ChErina Dolls

Faults And Fixes

FAQ about porcelains would like to know a about the materials and techniques

 

q) Bubbles in cast

a) If however it is still wet, take a drop and fill it up with slip cast, if dry take the cutters knife and gently scratch the surface until it has gotten rid of the inverted bubble.

 

q) I have “fired” the porcelain after removal from kiln, I found lines on the cast.

a) Your slip cast was too thick and you have poured inconsistently, never pour unevenly or with stops in between. Pour the slip cast (very liquefied) over the rim of the hole.

 

q) Easy drying, is there such a thing?

a) Don’t let the air directly blow on the opened cast, I have a drying cabinet for porcelain. As for you, a sunny day would be lovely to cast. If however you want to pour in a cold day. Make sure you have your stuffing and an area to pack it.

 

q) Problem with cast head con-caving after casting.

A) First off pour it slowly with a small stream of the slip cast, with correct consistency. Wait an hour and then pour it out and wait 50 minutes or more for drying out. Don’t leave the mold in the cast. Or it will crack

 

q) The small 3’’ fairies don’t want to empty out the slip cast and gets stuck.

A) Use a straw put it into the hole and wait for it to pour out the cast. Don’t be too hasty. The less haste—the less the mess.

 

q) should I let the cast dry out after usage?

A) Yes you have to, use it only once a day, but let it sit open in a safe area where nothing can break it.

 

q) What can I do to pour the slip cast out without a mess?

A) Be sure to have 3-4 inside bands around the cast, after waiting 50 minutes or 20, If you have trouble with it being wobbly. You can get a “braai” something sturdy (metal) with big holes and a large bucket to catch the slip cast excess. Use a blcok of wood to let the cast drip in a 45 degree angle.

 

q) I have a problem with my slip cast, the doll cast turns brown in certain areas.

A) It is because the slip cast is accumulating the dampness in certain areas, if they are white with brown areas, don’t fret, you can take a very fine sanding paper, and a sponge and stockings (ballerina stockings). You’ll see the brown comes off when sanding it down. After they feel like a baby’s bottom and no scratch marks. You can bake them. Make sure you have the right cones. It is the super porcelain slip cast that normally turns certain areas brown. The one you need is French slip cast—cone 6. a) Make sure before drying put it into a safe area away from fumes, and put stuffing above and at the bottom. If it is dry you can use a sanding paper of a very-very thin surface and sand off the brown and get rid of the seams. One of the main reasons you get brown is to do with something in the air. And the lines in the cast is because you've stopped while pouring and your slipcast is at the incorrect density, follow this to fix your slipcast for pouring.

 

Method to test density

1. To test the 500ml of slip and then the density weight a 500ml of water. (depending on your mold size)

2. Divide the weight of the water into the weight of the slip.

(weight of the slip) ______ ÷(weight of the water)  _______  =  _______

 

if you get between 7.5-8.0 you have the correct density.

 

q) I have trouble sanding the ears, how can I stop from breaking it with a sponge

A) First off that is where the ballerina stockings come in, take a small piece and stretch it out, from thumb to pointing finger. Then pull tight and make sure you don’t have very long nails. Rub the corners of the ears, top and bottom to get the bumps to go away.

 

q) If I have the brown between the hairs and want it to dry faster but naturally what should I do?

A) You can build a drying cabinet, but don't worry after most is sanded off, the hair won't be brownish, it will be gone

 

q) The doll cast breaks when I leave it in the mold.

A) When you open the cast, immediately take it out (or it will break) after you have waited for it to dry out. Dust, Pour, wait, pour out excess, wait and then open and take out put in safe area be careful.

 

q) The kiln feel like its not working well, what should I do to see if things work?

A) First off you need to put a certain sponge that keeps the heat in it. The top and corners that are open, he first hour of baking the hole should be open for dampness to exit, after one hour close off the hole with bricks. Then make sure that the heat and timer is in the correct time. If however it does not become hot immediately you can contact your nearest kiln and ceramics shop to replace the heating wire. Also use a wash powder for the kiln’s shelves so the dolls won’t stick to the bottom. , face the dolls face away from the heating wire.

 

q) What can I do to keep my workspace clean?

A) Use a broom, plastic on the floor and table to keep from messing—black bags, wash your hands occasionally when it is full of slip cast powders, so you won’t dirty up the cast and not to get dry hands-- use vit E creme

 

q) What should I do before pouring the cast?

A) Pour it through a sift to stop clots in the slip cast. Then make sure you have the right amount of slipcast to pour into the mold. Keep track how much each takes.  Also check before anything, you have to dust it off with a very very soft brush to get rid of dust and unwanted flaws. Don't forget sometimes you have to pour over the brim, if its too thick you will have trouble pouring the slipcast out.

 

q) If I want to make my own doll what should I do?

A) Buy lots of teddy clay(non drying) Then sculpt the doll on a stick or something sturdy. Buy plaster of paris and make sure you are patient. Sculpt your baby on the stick, get a metal flat plate, small ones or large, put them into the middle of the cast, then add a thick mixture of the plaster of paris to one side, let it dry for 2 days, then do the other side, hammer it lose and then you have your cast. Take out the teddy clay and you are done.

 

q) What should I always wear?

A) an old shirt, pants and also a mask to protects from dust and glasses. You don’t want a sore throat right?