CATDOLL Guide: BJD Face-Up Care: Cleaning and Handling Painted Dolls

Protect face-up artwork with a careful cleaning, handling and storage routine.

Treat the face-up as artwork

A professional face-up often combines fine pigment layers, blush, linework, lashes and protective sealer. Friction can wear the finish, and oils from hands may accumulate around the cheeks and lips. Handle a doll by clean body areas rather than rubbing the painted face.

Use the least aggressive method

For loose dust, a clean, soft brush is usually the first step. Avoid household cleaners, alcohol, nail polish remover and abrasive erasers on painted surfaces. If a mark remains, ask the original artist or maker which materials were used before trying a more intensive treatment.

Plan for transport

Protect the nose, lashes and protruding sculpt details from pressure in the carrying bag. A face cover or roomy protective packing can reduce accidental contact. Never let accessories scratch a face-up during travel, and check that head magnets and removable parts are secure.

When restoration is appropriate

Fading or damaged artwork may require a professional repaint rather than spot cleaning. Document the original finish in neutral photographs and keep any commission details. Decide whether a custom repaint affects provenance or collector value before proceeding.