinyl is NON-TOXIC!
I do take my countertop oven outside if I do any kits other than Secrist or AV.

-- Edited by Buffington at 18:00, 2008-07-10