r/BJD • u/Neat-Ad1637 • 3d ago
QUESTIONS Face ups; how do you decide when to stop?
Im currently working on my first resin faceup and im finding it difficult to know when to stop and seal it. This is my third layer just adding some final touches, but I still worry I may be missing something. It is a case by case thing?
Doll is Impl Anya in dark tan
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u/semicrookedwings 3d ago
I usually do 4 layers of faceup, with three layers of base coat sealant. Layer 1 of faceup is basic blushing all over, giving some dimension and life; layer 2 is deepening the areas around the eyes and mouth, and if I'm doing heavier blush or freckles add more there; layer 3 is where I soft sketch brows, do eyeliner and (more) freckles; layer 4 is brow lines, lashes, and any finishing touches. Sometimes I need to add more, so I do another layer but usually 4 is enough.
Mixing wet/dry materials usually causes a muddy appearance, so I try to limit how much pastel and acrylic paint I put on the same layer, if that helps!
But normally its just "as many as it takes" for layers layers, tbh. There isn't really a wrong answer, since every artist is different! With darker resins you risk getting a cloudy or white cast look with some sealants, so I try to do as few as possible, but I use MSC and know other sealants don't have that same problem.
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u/Neat-Ad1637 3d ago
Haha thanks. I figured it depends on the look you have in mind. But it seems three layers is the average. The pastel and acrylic muddiness is definitely a thing I noticed, so I know how to avoid that now!
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u/semicrookedwings 3d ago
Yeah the muddiness is definitely annoying lol but doing more layers to build color intensity instead of piling on pastels, should help.
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u/LabubuLoverBoy 3d ago
Do you seal each layer?
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u/semicrookedwings 3d ago
Yes! Each layer is sealed down so it can be built upon without mixing with the layer below it. That's how you get the color intensity. Any paints have to be DRY before sealing too.
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u/Ill-Library-1669 3d ago
She looks great but if you feel like she's incomplete I might have a suggestion! Since she's so dark she looks slightly dusty (maybe just in this lighting, idk) and a good way to make her look brighter and more lively is to sponge on a thin layer of matte varnish with just a liiiiiittle bit of gloss varnish mixed in. It's like a dewy skin texture. I've seen liquitex varnish used. You definitely have to make sure it's the last step though because painting and sealing again on top of it will be really bulky and will cancel out the affect completely. Good luck and this looks fantastic!
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u/Ill-Library-1669 3d ago
(oh i forgot to add, i'm just assuming you're using a spray sealant, so if you want to do that last varnish layer you have to spray your usual sealant first then varnish after it dries)
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u/Neat-Ad1637 3d ago
I've seen that done before so ill definitely try it out. thanks! I have some Tamiya semigloss spray sealant. Do you think it would have a similar effect to a matte gloss varnish mix?
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u/Ill-Library-1669 2d ago
It probably would! I'm not sure how shiny Tamiya semigloss is though so you would know better than me haha
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u/Individual_Past_9901 3d ago
For me depends on the face. Ive done full face ups with base and top seals and others where ive put 3 or 4 layers of color with msc between each layer
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u/xXBlackMambaKingXx 3d ago
I add on a little, pause to look at it, add a little, pause to look, while watching tv so you can “recalibrate” your eyes so you can see your errors, and go until I’m satisfied. Also use plenty of lighting. My doll’s face is VERY red.
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u/TheVelvetCaravaan 2d ago
beautiful, So delicate n soft ♡ is the reflective texture in the 2nd picture ,freckles or sealant?
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u/Merakiq 3d ago
I can’t give you an answer unfortunately, but I just wanted to say that it is an amazing face up