Problem with finishing varnish on vinyl doll

[marybeth]

Hi guys I am new to reborning and have just completed painting my first vinyl doll with Lillian Trigg air dry paints. My problem is that when I applied the final matt varnish it has turned out to be slightly tacky, not to the physical touch but if the limbs connect to each other or to the face they stick together slightly.
I gave the vinyl two thin layers of varnish as recommended and allowed 48 hours drying time between the layers but am now wondering if this was not enough time or that my layers weren't thin enough.
Anyway does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do to get rid of the tackiness? I would be so grateful. I am living in Europe

[CatW]

You can allow for a longer setting/drying time. I allowed a week for mine. Make sure your first layer is set before adding a second layer, also. Thinnest layers as possible, I put mine on with a makeup white wedge sponge. 48 hours is a good time, but that doesn't factor in your environment, where you live, if the moisture in the air is higher than other areas. Put your first layer on, keep the parts from touching and allow it to dry for 3 days, check it for tackiness/stickiness. if it's still feeling tacky, allow it more time to dry. Honestly, I have never used a second layer for Air Dry paints, just touch up if needed. I am sorry for what happened, it's frustrating to have all your work end up like that.

hugs
CatW

[marybeth]

Thanks a million for getting back to me CatW. I had a feeling that that might have been the problem and thanks for confirming it. The tackiness is not going to go away at this stage as I have it done for a good few weeks now but only got round to putting up a post yesterday. My instinct at the time was to leave it at one coat but decided to follow the instructions to the letter!
I wondered about brushing a bit of talc on it but that would probably make things worse. I guess I will have to chalk it up to experience at this stage. But yes CatW very frustrating after all the effort that went into it.

Thanks again
Marybeth xx

[CatW]

Hi Marybeth,

Some talk of using cornstarch to make paint or varnish matt, I don't know why you couldn't use it with your final coat. Make sure to dissolve it completely in a bit of water first, then add your varnish. You were on the right track thinking about the talc, though. And don't be afraid to try things. You might discover the next big hint to help us all. I don't know if you have heard of Melissa George? She is sharing on Patreon methods she uses to paint with Golden Paints, but she also tests other products. She is an awesome reborn prototype artist who thinks outside of the box and is doing videos to share her knowledge with other artist. I've been reborning quite a few years, but I love following her, I learn so much from her. Check her out if you are interested.
Back to your tackiness, I am sorry it happened. Make sure to mix/shake up the mixture really good next time. Sometimes the good stuff hides out on the bottom of the bottle.

Best wishes
Cat

[marybeth]

Hi Cat

I really appreciate your help and interest! And yes I will definitely check out Melissa George. I need all the help I can get!!
Though I will probably leave doing another one for a while and focus on my art as I paint and that has been suffering lately because I got side tracked with the reborning. I do have another kit waiting to work on but I can't afford to lose anymore time with my art at the moment.
Thank you so much for your tips. I might try giving it another coat coat with the cornstarch and just a little bit of the varnish. I could try it on a small area first and see what happens. When I get round to getting the cornstarch and doing it I will let you know what happens.
Hopefully I will find this thread again as it took me a while to find it now and I was almost going to give up when I came across it!

Very best wishes Cat
Marybeth