Johnston Original Art Dolls

Hello again! I use the matte medium by Folk art, you can get this at any Michael's and is the outdoor kind that have a green lable. It's wonderfull and it give the perfect finish to the doll skin, and don't turn yellow with time. not to shinny and not to dull, Oh bytheway it is wonerful fo applying the front hairline without using tac glue! Hope this help! Regards, Joe Macphale

I use Modern Masters Decorative Painter's Dead Flat Varnish. It's a protective sealer that produces a beautiful finish with a slight sheen to it. I personally feel it makes the skin appear more lifelike. I found the matte finishes to be too shinny. It's hard to find and expensive but it's worth the effort. You will need to purchase a purvel sprayer (canned air with attachment) from a paint store to spray it; however, you can brush it on if you like. Also the varnish is water based and non-yellowing. Rachel

I think that's right...I would like to try the air dry clay on one piece (down the road) and see how I like it. The brands she uses are not available in the US so I was wondering what available brands in the US are similar. B

Hannie uses it because she uses air dry clay, not polymer. You would want to seal it if it's a paper clay product. right?

Thanks for the suggestions. Barb

There are matte sealers available from most arts and craft stores. Michaels has a couple of brands to choose from. I personally do not use any sealer on my dolls. I used to with some success, but then I realized that there was no reason for it. As long as you keep the dolls under glass (in a gallery type setting) and no one touches the doll it will be just fine without it. The problem I found in using it is that my students didn't use it properly. If you spray the doll with too much fixative or if it is too close to the doll it will go shinney. If you must use it, then keep the can at least 15 inches from your subject and spray it very lightly. A very slight amount of fixative will do the job. You may wish to practice on a test doll before you put it on you Gallery doll. Good luck, Jack

I don't know if it is the best, but I use "Patricia Nimocks" clear acrylic sealer, matte. I purchased it at Wal Mart.

I am throwing out this question. Hannie Sarris states that she uses an acrylic spray on her figures. She mentions two brands: Hemar Coating Matt and Talens 115. They are impossible to find in the US. What would be the best type of acrylic (matt) her in the US? Can anyone suggest something? Thanks, Barb