Difference between revisions of "Face-up"

Revision as of 02:13, 13 March 2010

Face-Up - The application of varied mediums to a doll's facial surface area(s), in part or in whole, to create varied aesthetic effects. To enhance facial features; To create a different appearance from the original face. Also been known to be referred as "make-up or makeup" by some or spelled as "faceup" without the dash. Sometimes the words are separated, but are usually spelt together depending on the person.

Faceups are what gives the doll it's main looks and personality. Even with the same sculpt, a faceup can dramatically change the look and mood of the doll. Some faceups are natural looking while others are more dramatic. Most companies offer faceups as an option, usually a default look or, in some cases, a customized look is offered, as well. Prices will vary from each company and individual artists, including whether the custom version would cost more than the default. Many mediums are used to create a faceup which includes (but not limited to) pastels, acrylic paints, sealants, varnish, etc. Generally the more pricier brands of art mediums produce the best results, as they are higher pigmented and create smoother, well blended colors. Much of the same mediums used for faceups are also used for body blushing. Many doll owners also choose to do their own faceups. One thing that is commonly mentioned is that mediums that have an oil base are not to be used, as it stains the resin. Mediums that are water soluble or water based are highly recommended. Below are lists of suggestions to help along and are subject for additions and adjustments.

Faceup Do's & Don'ts

Do

• Use water based or water soluble mediums
• Use a proper sealant
• Keep your hands as clean as possible throughout the process or wear gloves (smudges can be really problematic)
• Use proper safety gears and procedures when handling materials that gives off a fume or dust
• Use proper or recommended solutions for faceup removal
• Keep tools properly clean (and in some cases, keep them clean while doing the faceup)
• Practice, practice :D

Don't

• Use oil based mediums
• Use nail polish
• Use real makeup made for humans
• Dip or submerge the doll's head in the solution meant to remove faceups (especially for long periods of time)

List of mediums and their recommended brands

• Pastels - Rembrandt,
• Acrylic Paints - Liquitex,
• Sealants - Mr Super Clear Matte (UV preferred), Testors Dull Coat,
• Airbrush paints - Badger,
• Watercolors (blocks, pencils and paints) - PrismaColor,
• Varnish (gloss, matte, satin) - Liquitex,
• Eyelashes - (can be the kind for dolls or humans, may require cutting them down)
• Glue (for eyelashes) - Elmer's Glue, Super Glue,

List of tools w/suggestions

• Paint brushes - a decent range/variety of good brushes to apply paints and pastels, sables for the big fluffy brushes, nylon for medium sizes, and natural for smaller sizes (or whichever that works for you)
• Pastel grater - To grate the pastel sticks into powder, or you can use a little kitchen mesh sieve used for only this purpose and do the same thing. Some would just scribble on papers, but this can actually be somewhat wasteful.
• Q-tips - the regular kind or the kind used for makeup (with a pointy end and a round flat end). The later is great for detailing or removing faceups in small crevasses.
• Airbrush kit - any basic kits will do as long as you know how to work them.
• Any containers to hold water to rinse the brushes.
• Any preferred surfaces to hold paints, although small paint trays are suggested.
• Brush cleaner detergent - many brands have this type of cleanser made to clean brushes specifically. Soap and water can be used, but does not keep the brushes conditioned or properly break down dried paints without some damage to the bristles.

List of Suppliers

• Micheal's Craft Store [1]
• Hobby Lobby [2]
• Mini World [3]
• VolksUSA [4]