Purple Wash

Katheran writes about her experience
with RIT dye and vinyl:

I personally prefer the liquid/ or dry, Rit dying process to the acrylic wash process...I tried that, and NO WAY, for me...I didn't like the results at all...

I have found, that the HOT dye method really has to be watched. I mix ( LEVEL to SCANT ) 1/2 teaspoon of DRY Rit dye, to about 30 + Cups of very hot water....I have found the hotter the water ( not boiling ) the quicker the dye will 'take'...regardless of the body part being washed. I use a clamp on the outer flange to hold while dipping....I also use a kitchen timer....

I fill the inside first with the mixed dye solution, using a measuring cup, I also have a wet sponge handy for any accidental outside drips..I time the inside for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, tops, dump out the dye, rinse, and appraise the colour. You can repeat the process, just DECREASE the time...I do to 5 to 10 second increments.

NOT ALL BERENGUER DOLL STYLES, TAKE "HOT" DYING AT THE SAME RATE, SOME ARE MUCH QUICKER TO 'TAKE' THAN OTHERS...

For "preemies" I usually give them a 'higher" skin colour...so will, when satisfied with the inner colour, I will CAREFULLY dip the outer skin, being careful, NOT TO GET ANY MORE DYE ONE THE INSIDE...again the long handled clamp helps...I swish the body part GENTLY, in the deep bucket, being careful not to hit bottom, as you can get nasty little dots, from any undisolved dye at the bottom if your not careful, and it will not BLEACH out ! < GRRR> I do this to a count of 5 to 10 SECOND intervals,on any 'outer dips', rinse well, and check in-between further dips...I have found that 'usually' no more than 2 rounds of dipping are required for getting my desired 'look' on a preemie....

The pre-mixed Rit dye method, takes much longer to achieve, but works well...I have found the over all colour to be not as 'intense' as the hot wash method....I have not tried heating it, or diluting , just have used it full strength, on the inside...and the HOT method on the outside...

I prefer, using a 'quality' make-up for blushing as opposed to stencilling creams, which I find difficult to apply, I don't really care for the results...

One last note, on glue....I have found an excellent glue, it is made by ELMER....I have not affixed a wig with it, but have used it on the inside of my dolls, as I prefer to hand root either HH, or Mohair....It is , ELMER'S EPOXY GLUE... ( I contacted the company web page, www.elmers.com )not harmful to vinyl, no acetone, dries quickly, after mixed, usually with in 10 minutes, so I mix small batches, and work quickly, I use an artists trowel to apply, to the inside of the head...clean-up is nail polish remover...it cures with in 24 hours...so far, so good !