How to Prepare and Pour Your Slip for Doll Casting

Preparing the Slip

• 1

  Add the appropriate thinner to the porcelain or composition slip if required.

• 2

  Place a paint paddle on a drill and slowly start mixing at a low speed. Move the paddle up and down and in circles.

• 3

  Speed up gradually as the mixture becomes smoother.

• 4

  Continue until the slip is the consistency of very thick and smooth chocolate milk with no lumps or air bubbles.

• 5

  Allow the mixture to rest fifteen minutes to allow air bubbles to come up. Now you're ready to pour.

Pouring Your Molds

• 6

  Prepare your molds by cleaning them and removing dust and debris with a large mop head brush.

• 7

  Rubber band or belt your molds closed.

• 8

  Place your molds on newspaper with the pour hole up.

• 9

  Pour the prepared mixture into your molds carefully.

• 10

  Fill to the top of the pour hole.

• 11

  Wait about 15-20 minutes for a casting to reach its proper thickness.

• 12

  Pour the excess liquid back into the container.

• 13

  Turn the mold hole side down.

• 14

  Place it on two 2-inch by 2-inch by 6-inch wood shims (or tomato stakes). This allows more of the excess to drain onto the paper.

• 15

  Allow the mixture to dry for about two hours. Now your doll is in the leather stage.