This hobby by far does not come cheap. Therefore you are going to want to make sure that you are using the proper items on your dolly that is safe and won’t damage it. Here are some highly recommended items for cleaning, faceups, restringing, and more!
Feel free to check out my BJD supplies lists on Amazon!
What NOT to use
When it comes to BJDs there are some items that are a definite no go.
- Anything oil based (oil pastels, actual human makeup, oil paints)
- Markers/Sharpies
- Colored non-acetone nail polish remover
- Colored/scented soaps
- Crayons
- Nail Polish
- Colored Pencils
- Lacquers/gloss that is not acrylic based
Common tools to use with BJDs
- Magic clean erasers
- forceps
- Xacto knife
- cotton balls
- paint brushes
- tooth brush
- poster putty (beige is recommended)
Supplies for cleaning a resin BJD
- Winsor and Newton brush cleaner and restorer for acrylic mediums
- Rubbing alcohol/Isopropyl alcohol (80% or higher)
- Non-Acetone polish remover (unscented and non colored)
Supplies for doing BJD faceups
- Chalk pastels
- Acrylic paint
- Watercolor pencils
- Watercolor paint
- Gloss (acrylic based)
- Sealants: Matte/clear (see article on recommended choices)
Supplies for restringing BJDs
Elastic can be found as “Bungee rope cord” when you are doing a search for it on the internet.
What you need:
- Forceps
- Elastic
- needle nose pliers
Elastic can vary from doll to doll but here are some common sizes to use. When buying chord always buy a bit more than what you think you will need, this way you don’t run short.
1/3 Or SD dolls- about 9 feet total
Standard thickness: 4 mm Feet/body, 3.5 mm hands
1/4 or MSD dolls- about 7 feet total
Standard thickness: 3.5 mm Feet/body, 3.0 mm hands
1/6 YoSD dolls- about 5 feet total
Standard thickness: 3 mm feet/body 2.5 mm hands
BJD piercings
You can use white Elmer’s glue to glue on studs or small jump rings. This is a really safe way to put on piercings.
For a more permeant solution you can dremel a hole in. Some BJD sites sell the dremel but you can find them at hardware stores too. Just make sure it is small enough for your doll. (.6mm is what is featured in this photo below)
BJD tattoos
Most artists like to paint their own tattoos on with the following supplies.
- acrylic paint
- watercolor pastels
- watercolor paints
- chalk pastels
Another option is to use acrylic based temporary tattoos.
