How to Make Doll Parts
- 1). Examine the doll part which is to be duplicated. Clean the surface of the doll part to avoid any small cracks or blemishes from appearing in the reproduction.
- 2). Mount the parts to be copied in such a way that the liquid rubber can be brushed over the complete surface. Leave a small opening from which the object to be cast is removed and through which the plaster is poured to reproduce the parts. A cookie sheet is a suitable surface on which to mount the parts.
- 3). Mount the doll parts in a vertical position on the cookie sheet using a small piece of Plasticine clay as the mounting base. Mold the Plasticine into a small circular form in the size that will enable you to remove the doll part from the mold.
- 4). Space the doll parts in such a way that all sides of each part can be reached with a brush. Place them 5 to 6 inches apart so that a mounting flange can be constructed.
- 5). Apply a thin coat of liquid rubber so that the surface is smooth. Start at the top of the doll part and work downward. Continue to apply the liquid rubber beyond the base of the doll part and onto the cookie sheet for a distance of 1.5 inches on all sides. This will provide a mounting flange for the doll part being reproduced.
- 6). Brush on the liquid rubber by applying successive thin coats, allowing each coat to dry before the next coat is added. Brush all the bubbles away as the coats of rubber are applied. Brush on a minimum of eight coats of liquid rubber to make a mold that can be used multiple times.
- 7). Decrease the drying time by providing an electric fan to blow across the surface of the molds. Determine whether the mold is dry by touching the surface before brushing on next coat.
- 8). Reinforce the mold if the part being caste is large, like a doll head. Apply cheesecloth or a similar loose weave fabric in strips after three or four coats of rubber. Apply additional coats of rubber over the cloth.
- 9). Peel the mold away from the original doll part after all the coats of rubber have dried. Remove the original part like removing a glove: gently peel away the mold taking care not to tear or rip the mold, as the material is still "green."
- 10
Cure the mold by placing it in an oven at 180 degrees Fahrenheit for about one hour with the oven door slightly open. Curing will increase the strength of the rubber. - 11
Mount the molds in a position for pouring the plaster. Cut a hole with a craft knife in a heavy piece of cardboard or foam core board that is the size of the largest diameter of the mold except on the mounting rim. Insert the mold into the hole; the mounting flange will rest on top of the cardboard. A number of molds can be mounted like this on one cardboard. - 12
Prepare the Plaster of Paris per package directions. Mix thoroughly and stir in such a way that no bubbles are formed; bubbles will form pits in the reproduced doll part. - 13
Repair any imperfections in the reproduced doll part by filling in pits or holes with plaster mix and a spatula. Sand any rough areas. - 14
Paint doll part as desired. Use China-finish paint to imitate kiln-fired chinaware.