Last Updated on September 16, 2022
Applying matte varnish to a reborn doll is a relatively easy process and the technique is self-explanatory. Simply use a paintbrush and apply a thin coat of the varnish. Many inexperienced reborn artists brush on blobs of varnish without a thinned consistency and end up with a large mess. To avoid this problem, follow the tips below.
Heat reborn doll parts in the oven
Using a convection oven is a great way to apply Genesis Matte Varnish. Before applying the varnish to the parts of the doll, lay the limbs out flat and protect them with old newspapers. Then, place the parts of the doll in the oven. Allow the parts to set for at least one hour before cleaning. The matte varnish will become more visible after the heat and setting process is complete.
If you are applying paint to the parts of your reborn doll, you should use your favorite brand of paint. Older styles of reborning used oil and acrylic paints. Many paints require specific palettes so it is a good idea to prepare the area with an old towel. You may also use a reborning oven to dry the paint. Afterward, use a brush or sponge to apply the paint to the parts.
Once you have completed coloring the parts, you should apply a layer of Genesis Heat Set Matte Varnish to seal the paint and protect it from drying out in the oven. This will give your doll a much more realistic skin tone, as well as protection against humidity and high temperatures. However, it’s important to note that this process can take several weeks to complete. For this reason, it is advisable to do the coloring as early as possible so that the paint has a chance to set properly.
Brush GMV into the area around the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, fingers, toes, creases and folds
Once the base color is completed, the next step is to apply the matte varnish to the reborn doll’s face. This process is easy and self-explanatory. First, brush the matte varnish into the skin of the reborn doll using a paintbrush. Remember to keep the application as thin as possible. Inexperienced artists often brush on blobs of varnish. However, this does not have to be the case, and with a small brush, you can create a large effect without using a lot of thinner.
Once the face is painted, add details such as the hair, if applicable. Reborn doll hair is especially important, as it will be visible from far distances. Once these details are completed, you can apply the eyeshadow and lipstick. You can also use any paint or texture you like.
Brush GMV into the area around the lips
The application of matte varnish on reborn dolls is relatively straightforward. The technique is the same as applying regular varnish to a reborn baby, only this time you use a paintbrush. The key is to apply the matte varnish as thinly as possible. It is common for inexperienced artists to just brush on large blobs of varnish without giving the lips and area around the lips enough coverage.
The application of matte varnish is crucial in creating realistic skin for your reborn doll. Though the varnish isn’t absolutely necessary in the reborning process, it will give your reborn a more natural skin tone that is less glossy than the original. After completing the application, you can then proceed to the next step – painting the reborn. For this step, you should lay out all of the limbs of your doll on a piece of paper to contain the mess.
After applying the reborn paint, you can add details by rubbing the product onto the skin. You can also use it to tone down the pink or green vinyl. It can also be used to add moisture to lips and nose. It can also be used on finished reborn dolls to restore a dewier complexion. The technique can be repeated to add detail and color to your reborn doll’s eyes and lips.
Brush GMV into the area around the chin
Getting a matte finish for your reborn doll is a simple process if you know how to do it properly. When you’re starting out, you can try the Genesis Matte Varnish to get the look you want. But, if you’re not sure how to do this, read on for some helpful tips. First, you must remember that babies have a softer surface than painted reborns. So, you need to use a thin application of matte varnish to make sure your reborn doll is as smooth as possible.
Apply GMV to the skin area in small sections, approximately six inches apart, starting at the chin. Do not forget the area around the ears. You can use a stir stick to soften the GMV on these areas. To make them appear more realistic, you can also use a small dark gray paint sponge-brush, found in the craft section at Walmart or any hardware store.
Brush GMV into the area around the ears
To create realistic hairlines, you should first apply the foundational color and then color the ears and chin. To achieve this look, mix the basic foundational color with red, green, yellow, or brown tones to create a natural skin tone. This process can take up to 36 hours. Once this step is complete, brush matte varnish into the area around the ears and chin of the reborn doll.
Once the matte varnish has set, you will want to work it into areas that are not visible. You can use cosmetic wedges to make the varnish even and a hard-bristle paintbrush to reach areas that are difficult to reach. Using the wedges is also a good idea to prevent the varnish from hardening, as dust or pieces of fabric can settle into the matte varnish coat. It’s best to replace the wedges with new ones when they become saturated.
Next, paint the reborn doll with your favorite brand of paint. Many reborn artists prefer Genesis heat-set paints, which do not need baking in between layers. You should also choose paints with a matte finish, since they will last longer on your reborn doll. It is also a good idea to prepare a clean old towel before you start painting the reborn doll.
Brush GMV into the area around the fingers
Applying matte varnish to a reborn doll is a fairly self-explanatory process. You simply use a paintbrush and apply it thinly, making sure to avoid brush strokes. A blob of varnish can look very messy, so brush as thinly as possible. There is no need to use thinner. Inexperienced artists tend to brush on thick blobs of varnish.
Once the base color is applied, brush the reborn paint over the area around the fingernails. If the reborn doll has fingernails, you can apply GMV over them to give them a realistic look. For a skin tone, apply the paint on the doll’s fingers first, followed by the lips, toes, and nose. You can tone down the pink or green vinyl with GMV if necessary, but do not forget the nose and lips.
Apply the matte varnish around the reborn doll’s fingers by using a small brush. This will prevent the skin from being too dry. Afterward, place the doll in a convection oven to set the gloss. Before starting the application, make sure to lay the doll’s limbs out on a table. Old newspaper is handy for containing the mess. If you don’t have a convection oven, consider using an old sheet of paper.
About The Author
Zeph Grant is a music fanatic. He loves all types of genres and can often be found discussing the latest album releases with friends. Zeph is also a hardcore content creator, always working on new projects in his spare time. He's an amateur food nerd, and loves knowing all sorts of random facts about food. When it comes to coffee, he's something of an expert - he knows all the best places to get a good cup of joe in town.