Differences in vinyl texture? (and looking for a Len owner)

Hi everyone,

 

Yesterday my first DD arrived and I noticed today that while his entire body seems to be smooth, the vinyl on his lower arms seems to feel more grainy and textured, and he has a few random grainy "specks" here and there on other random areas. Since it's on both of his lower arms (albeit uneven), I expect that it's normal, but I find it a bit strange when I compare it to the rest of him. Is this in fact normal, or should the entire doll have a smooth, velvety texture?

 

I also have some questions about certain "finishes" on the DDS boy body, such as uneven edging. I would like to know if they are a flaw or if it's just the way the mould is. If a Len owner could PM me so that I could provide some examples, it would be muchly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance!

I think that the entire doll should have that smooth, velvety finished texture. I haven't noticed different textures on my DDs, but since they must be hand finished, it's probably not unusual for a spot to be missed occasionally. I just checked my Len, and he seems to be smooth all over. As long as he is even in color, I don't mind too much.

 

As for the trimmed edges, I've definitely had other DDs with uneven cut edges on wrists, ankles, etc. One ankle may not be cut the same as the other. I think it's because in the vinyl molding process, there might be a flaw and the trimmers cut it off to use the piece, instead of throwing out the whole thing. One of my DDII normal color bodies that I bought new from Volks is unevenly cut in places, but it doesn't affect how I feel about her.

 

I think that a limited doll should be especially finished nicely, considering how much we pay for them! You could contact Volks and ask them about it if it really bothers you.

 

Linda S.

galatia9

I think that the entire doll should have that smooth, velvety finished texture. I haven't noticed different textures on my DDs, but since they must be hand finished, it's probably not unusual for a spot to be missed occasionally. I just checked my Len, and he seems to be smooth all over. As long as he is even in color, I don't mind too much.

 

So it isn't normal for, say, a single grainy "speck" to occur on an otherwise smooth area, and entire pieces to have a certain texture to them? I'm hoping others will comment on this thread as well, as I'm curious to know if anyone else has had textured DDs before.

 

As for the trimmed edges, I've definitely had other DDs with uneven cut edges on wrists, ankles, etc. One ankle may not be cut the same as the other. I think it's because in the vinyl molding process, there might be a flaw and the trimmers cut it off to use the piece, instead of throwing out the whole thing. One of my DDII normal color bodies that I bought new from Volks is unevenly cut in places, but it doesn't affect how I feel about her.

 

Thanks for the feedback. Since BJDs can have similar asymmetries along their wrists and ankles, I was not surprised to find that one of his wrist sockets was cut less even than the other. I'm referring to the way his elbow sockets were cut in this case. His right arm seems to have a very clean cut, while the left arm goes up a bit? If this is normal I'll learn to ignore it, but to me it's very visible and it irks me. Knowing whether it's a common/expected thing will help me to determine whether I should just accept it or if it's worth mentioning, since it's mostly an aesthetic "issue".

 

Left || Right

 

I think that a limited doll should be especially finished nicely, considering how much we pay for them! You could contact Volks and ask them about it if it really bothers you.

 

I have a feeling that he may have been made during the time that they were rushing them, as he was ordered as a "pre-order" from Volks USA and shipped out less than 24 hours later. They may have just had him in stock from before, though, so I can't be sure.

 

My main concern is that I will probably need to contact Volks USA about it, as he was ordered there, then spend a mini fortune to ship the parts to them and have what ever they decide to do about it shipped back. Shipping between the US and Europe is very expensive these days, and custom fees usually apply, so it may very well cost me an additional $150 in the end. Shipping to and from Japan is much cheaper, but since he was ordered from Volks USA, I doubt that would be an option...

 

Thanks again for all of your help. I'm very glad that I am able to discuss these things with experienced people in the hobby.

 

EDIT: I've contacted VolksUSA about the issue. Now to just patiently wait and hope for the best!

VOLKS USA just replied. Their answer is exactly what I expected it to be:

Dollfie Dream are made using vinyl which are cast into metal molds. Due to vinyl naturally being shiny, our molds are specially made to create a matte, life-like texture. Since this texture tends to wear down after each use, molds must be frequently changed. So there is a chance, that parts with the rougher texture were made with a freshly made mold.

 

One molded, each part needs to be hand trimmed to remove excess vinyl pieces. (Similar to seam-lines when casting resin BJD) Since this is all done manually, there is some variation between different parts.

 

Which brings me to another question: does anyone have a suggestion on how to remove a single "grain" on an otherwise smooth surface? My Len has a speck that feels a bit like a grain of sand. It isn't necessarily visible, but I can feel it very clearly when I touch his arm. Could I use a nail file to smooth it out?

You can probably sand it down, carefully, with very fine grit sandpaper.

 

All products that involve manual labor at some point, are going to occasionally have minor imperfections.

Which brings me to another question: does anyone have a suggestion on how to remove a single "grain" on an otherwise smooth surface? My Len has a speck that feels a bit like a grain of sand. It isn't necessarily visible, but I can feel it very clearly when I touch his arm. Could I use a nail file to smooth it out?

I think I would try the four-texture nail buffer on it. I fixed a shiny flaw on one of my DDs with one. It makes the surface look velvety again. Just go slow, a little at a time. You don't want to make a flat place on the vinyl.

 

Good luck!

Linda S.

galatia9

Congrats on getting your Len!

 

I think that fine grit sandpaper or a nail buffer with different roughness on each side would work. You can also try a magic eraser, though that might not be abrasive enough. This thread reminded me that I actually HAVE noticed a grain-like bump on one of my Obitsu parts before, but I kinda.. just forgot about it? I don't even remember where it was now.. maybe the arm as well idk.

 

About that scratch you mentioned in your other thread.. if it's a 'scratch' that was caused by some sort of indentation in the vinyl(like pressing down hard enough with a.. fingernail or something lol) instead of an actual cut, you may want to try heating up the vinyl with a hair dryer for about a minute. Enough high heat will get the vinyl to revert to the shape it was originally molded without needing to sand any of it off, and I was able to completely fix several mystery 'scratches' this way. Len has painted fingernails tho so you probably wouldn't want to handle his hands(?!) until the vinyl cools down completely. If it really is a scratch though sandpaper will help buff it out.

Congrats on getting your Len!

Thank you so much! ♥ And thank you all for your feedback and advice! I think I'll wait to see if the texture wears down over time. Knowing what I know now, I suppose I'll just need to give myself some time to adjust to the look of his elbow.

 

I'm sorry if any of my questions came across as dumb or if I was worried about nothing! I appreciate all the help.

I'm sure everyone has these kinds of questions! That's why I'm glad to have the forum, too.

 

Linda S.

galatia9

Old thread, but I was reminded of it just now. I just got a Rin yesterday and she actually has this too. Did you ever go over it with the sandpaper?

 

I noticed it on her when I was putting socks on her and she actually has a very long strip on her leg that has this texture you're describing. Along with a leg dent. :/ Doesn't bother me too terribly, but I figured maybe it would be helpful somehow for people to be aware of this with Rins and Lens?

Dollfie Dream and Smartdoll are not really the same, but maybe Danny's tips could be of use on DD's too..?