BJD are designed to be handled and manipulated, and while you should not be afraid of nir, you shouldn't be afraid of your expensive new art toy. It is, of course, entirely up to you to decide what to do with this doll. You can keep it merely for display in a cabinet, place it on your desk to inspire and distract you while you work, or take it on trips to public places and elaborate photoshoots.
Polyurethane resin, a bi-component liquid plastic based on petroleum, is used to reproduce Artifex Kindred. The material hardens as a result of a chemical reaction that occurs when the two components are combined. It cannot be re-liquified, just like an egg. However, high temperatures can cause it to deform, and UV light and oxygen can cause it to oxidize and discolor over time.
When we talk about discoloration, we usually mean a change in color, no matter how small or large it is. This can happen when the base material oxidizes or when the pigments used break down. In the first case, the base-white resin has oxidized to a creamy or yellow color; in the second case, a darker pigmented resin like a tan or brown will turn green as the red pigment fades away. These terms are frequently used interchangeably. The material's natural mellowing of light and pale flesh colors is not a defect; rather, it is regarded as normal and unavoidable.
We recommend avoiding or at least delaying the effect by avoiding exposing your dolls to bright indoor fluorescent light and direct and indirect sunlight.
When storing the doll, for instance, be aware of the potential ambient temperatures of the storage location and pack it securely when it is not being displayed. Do not expose the doll to high temperatures, bright light, moisture, or humidity. Before posing and handling, allow the item to return to room temperature if it has been stored in extreme cold.
For your own safety and convenience, we recommend transporting your doll in a doll bag or carrier, or in a sturdy box for shipping and long-term storage. Pack and protect the delicate parts, like her hands, faceup, and eyelashes (if she has them), with extra care. To avoid falling and sustaining damage while your attention is elsewhere, place Nir in a supine position (laying face up) or sitting position.
If you want to display your doll in a standing position, you should buy a stand even if it is well-balanced and able to stand on its own. There is no real evidence to support the widespread misconception that polyurethane resin is a porous material that can absorb certain pigments or materials. In fact, the oils that naturally occur in your hands can damage faceups and leave fine marks on anything you touch. Wearing white cotton gloves while handling the doll will help keep it clean because the fingerprints also draw in dirt and dust. Depending on the task at hand, you can clean your doll with dish detergent, warm water, melamine sponges, or grease and wax remover. Facepaint can often be removed with thinners like acetone, but they should be used with caution because they can soften the resin if left to soak and change the surface texture for good. Without first disassembling the doll, we do not recommend soaking it in water because the internal elastics may deteriorate and the hooks and screws may rust.
If you wear nail polish, it can get on the resin through contact, so be careful. The resin may be stained by dark-colored textiles, wigs (especially the wig cap), and clothing. Melamine sponge, degreaser, detergent, or, in the worst case, gentle abrasion with sandpaper can be used to remove either of these kinds of discolorations. We can provide you with replacement parts in the event of intentional or accidental damage; however, there is a very high probability that the resin colors will not match perfectly from batch to batch.
Rubber elastics with multiple strands hold your doll together, but they will lose their tension over time. If this is the case, you might want to re-tie the knots, tighten the elastics to shorten them, or even completely replace them. The doll needs to be taken apart and reassembled using new elastic. Assembly instructions can be found on a separate page, and doll supply retailers and craft stores both carry replacement elastic.
