Super Dollfie FAQ
Putting together an FAQ of sorts mostly dealing with Volks old resin dolls, in case anyone else was looking for the information. If something is "pureskin only", it'll be noted.
They are fully customizable if you would prefer different eyes or wig for your doll, and they can even be repainted if the original paint is removed. If you wish to do further work on them (repainting, for example, or sanding down seam lines), you'll have to take them apart. It's not that difficult.
"Pureskin" has been phased in since 2003. It's lighter and more matte than old resin.
There isn't much of a colour difference between the two, so it's feasible to put an old resin head on a pureskin body (and vice-versa).
Things have changed in recent years, but the original approach at Volks was that all dolls should be customized to their owner's preferences. Most owners shy away from that lately, but it's fun. Do it if you like.
The base coat should be either Flat or UV-Flat, depending on what you can get. I like to apply two base coats for good coverage. Finger- and toe-nails, lips, and a touch around the eyes of Gloss or Semi-Gloss will add realism.
Always use protective googles and a suitably rated respirator when spraying; this stuff is toxic. A "coffee-filter" dust mask is not sufficient; don't even try it.
Eyes on a factory-standard doll are usually held in with putty or hot glued. Putty needs to be chiseled out (tedious!). Hot glue can be pried out with a blunt knife. Apply either low heat or cold can sometimes help with the glue removal. Once they're out, switch in the new eyes, position them to your liking, and re-secure them. You can use some soft putty or eye-setting wax to hold them in.
As for what eyes, there's quite a variety to choose from. Some owners like glass, others prefer acrylic or urethane. It's up to you. With a little shopping around, you should be able to find something that will suit your doll.
What are these dolls?
Super Dollfies are made by the Volks company in Japan. They are individually cast in resin and are fully articulated with ball-joints to be easily posed. Their body structure is based on that of the antique European-style ball-jointed dolls.What size are they?
They are 1/3 scale. There are currently nine sizes of doll available:- Rei-tenshi (10cm tall)
- Sei-tenshi (20cm tall)
- Yo Super Dollfie and Yo-tenshi (26cm tall)
- Mini Super Dollfie (43cm tall)
- Super Dollfie Cute (44cm tall)
- Super Dollfie (56cm tall)
- Super Dollfie 13 (60cm tall)
- Super Dollfie 16 (64cm tall)
- Super Dollfie 17 (66cm tall)
Are these kits?
Most of them come "half-assembled" (put their wigs on their heads). Bodies are assembled and painted, and eyes will be in place. Certain Super Dollfies are limited; those will usually come with a special outfit.They are fully customizable if you would prefer different eyes or wig for your doll, and they can even be repainted if the original paint is removed. If you wish to do further work on them (repainting, for example, or sanding down seam lines), you'll have to take them apart. It's not that difficult.
What is the difference between "old resin" and "pureskin"?
"Old resin" is what was used for the first Super Dollfies created. It's heavier and harder to modify than pureskin."Pureskin" has been phased in since 2003. It's lighter and more matte than old resin.
There isn't much of a colour difference between the two, so it's feasible to put an old resin head on a pureskin body (and vice-versa).
What skin tones are available?
Old resin options ~- "Normal" (ノーマル): a peach colour
- "Beauty White" (美白): a white colour with a yellowish cast
- "Normal": a peachy colour
- "Snow": a white colour with a pinkish cast
- "Sunlight": a warm tanned colour
- "Ebony": darker than Sunlight; limited skintone
What are some things that can be done to customize my doll?
Sanding, sueding, repainting, coating, changing eyes and wig, swapping in optional parts. Any of these things (generally termed "esthetics") will make the doll more uniquely "yours".Things have changed in recent years, but the original approach at Volks was that all dolls should be customized to their owner's preferences. Most owners shy away from that lately, but it's fun. Do it if you like.
What should I coat my doll with?
Volks recommends a product called "Mr Super Clear" (Mr Hobby brand). It's a spray-on resin sealant and comes in a few varieties: Flat, UV-Flat, Semi-Gloss, and Gloss.The base coat should be either Flat or UV-Flat, depending on what you can get. I like to apply two base coats for good coverage. Finger- and toe-nails, lips, and a touch around the eyes of Gloss or Semi-Gloss will add realism.
Always use protective googles and a suitably rated respirator when spraying; this stuff is toxic. A "coffee-filter" dust mask is not sufficient; don't even try it.
How do I change the eyes and what eyes are best?
The first order of business is to open the head. Remove the doll's wig, and you should see a seam line around the head. Pop that open (a blunt knife or other tool may be necessary, depending on how tightly the doll is strung).Eyes on a factory-standard doll are usually held in with putty or hot glued. Putty needs to be chiseled out (tedious!). Hot glue can be pried out with a blunt knife. Apply either low heat or cold can sometimes help with the glue removal. Once they're out, switch in the new eyes, position them to your liking, and re-secure them. You can use some soft putty or eye-setting wax to hold them in.
As for what eyes, there's quite a variety to choose from. Some owners like glass, others prefer acrylic or urethane. It's up to you. With a little shopping around, you should be able to find something that will suit your doll.
Super Dollfie links
- Volks Japan
- Volks USA
- Angelden.net: Fantastic Volks reference site.
Super Dollfie on ebay
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