Angela Pennock
5 Jun 2025
The Complete Guide to Air Dry Paints for Reborn Dolls
What Are Air Dry Paints?
Air dry paints are specially formulated acrylic paints designed for creating realistic skin tones and details on reborn dolls. Unlike heat set paints that require baking, air dry paints cure naturally at room temperature, making them an excellent choice for beginners and artists who prefer a simpler application process.
At Mott & Gido Ltd, we stock premium WaterBorne Air Dry paints alongside our fabulous range of Liquitex paints - both trusted by professional reborn artists worldwide.
Essential: Using a Primer
CRITICAL STEP: Always use a primer before applying air dry paints.
Why Primer is Non-Negotiable
Air dry paints are water-based, while vinyl doll kits have an oil-based surface. Since oil and water don't mix, applying water-based paints directly to vinyl will result in:
Poor paint adhesion
Peeling and flaking
Uneven coverage
Paint that wipes off easily
Primer Application Process
Clean the vinyl thoroughly with soap and water
Allow to dry completely (at least 24 hours)
Apply primer in thin, even coats using a clean sponge or brush
Let primer cure fully before painting (follow manufacturer's instructions)
Proceed with your air dry paint layers
Key Characteristics of Air Dry Paints
Shelf Life and Storage
Air dry paints typically have a shelf life of 12-18 months when stored properly. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and ensure lids are tightly sealed to prevent drying out.
Application Properties
Workability: Longer working time compared to heat set paints
Blendability: Excellent for creating smooth transitions and gradients
Build-up: Perfect for layering techniques to achieve depth and realism
Finish: Can be matte or slightly satin depending on the formula
Our Premium Paint Collections
WaterBorne Air Dry Paints
Our WaterBorne collection offers exceptional quality and reliability:
Pre-blended Doll Color Sets - Perfect for beginners with carefully matched skin tones
Individual Colors - For advanced artists creating custom color palettes
Specially formulated for vinyl surfaces when used with proper primer
Excellent coverage and blendability
Liquitex Professional Paint Range (UK Customers Only)
Our fabulous Liquitex collection provides premium professional-grade options:
Professional range - reflecting superior quality and performance
Renowned for exceptional pigment quality and consistency
Extensive color range for unlimited creative possibilities
Trusted by professional artists worldwide for reliability and performance
Available exclusively to UK customers as your UK stockist
Application Techniques
Preparation
Clean your vinyl doll kit thoroughly with soap and water
Allow to dry completely before priming
Apply appropriate primer for water-based paints on vinyl
Work in a well-ventilated area with good lighting
Layering Method
Apply thin, even coats rather than thick layers
Allow each layer to dry completely (typically 2-4 hours)
Build up color gradually for the most realistic results
Use circular motions with a damp sponge for smooth blending
Essential Tools
Latex-free Blending Sponges - Essential for smooth application
Quality brushes - Choose from our comprehensive range:
Budget brush collection - Perfect for beginners and practice work
Premium Windsor & Newton brushes - Professional-grade tools for detailed work and superior results (UK customers only)
Appropriate primer - Non-negotiable for proper adhesion
Palette - For mixing custom colors
Choosing the Right Brushes
Budget Range
Our budget brush collection offers excellent value for money, perfect for:
Beginners learning basic techniques
Practice sessions and experimentation
Artists working on multiple projects simultaneously
Windsor & Newton Premium Range (UK Customers Only)
As an official UK stockist for Windsor & Newton, we offer their renowned brush collection:
Superior bristle quality for precise control
Exceptional durability and longevity
Professional-grade performance trusted by artists worldwide
Perfect for detailed work and achieving gallery-quality results
Note: Our Windsor & Newton products are available exclusively to UK customers.
Professional Tips for Success
Never Skip the Primer
This cannot be emphasized enough - primer is the foundation of successful air dry painting on vinyl. The few extra hours spent on proper priming will save you from complete repainting later.
Work in Sections
Don't try to paint the entire doll at once. Focus on one area (face, hands, feet) and complete it before moving on.
Test Your Colors
Always test your paint mixtures on a hidden area or spare piece of vinyl before applying to the main doll.
Document Your Process
Keep a painting journal with color recipes and techniques. This becomes invaluable for future projects.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Paint Won't Adhere
Problem: Paint peels or wipes off easily Solution: You likely skipped the primer step. Strip the paint and start over with proper primer application.
Streaky Finish
Problem: Paint appears uneven or streaky Solution: Use more water in your paint mixture and apply in thinner layers. Work quickly while the paint is still wet.
Color Matching Issues
Problem: Difficulty achieving consistent skin tones Solution: Start with our WaterBorne pre-blended sets that are specifically formulated to work together.
Finishing Touches
Sealing Your Finished Reborn
Once your painting is complete and fully dry, proper sealing is essential for protection and the right finish:
WaterBorne Ultra Matte Sealer
Specifically designed for air dry paints on vinyl
Provides excellent protection while maintaining a natural matte finish
Easy application with consistent results
Liquitex Matte Gel Varnish (UK customers only)
Professional-grade finishing product
Superior durability and protection
Trusted by professional artists worldwide
Part of our fabulous Liquitex professional range
Application Tips for Sealers
Ensure paint is completely dry before sealing (24-48 hours minimum)
Apply thin, even coats to avoid buildup
Work in a dust-free environment
Allow proper curing time between coats if multiple applications are needed
Maintenance vs. Finishing
It's important to distinguish between finishing products for new reborns and maintenance products:
Finishing: Use WaterBorne Ultra Matte Sealer or Liquitex Matte Gel Varnish for new completed dolls
Maintenance: Products like Mott & Gido Matting Fluid are designed for maintaining existing reborns, not finishing new ones
Maintenance and Care
Cleaning Your Tools
Clean brushes and sponges immediately after use with soap and water. Air dry paints can be difficult to remove once fully cured.
Paint Storage
Store opened paints upside down to prevent skin formation. Add a few drops of water if the paint begins to thicken.
Conclusion
Air dry paints offer an accessible entry point into reborn doll artistry while providing professional-quality results. Our WaterBorne Air Dry paints and fabulous Liquitex range give you the tools needed for stunning, realistic results - but remember, proper primer application is absolutely essential for success.
Whether you're creating your first reborn or adding to an established collection, understanding the properties and techniques of air dry paints, combined with our premium products, will help you achieve the lifelike results that make reborn dolls so special.
Ready to start your reborn painting journey? Explore our complete range of WaterBorne Air Dry paints and fabulous Liquitex collection at Mott & Gido Ltd - your trusted partner in reborn artistry.