Everything you need to know about purchasing supplies for customizing fashion toys.

Buying Guide for Fashion Toy Customization Supplies

Hey there, fellow fashion toy enthusiasts! Ever looked at your favorite doll and thought, 'You know what? She'd look amazing with purple hair and a hand-painted outfit!' If so, you're in the right place. Customizing fashion toys has exploded in popularity, turning simple playthings into unique works of art. Whether you're a seasoned customizer or just dipping your toes into this incredibly creative hobby, knowing where to find the best supplies is key. This guide is going to walk you through everything you need to know about purchasing supplies for customizing fashion toys, from the basics to more advanced tools. Let's get those creative juices flowing!

Essential Customization Supplies for Fashion Dolls

Before you dive deep, let's talk about the absolute must-haves. These are the foundational items you'll need for most customization projects, regardless of whether you're working on a Barbie, a Rainbow High doll, or something else entirely.

Doll Hair Rerooting Tools and Supplies

One of the most transformative customizations you can do is rerooting a doll's hair. This involves removing the original hair and inserting new strands. It's a bit time-consuming but incredibly rewarding.

• Rerooting Tool: This is a specialized tool, often looking like a small needle holder, that allows you to insert hair into the doll's head. Brands like 'The Doll Hair Emporium' or 'Restore Doll' offer reliable rerooting tools. Prices typically range from $15-$30.
• Doll Hair (Nylon, Saran, Kanekalon): The type of hair you choose dramatically affects the final look and feel.
• Nylon: Very popular, easy to work with, and comes in a vast array of colors. It can be heat-styled. You can find good quality nylon hair from suppliers like 'Dollyhair.com' or 'The Doll Planet'. A hank (enough for one doll) usually costs $5-$10.
• Saran: Often used in older Barbie dolls, it's very soft and flowy but can be prone to tangling. 'Restoredoll.com' is a good source. Similar price range to nylon.
• Kanekalon: More commonly found in fashion wigs, it's coarser but very durable. Less common for doll rerooting but can offer unique textures.
• Adhesive (Optional): Some customizers use a strong adhesive like E6000 or super glue inside the doll's head to secure the rerooted hair, especially if the head material is soft. A tube of E6000 is around $5-$8.

Doll Face Repainting Supplies and Materials

Repainting a doll's face can completely change its expression and character. This is where your artistic skills really shine!

• Acetone or Nail Polish Remover (100% Acetone): Essential for removing the doll's factory paint. Make sure it's 100% acetone, as anything else might damage the plastic. A bottle costs around $3-$7.
• Mr. Super Clear (MSC) or Testors Dullcote: These are crucial sealants. You'll use them to prime the doll's face before painting and to seal the paint layers afterwards. MSC is highly recommended by most customizers for its matte finish and durability. A can of MSC typically costs $15-$25. Testors Dullcote is a more affordable alternative at $5-$10, but MSC is generally preferred for its superior finish.
• Acrylic Paints: High-quality artist's acrylics are best. Brands like Golden, Liquitex, or Winsor & Newton offer good pigmentation and consistency. Avoid cheap craft acrylics as they can be chalky. A set of basic colors can range from $20-$50.
• Watercolor Pencils: These are fantastic for drawing fine details like eyebrows, eyelashes, and lip lines. Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer or Caran d'Aache Supracolor are excellent choices. A small set of essential colors (browns, blacks, reds) can be $15-$30.
• Fine Detail Brushes: You'll need very small brushes for intricate work. Look for sizes like 000, 00, and 0. Brands like Winsor & Newton Series 7 or Da Vinci Maestro are top-tier but can be pricey ($10-$20 per brush). More affordable sets are available on Amazon or art supply stores for $10-$20.
• Pastels (Soft or Pan): Great for adding blush, shading, and subtle color to the face. Brands like PanPastel or Sennelier are excellent. A small set of skin tones and blushes can be $20-$40.
• Gloss Varnish: For adding shine to lips and eyes. Brands like Liquitex High Gloss Varnish or Tamiya Clear Gloss are good options. A small bottle is around $5-$10.

Advanced Customization Tools and Accessories

Once you've mastered the basics, you might want to explore more advanced techniques. These tools can open up new possibilities for your custom creations.

Body Blushing and Modifying Supplies

Beyond the head, you can also customize the doll's body for a more realistic or unique look.

