Tips on Composition Slip -- Mini World

7 Easy Steps to Making Doll Bodies
using Seeley's Composition Slip
1	Preparation
	Stir composition gently with spoon or stick. Over-agitation can cause coagulation. Pour into a clean, dry plaster mold in a steady, even flow until the mold is full. Desired thickness is about 1/8" (3mm). Refill mold as composition level is absorbed -- 4 -5 times per casting is typical

Let set 1 hour - 45 minutes for smaller pieces such as hands. Empty composition from mold back into pitcher or gallon container.
Let composition set in mold 8 to 12 hours. If removed too soon it is susceptible to collapsing or tearing. If left in the the mold too long, pieces become difficult to trim.
To clean spilled slip, let dry slightly and it will peel away. Cleaning while wet will smear and leave residue.
Store between 40 - 100 F (4 - 40 C)
Use a pitcher for easier handling. Keep container closed when not in use.

In the leather hard stage....	2
Prepare the pieces by cutting any slots required and removing excess composition from the seams. Scissors work best for this. Some of the excess will tear away, but take care not to pull any seams open if the ware is still soft.
The spaces between fingers & other crevices are difficult to access later for sanding - trim these areas closely, taking care not to gouge ware or go too far.

3	Air dry for 24 hours
	Then either air dry for several days OR oven dry on a cookie sheet at 200 F (90 C) for 4 hours. Use oven ventilation fan and/or leave oven door ajar. Some odor is normal. Shrinks approximately 7% from casting to finished pieces

Drill all appropriate holes...	4
Drill to the prescribed size using a drill bit or hole saw. Take appropriate precautions - always protect your eyes from flying pieces and use a mask as protection from breathing airborne particles. Use extreme caution when holding the ware while drilling. A vise could be used to hole the piece in place while drilling.

5	Sand the pieces until smooth.
	Sand in a circular motion to prevent flattening the rounded edges. Soft, fine grit scrubbers make the ideal polishing sander. A more aggressive sander, such as bisque sanders or 220 grit scrubbers, may be used initially to sand seams more quickly. When pieces are sanded smooth, use a damp sponge to wipe them down and remove and residue from sanding.

Paint all pieces	6
Paint with the Body Stain color of your choice using a flat bristle brush For best results, thin first coat of stain with water and apply a thin base coat. The second coat will now go on evenly. Work in small areas. Apply small amounts of paint and brush out completely smooth. Do not leave any brush strokes or ridges.
A little patience will reward you with excellent results.
Two coats are sufficient. Touch up painting may be necessary.
Body stain may also be air brushed by thinning product to the airbrush manufacturer's instructions.
A thick application can crack paint.

7	Stringing
	Once all the pieces are painted and dry, string the body together using the appropriate materials of your choice. See Stringing for some helpful tips
	Seeley Instructions reprinted with permission. A complete copy of these instructions are included with your purchase of Seeley's Classic Formula Composition Slip.