Removing Paint

Goof Off or Acetone

Latex gloves

Painters Mask

Toothbrush or Stiff Bristled Brush

Glass bowl

Paper Towels

Cottonballs

Please read carefully before using Acetone.

Acetone is Potentially Very Dangerous to use!

I prefer to remove the painted on hair for a more professional looking baby, even if I'm going to use a wig. You can choose to do it either way.

To remove the factory paint, use either Acetone or Goof Off.

Goof Off is much less toxic, and easier for beginners to use.

It costs a little more, but it's worth it, and it will help you avoid many problem that acetone can cause.

I just want to share both products and you can choose.

They are both readily available at all hardware stores.

Acetone

Before you open the can or ever use acetone, you need to take a few precautions for your health.

Always suit up to protect your lungs and hands.

You'll need either a good painting mask and always use it outside in a well ventilated area.

Acetone is highly flammable.

The kitchen stove or a water heater can cause it to explode.

Please read the label warning on the can before use decide to use it.

For a home hobby and an occasional Reborn for your own pleasure, you might just want to go with GOOF OFF.

Acetone Can Cause Vinyl Damage

I am trying to address all the dangers I can think of because you will be reading on the Internet that others "never" recommend using Acetone.

I want you to know as much as you can about these products and that if you know what you are doing they will do a good job for you. Acetone cuts your paint removal job in half, but you must be careful. This is what I have been using for 20 years and I have never ruined a baby with it yet.

Improper use can cause the vinyl to turn shiny and deteriorate.

Leaving traces of glue on dolls that have glued on hair, will also cause the vinyl to look shiny.

Make sure all trace of glue are removed.

Please read all warnings and labels on the cans before using.

If it takes you more than 5 minutes to get the hair paint off, you will want to wash the head and start over again.

You do not want any lingering contact with the acetone.

When you have the paint completely removed, wash it with hot soap and water, rinse well and dry.

Anything that is strong enough to get the factory paint off a doll should be considered dangerous.

Don't use it unless you take the appropriate precautions, and feel confident enough to avoid the dangers.

It is better to be overly cautious in this case.

Never use it indoors, especially in the kitchen near the stove.

Never leave it in the reach of children or pets.

In a jar it looks like water, so make sure it is labeled.

Ingesting acetone will cause death.

Let Begin Removing The Paint

For The Face

Use a small amount of acetone on a cotton ball.

Wipe off the factory paint from the hands, feet, cheeks, nails, lips, and brows.

Be gentle with a soft touch and not overly aggressive.

The Hair

Use a glass bowl large enough to hold the head and catch the used Acetone or Goof Off.

Use a larger bowl than I am in the photo, especially in the beginning to avoid spill and drips on your work space.

Hold the head upside down and using an old stiff brush or toothbrush, begin by letting the remover run downward over the painted on hair, away from the face.

Scrubbing carefully as you go.

Don't let the remover drip down on the face.

It will cause streaks.

You are now just removing the painted on hair.

Both are done as separate jobs.

It is essential you avoid any drips and running on the face at this time.

The dark paints from the hair will want to stain anything it touches.

Scrub gently with the brush, to avoid spattering the cleaner.

The toothbrush works great, but acetone will melt it, so you will probably only get one use out of it.

When you have removed most of the paint

Take an old cloth or paper toweling dipped in the remover, and scrub and clean off any traces that might remain.

Make sure there is no paint or glue left behind.

Remove the factory wax or sealant

Do not use this method for silicone vinyl mix dolls

Most vinyl dolls have some kind of wax sealant which must be removed in order for the Reborning color techniques to work properly.

While we describe it as a warm sudsy bath, it is actually a little more vigorous and intense.

Soak them in Very HOT soapy water or Baby Bath for 15 minutes.

Baby bath will give them a nice smell.

Rinse well and pat dry.

Allow them to dry completely on the inside before continuing on.

Give the pieces a final wipe down wit alcohol to remove any lingering reside.