What Is an Enameled Doll?

A Doll with a Speciall Finish

• Enameled when referring to a doll usually refers to the paint applied to the doll. Enamel paint has a shiny finish and is applied to the skin of the doll before it's dressed. Enameled paint can be applied by hand with a roller and / or a paintbrush for small details. Enamel paint is more expensive that the alternative acrylic paint and is valued for that reason. The paint comes in a variety of different colors, mostly pastels and light colors, as are desired for dolls.

Usually a Porcelain or China Doll

• An enameled doll is usually made of porcelain or china, and is painted over with enamel paint. Enamel paint adheres well to the grainy and absorbent surface of porcelain and provides a hard, flat surface for the paint to dry. As an expensive paint, it is applied to one of the most expensive doll types available.

Protective Layer

• Enamel paint is resistant to the elements, such as water and time. The shiny finish allows water to bead off the doll and not absorb or get underneath the paint. It acts as a glaze for the doll, even keeping its color and resisting chipping from outside objects better than any other available paint type.

A More Dressy and Collectable Doll

• Enameled dolls are very often collectible because of the cost and beauty. In many cultures such as Russian and Chinese, dolls are painted finely with enamel paint, incorporating every detail from eye colors to lips, rosy cheeks and fingernails then are outfitted with the finest clothes of the culture. Chinese dolls are dressed in embroidered silks and have real hair. Russian enameled dolls are dressed in fur and brocade and are fitted with boots and hats.