FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Emily Hart
What do I need to get
started?
To get started making dolls you
will need(for the wet cleaning) :
wet scrubbers, comfy scrubs, feather knives, a ball tool, clean-up brushes, wire
stylus, a loop tool, set of lady finger tools, triangle shaped cleaners for holes in bodies
etc., stone eyesizers, and a flannel cloth.
(for painting):-china paints, glycerine or oil mediums, as many good quality brushes as
you can afford. The better the brushes, the better the results.
Are there books or videos available to learning how to make porcelain dolls?
Books and videos are available from numerous sources, ususally advertised in such doll
periodicals such as The Doll Artisan, Doll Crafter, Dollmaking, Guidebreif,
etc.
Where do I get
supplies?Seeley's, Bell, Virginia
Lavorgna, Rola Joyce, CDW.
Pouring:
Do I need to strain the slip
before using it?
Mix and strain the slip through a double layer of tulle. Allow air bubbles to rise to the
surface by tapping the jug until no more bubbles rise to the surface. (this could take 15
minutes) Be patient, it is worth it not to have pinholes later
Does it matter how fast I
pour the slip in?
Pour the slip slowly into the
center of the hole for most molds, some pieces may need to be tipped to prevent pour
lines
How thick should the
greenware be?
The greenware should be as thick as a nickel for most medium heads, but thicker for
large pieces, and if you know the doll will be for a child to play with, it is a good idea to
make the pieces extra thick for added strength
How long do I let the slip
stay in the mold before pouring out the excess?
Each piece is different--get to
know your molds. It is also dependant on the humidity of the air, and the temperature of
the room. Guage the thickness by the pour hole
How long do I let the molds
drain before I can open them?
Again it is depending on how warm the room is and the humidity--test the spare around
the pour hole to see if it is still too soft.
Do I have to do anything to
the greenware before I let it dry?
Cut out all the holes in the body
parts, use a plastic straw to open the eye-holes in heads that will require eyes
inserted.
Pierce ears with a needle tool. Cut out the tops of the heads where needed. Insert
nichrome wire in small dolls limbs.
Cleaning:
Can I clean the seams while it is still wet?
Seams can be cleaned with a damp sponge as soon as the pieces are removed from the
molds.
How long does the greenware need to dry before I can clean it?
Until thoroghly dry--usually one to two days.
How do I clean greenware?
You need a video or a teacher here!
What is SFGW?
Greenware that has been fired in a kiln to cone 020, 019, or 018
How do I clean SFGW?
Immerse the piece in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes, and clean using appropriate tools,
scrubbers, brushes, and polish with a flannel cloth.
What is the advantage of SFGW vs Greenware?
No toxic dust!
Firing:
What are cones and witness cones?
Pyrometric cones are designed to bend inside a kiln when a certain temperature is
reached. Small cones will sit in the kiln sitter and bend to turn off the kiln at the
appropriate temperature, and Witness cones sit on the shelves and bend to let one know
at what temperature the firing actually reached. Arranging Witness cones in various parts
of the kiln may tell you if you have cooler of hotter parts of your kiln.
What cone do I use for a bisque fire?
I use cone 7 in the sitter for some porcelains, and cone 6 for darker colors---this is for
Seeley Slip. The slip you use should tell you what temperature to fire at. Kilns are all a
little different. One kiln may need a different cone in the sitter to reach the same
temperature as another. Use the witness cones to help you determine which ones to use in
the sitter. Experiment on an empty kiln if you do not know for sure.
What cone do I use for a china paint fire?
Depends again on the colors--Overall washes may be fired at 017 or 018, but reds will
turn brown if they are fired at too high a temperature. Try to fire reds last, and at 019.
How many times can a piece be fired?
I have not fired more than 7 times on one piece.
Can I put my pieces right on the shelf?
Make sure the shelves are washed with kiln wash. Use a separator such as silica sand or
flint for the high fire.
How do I use prop?
Prop can be used as a flat sheet under pieces, or cut into shapes to insert into body parts
to support them from sagging
during the high fire. I use blanket prop. It is wonderful under shoulderplates. draped over
a shelf support.
How do I use sand?
I use Silica sand under the pieces to be high-fired. Turn dome heads upside-down on a
pile of sand to prevent warpage.
Do I fire with the plug holes open or closed?
Always keep plug holes open for the first 2 hours of a high fire to let gases escape to
prevent spots in the porcelain.
For the china fire keep the plug holes out and the lid proped for the first half hour.
How long does a bisque or china paint fire take?
How long before I can open the kiln after a fire?
After the bisque fire ends keep the kiln closed at least 7 to 10 hours. If the lid is raised
too soon you will most definitely have cracked pieces! Make sure you do not fire in a
drafty place!Painting Questions 1) What is the difference between water and oil based
paints?
Water based paints are the same as oil based paints--it is the medium that is different. For
water based use glycerine and for oil based, use the oil mediums.2) What is a
wash?
A wash is paint applied over an entire piece.3) How do you apply a wash?
I apply the wash with a doll sponge available from Seeley's4) What does "condition the
greenware" mean
I believe you mean applying the area medium to the piece before you apply the wash.
5) What are line and area mediums and their purposes?
Line medium is generally used to paint when you wish a distinct edge or line to the
paint.
Area medium is generally used when an overall wash or cheek blush or eye shadow is
done--when you wish the paint to fade out, or spread out over a large area. I myself prefer
to use Seeley's Ultra fine line medium for all applications.
6) Do you put area medium all over the bisque?
Only the areas to be painted.
7) What is DDP?
Dimensional Doll Painting technique is a particular procedure to paint lovely eyes with
great depth, and also shading the doll's features.
Also a couple more on cleaning: 1) What is the difference between "wet" and "dry"
methods
Wet is when the ware has been soft-fired, and you are immersing in water.
Dry is when the ware is not soft-fired.
2) What do I clean with?
Wet scrubbers, comfy scrubs, other cleaning tools as outlined above.3) If I keep making
dolls, will my house EVER be clean again??!! :o )There is absolutely no time for
housecleaning once you have been bitten by the dollmaking bug!and one more on firing:
What cones do I use to soft fire?
Soft fire at cones 019 or 018--depends on how carefull you are! If you tend to have a
heavy hand you need stronger soft-fired ware
More info on pouring greenware
porcelaindollmakers@yahoo.com
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