Page 1 of 1

Removing faceups: acetone vs isopropyl

PostPosted: Thu Aug 06, 2015 7:30 am
by Anderson'sAllPurpose
I feel like I've asked this before somewhere in one of the several threads on the subject, but I can't seem to find it (or remember an answer), so here we go:

I've been using acetone to remove the factory faces of Barbie and similar dolls. It works pretty well, but the problem is I sometimes rub too hard and the vinyl gets scratched and white (I guess it the acetone dissolves the surface). This tends to happen particularly when trying to get the paint out of small crevices by the mouth and eyes.

Does this happen to anyone else, and how do you prevent it?

Alternatively, I'm thinking of trying using isopropyl alcohol instead. Does anyone else use that and what safety precautions do you take?

Re: Removing faceups: acetone vs isopropyl

PostPosted: Thu Aug 06, 2015 8:11 am
by Yanagi-sen
I always use isopropyl alcohol (highest percentage I can find, about 91%) and a magic erasure. Acetone can melt some plastics and I don't want to risk it. I take absolutely no precautions beyond taking off wigs, removing eyes, or covering rooted hair.

Re: Removing faceups: acetone vs isopropyl

PostPosted: Thu Aug 06, 2015 9:32 am
by K2!
Acetone is also a much more toxic solvent.

Re: Removing faceups: acetone vs isopropyl

PostPosted: Thu Aug 06, 2015 10:13 pm
by victoriavictrix
It also has the tendency to "sink" into the vinyl and cause problems later.