Newborning

LEARN ABOUT: NEW AUTHENTIC REBORN HEAT-SET PAINTS

Are Authentic Reborn heat-set paints like Genesis heat-set paints?
Yes, both are heat-set paints that cure at 265� Fahrenheit for eight minutes. Both are made in the USA and are lead free and phthalate free. Both are color-fast and permanent once heat-set. Both bond well with vinyl.

How are Authentic Reborn paints different from other heat set paints?

Authentic Reborn is 50% more transparent than Genesis making it easier to apply paint layers with soft gentle color. Most reborn artist find it hard to control the color intensity and Authentic Reborn paints give the artist more control than other heat set paints.

Genesis paints require thinner does Authentic Reborn?

No, Authentic Reborn is designed to be 50% more transparent without the use or need for any thinner at all.

Can you add thinner to Authentic Reborn heat-set paints if you want to?

Yes you can but it may water down the color more than you need. Authentic Reborn paint is designed to be spread very thinly over the surface of the baby's skin. This gives you complete control over how gentle you want your color to be. The thicker the paint layer the darker the color. The thinner the paint layer the more gentle and transparent the color. Authentic Reborn gives you all this control without the need for any thinner at all.

Can you mix your own colors using Authentic Reborn heat-set paints?

Yes you can. Authentic Reborn offers the same paint colors as Genesis. For example both brands offer Burnt Umber, Pthalo Blue 03 and more. But unlike Genesis Authentic Reborn does not need thinner to mix colors successfully. Each color comes 50% more transparent right out of the jar. When you mix Authentic Reborn colors to create your own special color it too will be 50% more transparent than the same mix using Genesis.

Does Authentic Reborn add odorless thinner at the factory to make it 50% more transparent?

No, there is no odorless thinner at all in Authentic Reborn paints. The 50% greater transparency is achieved in the paint formulation at the factory completely free of odorless thinner.

If Authentic Reborn is 50% more transparent then does that mean I'm getting less paint for my money?

Absolutely not! Authentic Reborn paints go further because you can spread them in very thin layers to get the best results. Genesis paints which are not transparent go on thicker and use much more pigment which requires odorless thinner to make them turn out right.

Will Authentic Reborn paints bond with the vinyl as well as Genesis?

When applied and baked properly they will adhere better. According to Dr. Kevin Lewis, a research scientist at Dow Corning Corporation, the composition of Authentic Reborn paint is very similar to the vinyl. This means that Authentic Reborn paint, when baked, becomes a form of plastic in and of itself making it possible for a strong mechanical bond that locks the paint to the vinyl. This is also why you can squeeze the painted vinyl and the Authentic Reborn paint won't flake off. This paint also has a UV inhibitor that will help protect the color from fading due to sunlight.

Does Authentic Reborn paint come in premixed colors as well?

Yes, Authentic Reborn? offers a series of premixed paints for every step of your baby-painting process.

Can I mix my left-over Genesis paints with my new Authentic Reborn paints?

Yes you can but the more Genesis that you add to the mix the less transparency you will have. Both paints are compatible together and bake the same.

How do I clean my brushes out after using Authentic Reborn paints?

Use odorless thinner.

How to Use The Authentic Reborn Brand Premixed

Paint Set

by Pat Secrist

How to Mix The Internal Purple Wash

You will need Internal Purple Wash premix.
- Authentic Reborn Premixed Periwinkle Blue
- Paint Mix Bottle
- Odorless Thinner
Fill the paint mix bottle with the odorless thinner to within a half inch from the top.
Cut the round tip off a craft stick so that the end of the stick is flat rather than rounded.
Use the flat end of the stick to scrape all the Periwinkle Blue out of the jar.
Using the craft stick, put all of the paint into the paint mix bottle.
Shake well until all of the paint is mixed with the thinner.
Now you have the perfect mix and are ready to apply the internal wash as demonstrated on the Course #3 DVD!