• Airbrush Kit: For smooth, even application of blush and shading on the doll's body. A basic airbrush kit with a mini compressor can range from $80-$200. Brands like Iwata or Badger are popular.
• Acrylic Inks or Thin Acrylics: Used with an airbrush for body blushing.
• Sculpting Clay (Epoxy or Polymer): For modifying body parts, adding details, or creating new limbs. Apoxie Sculpt (epoxy) is great for durability and can be sanded. Super Sculpey or Cosclay (polymer) require baking. A small tub of Apoxie Sculpt is around $20-$30.
• Sculpting Tools: Various sizes of silicone shapers and metal tools for working with clay. A basic set can be $10-$20.

Fashion Doll Clothing and Accessory Creation

Creating custom outfits and accessories is a huge part of fashion doll customization. This is where you can truly let your fashion design skills shine!

• Fabric Scraps and Remnants: Hit up your local fabric store's remnant bin or thrift stores for interesting textures and patterns. Prices vary widely.
• Sewing Machine (Mini or Regular): While hand-sewing is possible, a sewing machine makes things much faster and neater. Mini sewing machines are available for $30-$60.
• Doll Patterns: You can find free patterns online or purchase them from Etsy sellers specializing in doll clothes.
• Miniature Buttons, Zippers, and Snaps: Essential for realistic doll clothing. Craft stores or online suppliers like 'Miniature Sweet' offer a wide selection. Small packs are usually $3-$10.
• Jewelry Making Supplies: For creating tiny necklaces, earrings, or bracelets. Think small beads, wire, and pliers. A basic kit can be $15-$30.
• Heat Gun or Hair Dryer: Useful for styling rerooted hair, especially if you're working with heat-friendly fibers. A basic heat gun is around $20-$40.

Where to Buy Your Fashion Toy Customization Supplies

Now that you know what you need, where do you get it? There are several excellent sources, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores.

Online Retailers for Doll Customization Supplies

The internet is a treasure trove for customizers, offering specialized products you might not find locally.

• Dollyhair.com: A go-to for high-quality doll hair in a massive range of colors and fiber types. They also carry rerooting tools.
• The Doll Planet: Another excellent source for doll hair, tools, and sometimes even blank doll heads.
• Restore Doll: Specializes in restoration supplies, including hair, tools, and sometimes vintage doll parts.
• Etsy: A fantastic marketplace for unique, handmade, and specialized supplies. Many independent sellers offer custom doll eyes, tiny accessories, patterns, and even pre-made custom doll parts. Search for 'doll customization supplies,' 'doll rerooting hair,' or 'doll face up supplies.'
• Amazon: Good for general art supplies like acrylic paints, brushes, pastels, and sealants (like Testors Dullcote). Be careful to read reviews for quality.
• eBay: Can be a good source for specific doll parts, vintage dolls for customization, or bulk lots of supplies.

Physical Stores for Art and Craft Supplies

Don't underestimate your local art and craft stores! They often carry many of the general supplies you'll need.

• Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Jo-Ann Fabrics: These large craft chains carry acrylic paints, brushes, pastels, fabric scraps, sewing notions, and sometimes even basic sculpting clays. Keep an eye out for their frequent coupons!
• Local Art Supply Stores: Often have a wider selection of high-quality artist-grade paints, brushes, and mediums. The staff can also be very knowledgeable.

Comparing Specific Products for Customization

Let's get into some specific product comparisons to help you make informed choices.

Sealants: Mr. Super Clear vs. Testors Dullcote

• Mr. Super Clear (MSC):
• Pros: Widely considered the gold standard. Dries to a beautiful, smooth matte finish. Provides excellent tooth for watercolor pencils and pastels to adhere to. Very durable.
• Cons: More expensive ($15-$25 per can). Can be harder to find in physical stores outside of specialty hobby shops. Has strong fumes, requiring good ventilation and a respirator.
• Use Case: Ideal for serious customizers who want the best possible finish and durability for their face-ups.
• Testors Dullcote:
• Pros: More affordable ($5-$10 per can). Easier to find in general craft or hobby stores. Less intense fumes than MSC.
• Cons: Can sometimes dry with a slightly satin finish rather than a true matte. May not provide as much 'tooth' for pencils, requiring more layers. Less durable than MSC in some cases.
• Use Case: A good starting point for beginners or those on a tighter budget. Works well for less intensive customizations.

