Faceups

     This section is about acceptable materials to use for faceups.



     Generally, there are some very basic and simple guidelines as to what is safe for resin and what isn't. Things that are safe:

• Water-based paints including watercolors and most acrylics (check the label to make sure they aren't oil-based)
• Chalk pastels (also called "soft" pastels). Again, be sure that you use chalk pastels rather than something oil-based.
• Pearl-ex shine powder is fine to use for shimmery eyeshadows and lips.
• Water-based glosses, like Tamiya
• Sealants such as Purity Seal, Mr. Super Clear, and Testor's Dullcote. 
• Watercolor pencils. If you use them, a decent pencil sharpener is very important, as lines can look grainy if the pencil becomes dull.

Unsafe materials include:

• Oil-based paints and pastels (oil will stain and possibly eat away at resin)
• Permanent marker will bleed and stain badly, and should be avoided at all costs. It will seep deep into the resin and likely will not be removable if left on a doll for long.
• Alcohol-based inks and markers (or markers and pens in general, because inks often do not like to come off once they "grab" a surface)
• Human makeup--as it often can contain oils and may stain dolls badly.
• Nail polish should never be used as gloss or paint--if you have ever worn nail polish for an extended period of time, you will notice that it discolors fingernails and turns them yellow and even orange. It can do the same to dolls.

Recommended brands:

   
          Sealants--always wear adequate protection (respirator and gloves) when using sealants, and only spray in a well-ventilated area! Most sealants used on resin BJDs will contain acetone to keep them liquid inside the can, but please note that the acetone evaporates when sprayed and will not be stuck to your doll. The sealants mentioned here aren't the only products available that are safe for resin, but they are some of the most commonly used within the BJD hobby.

     Many people swear by Mr. Super Clear flat (MSC) for doing faceups, as it gives sufficient tooth for the materials to stick to (resin can tend to be slick if unsealed) and it appears to be one of the more recommended sealants available. Be careful about weather conditions (humidity and temperature can affect the spray) and please note that enough layers of MSC have been known to "white out" faceups on darker (tan, grey, etc) dolls. MSC may not be readily available in every country, and if it has to be imported it will have to be shipped by boat. Some hobby store in the United States will carry it, but it depends on the store and their supplier. There is also a UV cut version of MSC, which claims to protect from sun damage better than regular MSC, but it is still recommended to keep dolls out of direct sunlight when possible to avoid discoloration.

     Citadel Purity Seal is a sealant produced by GameWorkshop for the painting of miniatures, but is safe to use on resin BJDs. It has a slightly glossier finish than MSC, but in my personal experience it does better on darker resin colors and doesn't "whiten out" the color of pastels as much. It generally has a smoother finish than MSC matte spray. Purity Seal can often be found in hobby stores, especially where Citadel paints and figures are sold.

     Testor's Dullcote is a spray I have no prior experience with, and it tends to have mixed reviews. Many people prefer Testor's to other sealants, and others have said that it may pick up dirt more easily than different sealants. Testor's is more widely available than MSC, and can be found at some craft stores along with hobby stores, and can be a more affordable option for new hobbyists.

     Really, many people have different opinions on what is the "best" sealant, and it may take some time to find a personal favorite to use. Each has a different purpose and has some strong points, and it's best to look around and think about what your priorities are when it comes to sealant. Krylon, however, has been known to stay tacky. It is an "acrylic" spray, rather than a "lacquer" (the others are lacquers) and has different properties compared to a lacquer. Krylon has been asked about before as a cheaper alternative, but it is generally recommended to stay far away from Krylon.