How to Make a Resin Doll

Resin dolls are first modeled from clay, set into a mold and then cast using synthetic resin, which is often easier to paint than dolls made with vinyl. Resin feels like porcelain but is less brittle. Making your own resin doll allows you to customize your doll according to your own specifications. With resin dolls, you have the option of creating a ball and joint articulated doll with extremities that can stand on its own. With epoxy resin dolls, you can modify existing parts by sanding the resin and reshaping the part by adding epoxy putty.

Draw a design for your doll on graph paper and use modeling clay to build the doll. If you are building a ball and joint doll, you will want to design the feet and hands separately from the body and create different molds for the articulated appendages.

Cut your mold into two parts; it is often best to cut on the back of the model so that a seam is unnoticeable on the doll’s face.

Place a molding box that is twice the width of the doll onto a level surface and add a layer of molding clay that will sufficiently cover your model, then press your model into the clay.

Measure the silicone rubber and catalyst on a small scale and mix the silicone rubber with the catalyst according to the directions (often it is a 1:1 volume ratio).

Pour the silicone rubber onto the mold and allow it to dry for 24 hours.

Apply rubber gloves and facemask, then mix an equal amount of resin and hardener. Mix together using a wooden stick.

Strap the two mold halves together using a rubber band and pour the resin mixture into the mold.

Remove the part after waiting for the resin to set the required amount of time (most set within 30 minutes). Now you can trim and sand the part, then paint the model according to your specifications.