In this guide I will take you through the repair and restoration of a Cameo Kewpie. This guide will teach you the basics of restoring a poor condition composition doll.

What you will need to get started:

Loctite Epoxy putty

Evercoat 417

Medium and Fine sandpaper

Paint of your choice

Clear spray sealer

Stringing elastic

This Kewpie doll by Cameo had seen much better days. The head was literally held together with tape. It also had missing pieces. The first step with restoration is stabilizing the head from the inside with loctite epoxy putty. Each crack on the inside was covered. Work fast! The epoxy putty sets in 3 minutes. Work in small areas at a time. When complete, the tape can be removed and the cracks filled from the outside.

The missing pieces were sculpted with putty, the head was sanded, and the cracks filled with Evercoat 417. Evercoat 417 is used in the autobody industry. The fumes are toxic, as is the dust. Use in a well ventilated area with a mask. There is no shrinkage and it sands easily, which is why it is ideal for compo repair. When the evercoat is dry, sand the head smooth. I would suggest using a dremel tool for heavy sanding. Use the fine sandapaper for smoothing in preparation for the paint. Remember: the smoother you sand your doll, the better it will look when completed.  The body of this Kewpie was also sanded and cracks filled with evercoat.                                   

Sand smooth with fine sandpaper, and she's ready for her new skin. I use createx brand paints in my Paasche VL airbrush. A compressor is a must have when using an airbrush.  After she's painted, I prefer a nice satin finish. I use Krylon clear satin finish.  Spray 5-6 light coats, allowing drying time in between. When she is completely dry, she is ready to string.

If you are new at restoration, I would suggest you start looking for your first project in the composition doll categories, both antique and by material. You can also find good project dolls in the doll parts category. The best advice I can give is to practice, practice, practice. The more you do, the better you will become.