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Color Wash

The first step to giving your baby color is creating a color-wash, which is an overall base color. On the many dolls that I have reborn, I have used so many different colors as a color wash. I have used a light yellow, light pink, and even white for a pale complexion. The color you use is totally up to you. You can experement on a scrap piece of vinyl (the vinyl cut off of the tummy plate works well) to find the color you like. Color-washes are applied very thin, so they slightly change the color of the vinyl.

With this doll, I used a color-wash that I mixed up myself with oil paints. The mixture is:
* Cadmium Red Medium Hue by Grumbacher
*Burnt Umber by Alexander
* Soft Mixing White by Winsor & Newton
(I do not use any paint thinners. If for any reason I do need to thin the paint, I just use a tiny bit of baby oil, but it's usually not necessary.)

With these colors mixed just right, I achieved a color similar to adult foundation makeup. It seemed to tone down the orange in the vinyl just enough without taking away from the skin-like color.

Once you have a color you like, rub it onto the vinyl, creating only a thin layer. I use a cosmetic wedge/sponge to apply it to the face, head, limbs, and tummy plate. Blend well, and be sure to get into the creases and wrinkles. I use a pointed q-tip for that.

Here is a comparison. The arm on the left has been color-washed. The arm on the right has no paint.