The instructions are suitable for late 19th–mid 20th century composite and papier-mâché heads

STEP 1. Surface preparation

Dust removal

• Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth.
• No water, alcohol, or soap.

Degreasing

• Use only 70% isopropyl alcohol or 50-70% ethyl alcohol.
• Work quickly with a cotton swab, without soaking the substrate.
• Do not touch the painted areas.

Damage assessment

• Cracks (hairlines).
• Chips and dents.
• Lifting or delaminating layers.
• Areas where the composite is crumbling.

STEP 2. Preparing hide glue

Classic conservators’ recipe for composite:

• Granulated hide (animal) glue – 1 part
• Water – 2 parts (for thinner work you can use 1:3)

Preparation:

• Pour the granules into a glass jar.
• Add water and leave to swell for 30-40 minutes.
• Heat in a water bath to 55-60°C.
• Do not boil: the glue loses its properties.
• Keep warm in a bath of hot water.

STEP 3. Filling dents and material losses

Filler based on hide glue (conservation-grade):

• 1 part warm hide glue
• 3-4 parts fine wood flour or whiting (chalk)

How to make it:

• Add the filler into the warm glue, bringing it to a paste-like consistency.
• Fill the dent with a spatula or silicone tool.
• Shape the surface immediately – once dry it is harder to work.
• Dry for 24 hours.
• Sand with fine abrasive paper 600–1200 grit or Micromesh.

STEP 4. Sealing the surface with shellac

Shellac is a traditional coating for old composite dolls.

Solution:

• 10%: 10 g shellac in 100 ml 96% alcohol.
• For very thin coats, a 5% solution is sometimes used.

Application:

• Use a fine natural-hair brush or a cotton pad/tampon.
• Apply a very thin coat.
• Allow to dry for 1-2 hours.
• If needed, apply 2-3 coats with light sanding in between (Micromesh 4000-6000).
• Do not sand the final coat.

STEP 5. Toning and retouching (if needed)

• For old dolls, use dry pigments with shellac, or watercolor/gouache over the shellac layer.
• Tone very delicately to avoid creating “fresh” looking patches.
• Fix the color with a final thin layer of shellac.

STEP 6. Final polishing

• 24-48 hours after the last shellac coat, lightly go over the surface with Micromesh 8000-12000 or a soft cloth.
• Work gently, without pressure, just to reduce dullness.

STEP 7. Drying and stabilization

Do not place near radiators and do not use a hairdryer for heating.

Full curing takes 3-5 days.