DD starter kit? What to have on hand?

OK, so I said I was probably gong to lurk - LIES.

 

but now I have questions XD

I'm going to be a first time DD owner, but I've owned resin BJDs for several years. I have a lot of basic doll care things like brushes, stickytack, etc but from experience DD owners - what should go in a DD starter kit? Must haves for care, maintenance, accident prevention, and (god-forbid) first aid?

 

my big concerns are

 

1)stain removal - I know to get a headcap thing (should I get silicon or cloth?) and a body stocking, but what all do I need on hand in the even my doll does get stained bad enough that I feel the need to remove it?

 

2) screw driver? I know that they have the internal skeleton and will get loose over time. Do I use a screw driver to tighten them?

 

I'm sorry if my n00b is showing

*Definitely* get some benzoyl peroxide zit cream on hand! Or, if you end up adopting a badly stained "rescue" the stronger Twin Pines of Maine Remove-Zit. I have no clue who figured this out or how, but for some reason the benzoyl peroxide in the zit cream gently bleaches out stains.

 

You've probably already got a lot of the other stuff--magic eraser, comb for wigs, etc. Though, if you're intending to do your own faceups, do double-check your sealant. If you've got MSC or Volks Zokeimura, you're fine, but Testors Dull Coat does *not* get along well with vinyl. I'm not sure about any other brands, but if it doesn't *explicitly* say that it's safe for vinyl, I'd personally play it safe and stay away rather than end up with a sticky mess.

 

If you do end up needing to take your girl apart, the first thing in your arsenal would probably be a hair dryer. XD Yes, really. It goes a long way in softening up vinyl parts, especially head caps on pre-2011 releases--a flathead screwdriver is also good for this. I haven't needed to get into my DDII-frame girls terribly much, but from tightening Nanoha's knees I can say that those at least use small Phillips-head screws, and others in the frame probably are too. (I do admit I was a little surprised that Volks actually used a common screw type instead of some weird-ass proprietary bolt or something. XD)

 

Those are the things that come immediately to mind. I guess stands may be in order too, but for a somewhat different reason than for resin dolls--DDs don't really get kicky legs, and rarely get suddenly floppy for no reason, but they are light weight enough that if you bump a desk or take pictures out doors, a slight breeze can blow them over. XD

Welcome to the world of DD!

I started with resin BJD, so I was stressed about stains too- but it's not a huge issue. Treat with caution any dark clothes and wig caps, and have Clearasil handy. I've been able to use zit cream on all stains I've encountered with great results. Knowing that stains aren't permanent makes DDs a lot less stressful.

 

Other useful items-

head cap (not perfect stain protection, but helps)

doll stand

wig brush

wig wax

small scissors to snip loose threads and stray hairs

 

If you're getting a new DD3 or DDS, you may not need a screw driver or hair dryer. The joints should be tight and the parts are easier to change with soft headcaps and the slimmer internal torso. Changing busts and eyes on older DD's will go much smoother with the hair dryer.

Metal pet combs work better than your typical plastic comb. That way the wig won't get frizzy or full of static. I picked a little one up from a pet store that was made for puppies. It works really well.

starstryker can you show me a pic of how it looks like

Something like this

 

Metal Bristle Wig Hair Brush W/ Rubber Handle

http://us.sk-coolcat.com/front/bin/ptdetail.phtml?Part=other_33&Category=0

 

Have it, works great.

Only 2.50$, and at Coolcat You can buy many other useful DD accessories as well.

Despite the name, it's not a pet store

Something like this

 

Metal Bristle Wig Hair Brush W/ Rubber Handle

http://us.sk-coolcat.com/front/bin/ptdetail.phtml?Part=other_33&Category=0

 

Have it, works great.

Only 2.50$, and at Coolcat You can buy many other useful DD accessories as well.

Despite the name, it's not a pet store

 

I have that metal brush from coolcat and it's great for brushing out longer wigs, detangling them gently and it doesn't create static.

 

For "soft" styling of things like bangs, and also for photos I still use a soft toothbrush but the metal brush was a great buy for $2.50!

 

I also use it to detangle my own wigs and it's been an awesome tool!

hmm could have fooled me with the kitty paws and stuff

1)stain removal - I know to get a headcap thing (should I get silicon or cloth?)

 

You should really opt to get both. The silicon ones will not guard against stains but are helpful in holding the cloth ones onto your DD's head. ^_^

Something like this

 

Metal Bristle Wig Hair Brush W/ Rubber Handle

http://us.sk-coolcat.com/front/bin/ptdetail.phtml?Part=other_33&Category=0

 

Have it, works great.

Only 2.50$, and at Coolcat You can buy many other useful DD accessories as well.

Despite the name, it's not a pet store

 

 

hehehehe XD I know coolcat!

I used to collect pullips and bought eyechips from them all the time

Yeah, the one I have is sorta similar to the Coolcat one, except it's 2 sided. One side is the finer, closer together bristles like the Coolcat comb has. The other side has farther apart, slightly fatter bristles. I've noticed it's kinda nice having the two types, depending on the style of wig you are trying to comb.