Andrea

General:

What do I need to get started?

1) Several brushes: including a china mop, fine detail, square shader, lash brush, area brush, etc.

2) Glazed ceramic tile or glazed plate to mix pallette

3) Variety of scrubbersto clean with and a feather knife

3) A versatile mix of paints

4) Line & area mediums

5) A good source for greenware

5) A LOT of patience

Are there books or videos available to learning how to make porcelain dolls?

Yes, Check with with distributor, book stores and on the net

Where do I get supplies?

If you don't have a local distributor, go to the net. The PDMN has several members that sell and several links to the brand names

Pouring:

Do I need to strain the slip before using it?

Ys, several times, depending on how thick or lumpy it is

Does it matter how fast I pour the slip in?

Pour slowly and steadily

How thick should the greenware be?

A dime for small pieces, a nickel for larger ones

How long do I let the slip stay in the mold before pouring out the excess?

Depending on the size of the casting, 5 to 10 minutes

How long do I let the molds drain before I can open them?

About 45 minutes to an hour

Do I have to do anything to the greenware before I let it dry?

I let it sit in the open mold for a little while

I clean off excess seams

Cleaning:

Can I clean the seams while it is still wet?

How long does the greenware need to dry before I can clean it?

How do I clean greenware?

What is SFGW?

How do I clean SFGW?

What is the advantage of SFGW vs Greenware?

Firing:

What are cones and witness cones?

What cone do I use for a bisque fire?

What cone do I use for a china paint fire?

How many times can a piece be fired?

Can I put my pieces right on the shelf?

How do I use prop?

How do I use sand?

Do I fire with the plug holes open or closed?

How long does a bisque or china paint fire take?

How long before I can open the kiln after a fire?

Painting Questions

1) What is the difference between water and oil based paints?

2) What is a wash?

3) How do you apply a wash?

4) What does "condition the greenware" mean

5) What are line and area mediums and their purposes?

6) Do you put area medium all over the bisque?

7) What is DDP?

Also a couple more on cleaning:

1) What is the difference between "wet" and "dry" methods

2) What do I clean with?

3) If I keep making dolls, will my house EVER be clean again??!! :o )

No, you will never again have a clean house. Get used to it. The fun you have making dolls will far outweigh the domestic value of a home cooked meal or clean carpet. Those who love you will understand and forgive your folly. :o)

and one more on firing:

What cones do I use to soft fire?

I soft fire to cone 18

FAQ

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