Doll Hair: Nylon vs. Saran

• Nylon Hair:
• Pros: Very versatile, takes heat styling well (boil washes, curling irons on low heat). Comes in an enormous range of vibrant and natural colors. Easy to reroot.
• Cons: Can sometimes feel a bit coarser than Saran.
• Recommended Brands/Suppliers: Dollyhair.com, The Doll Planet.
• Price: $5-$10 per hank.
• Saran Hair:
• Pros: Incredibly soft and silky, with a beautiful drape. Often used in vintage dolls.
• Cons: Can be prone to tangling and frizzing if not handled carefully. Less heat-resistant than nylon. Limited color selection compared to nylon.
• Recommended Brands/Suppliers: Restore Doll.
• Price: $5-$10 per hank.

Paints: Artist Acrylics vs. Craft Acrylics

• Artist-Grade Acrylics (e.g., Golden Fluid Acrylics, Liquitex Professional):
• Pros: High pigment concentration, meaning vibrant colors with fewer layers. Smooth consistency, less chalky. Better lightfastness (won't fade over time).
• Cons: More expensive ($5-$15 per tube/bottle).
• Use Case: Essential for detailed face-ups where smooth, opaque coverage is needed.
• Craft Acrylics (e.g., Apple Barrel, FolkArt):
• Pros: Very affordable ($1-$3 per bottle). Wide availability.
• Cons: Lower pigment concentration, often requiring many layers for opacity. Can be chalky and difficult to blend smoothly. Not designed for fine detail.
• Use Case: Acceptable for body blushing (especially with an airbrush) or painting larger clothing details, but generally not recommended for face-ups.

Tips for Purchasing and Storing Your Supplies

To make your customization journey smoother and more cost-effective, here are a few purchasing and storage tips.

Smart Shopping for Customization Materials

• Buy in Bulk (When Sensible): If you know you'll use a lot of a certain color of hair or a specific sealant, buying larger quantities can save money in the long run.
• Utilize Coupons and Sales: Craft stores frequently have 40-50% off coupons. Always check their websites or apps before heading out.
• Start Small: Don't feel pressured to buy everything at once. Begin with the essential rerooting and repainting supplies, then expand your toolkit as your skills grow.
• Read Reviews: Especially for online purchases, always check product reviews to ensure quality and suitability for doll customization.

Organizing Your Customization Workspace

A tidy workspace makes for a happy customizer!

• Airtight Containers: Store paints, pastels, and sealants in airtight containers to prevent drying out and to contain fumes.
• Brush Holders: Keep your fine detail brushes upright to protect their bristles.
• Labeled Storage: Use small drawers or clear bins to organize hair hanks by color, tiny accessories, and tools.
• Ventilation: When using sealants or strong adhesives, always work in a well-ventilated area, preferably with an open window and a fan, or even outdoors. Consider investing in a respirator mask for safety.

Common Challenges and Solutions in Sourcing Supplies

Even with the best intentions, you might run into a few snags. Here's how to tackle them.

Finding Specific Doll Parts or Bases

Sometimes you need a specific doll head or body for a project.

• Solution: eBay, Mercari, and specialized doll forums are your best bet. Search for 'OOAK doll base,' 'blank doll head,' or the specific doll line you're looking for (e.g., 'Rainbow High doll lot for customization'). You might also find 'naked' dolls sold cheaply for this purpose.

Dealing with Out-of-Stock Items

Popular supplies, especially certain hair colors or MSC, can go out of stock quickly.

• Solution: Sign up for email notifications from your preferred suppliers. Have a backup plan for alternative colors or brands if your first choice isn't available.

Budgeting for Your Customization Hobby

Customization can get expensive, especially if you're buying high-end supplies.

• Solution: Prioritize. Invest in good quality sealants and paints for face-ups, as these make the biggest difference. You can save money on hair by buying in bulk or looking for sales. Consider thrifting dolls for bases to save on initial doll costs.

Customizing fashion toys is an incredibly rewarding hobby that allows for endless creativity. By understanding the different types of supplies available, knowing where to purchase them, and learning how to compare products, you'll be well-equipped to bring your unique doll visions to life. Happy customizing!