Veins
- Don't use any paint thinner at all.
- You will need:
  - Premixed Vein Paint
  - Authentic Reborn #6 Veining Brush
  - Cosmetic foam Wedge
- The vein paint comes premixed and you don't need to thin it with odorless thinner.
- Apply a small amount of vein paint to your paint palette and spread it out into a thin layer.
- Roll your veining brush in the paint until there is a thin but even coat of paint on it.
- Paint on a vein as demonstrated in the Course #3 DVD. Use the Veining Technique Guidance Charts for reference.
- Use the sponge to blot off excess vein paint as shown in the DVD.
- Turn the sponge over to a clean side then rub the vein with the sponge to lighten it further and soften the edges of the vein.
Skin Texture Foundation Layer
- Don't use any paint thinner at all.
- You will need:
  - Authentic Reborn Skin Texture foundation paint
  - Mushroom Sponge set
  - Petite Craft Stick
- Use the craft stick to scoop out of the jar an amount of Skin Texture Foundation paint about the size of one quarter of a penny.
- Spread the paint from the center of the end of the sponge until it all soaks into the sponge leaving no blobs or streak of paint on the surface of the sponge.
- Firmly press the sponge onto a paper towel once to unload any excess paint.
- Press the sponge firmly onto the vinyl and pull it off. You should have a dime size paint dot on the vinyl. Begin to pounce on the paint dot starting in the center then moving outward in a spiral motion until the paint dot has completely disappeared and an even coat of skin texture dots has been created. Repeat this process to cover the vinyl parts with and even coat of skin texture paint dots. This will result in an even skin texture over your entire baby. Pounce out the paint so that you can barely see the skin texture dots. If the dots are too bright or chalky then you have too much paint on the sponge. Unload all of the paint from the sponge and pounce over the chalky areas to remove the excess paint leaving a faint skin texture pattern behind.
- Now bake at 265 degrees Fahrenheit (130 degree Celsius) for 8 minutes. Use an oven thermometer to make sure the baking is done properly, as many ovens are not very precise and you could risk under or over baking your baby!
First Blush Layer
- Don't use any paint thinner at all.
- You will need:
  - Strawberry or Peaches & Cream Complexion Blush
  - Cosmetic Foam Wedge
  - Craft Stick
- Take the craft stick and apply the Blush to the center of the sponge rubbing the paint directly into the sponge until there are no blobs or paint streaks left on the surface of the sponge at all.
- Scoop out of the jar an amount of blush paint about the size of one quarter of a penny onto your craft stick.
- Now you are ready to pounce the blush onto the vinyl.
  - It's better to start with too little blush and add more later than to risk making the baby too red from the start.
  - One thin splotchy layer of blush is usually sufficient.
  - If after looking at the baby in natural sunlight you still feel it needs more blush, bake the current blush layer and then reload the sponge in the same manner and add more blush.
  - You can always add more blush after you have painted the lips, creases and wrinkles - but it is nearly impossible to remove it!
  - Now bake at 265 degrees Fahrenheit (130 degrees) Celsius for 8 minutes. An oven thermometer makes for an inexpensive insurance policy against ruining your baby!
Blushing Detail
- Don't use any paint thinner at all.
- You will need:
  - Strawberry or Peaches & Cream Blush
  - Cosmetic Foam Wedge
  - Craft Stick
  - Authentic Reborn #3 Detail Mop
- Use a dry sponge for this step. You won't need any thinner at all.
- Scoop blush paint out of the jar and onto your craft stick.
- Apply the Blush evenly to the end of the sponge by rubbing the paint directly into the sponge until there are no blobs or paint streaks left on the surface of the sponge.
- Tap the end of your #3 Detail Mop onto the painted surface of the sponge to pick up and transfer the paint from the sponge to the tip of the brush.
- Using your #3 Detail Mop pounce the blush paint onto the vinyl as demonstrated in the Course #3 DVD to create the blotchy looking pattern desired.
- Now bake at 265 degrees Fahrenheit (130 degrees Celsius) for 8 minutes. Oven thermometers have saved many people from inadvertently melting their work!
Lips
- Don't use any paint thinner at all.
- You will need:
  - Authentic Reborn #4 Lip & Nail Brush
  - Strawberry or Peaches & Cream Blush
  - Cosmetic Foam Wedge
- Use the #4 Lip & Nail Brush to scoop a very tiny amount of Lip paint from the jar.
- Apply the paint to the inside of the lips first then spread the paint outward towards the edge of the lips.
  - The goal is to apply a single transparent layer of paint - you want a thin coat of paint for the natural look. Bake the part for 8 minutes at 265 degrees Fahrenheit (130 degrees Celsius), or you can set the paint in seconds with a heat gun.
  - Apply one more very thin layer of Lip paint the same way as the first.
- If you use a tiny enough amount then you should be able to spread it around so the lips have no streaks or smudges at all. If you have too much paint on the lips, then blot some of the excess paint off with a clean sponge.
- The lip color should be very light and transparent. You should be able to see through the color to the vinyl beneath.
- Real babies' lips are very light in color - go too dark and they look like they're wearing lipstick!
- Now bake at 265 degrees Fahrenheit (130 degrees Celsius) for 8 minutes. Use an oven thermometer to be safe!
Creases and Wrinkles
- Don't use any paint thinner at all.
- You will need:
  - Authentic Reborn #7 Crease & Wrinkle brush
  - Authentic Reborn Crease & Wrinkle paint
  - Cosmetic Foam Wedge
  - Authentic Reborn #4 Feathering Mop brush
- Using the #7 Crease & Wrinkle brush, dip a very tiny amount of Crease & Wrinkle paint right from the jar.
- Apply Crease & Wrinkle premixed paint to each wrinkle, crease, and crevice.
- Reload brush only as necessary.
  - Once you have painted all of the creases & wrinkles, go back and lightly blot each one with a Cosmetic Foam Wedge to pick up excess paint. Blot lightly until you think the color is appropriate. Don't press too hard or you will lift the paint right out of the wrinkle or crease.
- Now go back and feather the creases using your #4 Feathering Mop brush.
- Feather in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of the crease.
- Feather very lightly so that you don't remove all of the paint from the crease. Your goal is to soften the edges of the paint line in the crease.
- Now bake at 265 degrees Fahrenheit (130 degrees Celsius) for 8 minutes.

Bake Between Each Step

Don't forget to bake the paint in between each step above. If you are not sure if your paint is dark enough bake it first after one layer (it will not lighten) and then take it outside to look at the doll in natural sunlight. If you still feel the paint is not dark enough apply another extremely thin coat of paint and bake again. Remember, you can always add more paint later, you can't remove paint though!

Don't over-bake the paints - use an oven thermometer. Bake at 265 degrees Fahrenheit (130 degrees Celsius) for eight minutes in an oven. If you are using a heat gun bake for 5 to 10 seconds.

Remove any shine
Sometimes when paint is layered a bit of a shine can arise. This is easily removed by pouncing on a very, very thin layer of Authentic Reborn Superior Shine Remover. Only apply shine remover after you have completely finished the painting. Bake the Superior Shine Remover at 265 degrees Fahrenheit (130 degrees Celsius) for 8 minutes. See the tutorial on using Superior Shine Remover on page 15 of the 2009 Secrist Tutorial Catalog Guide.

Don't Under Estimate the Importance of Lighting

Often times the lighting in your work area is not color accurate and causes over-painting which makes the doll too dark and not nearly as lifelike. We have a Daylight Lamp that is perfect for creating the most lifelike baby colors possible. The lamp perfectly simulates natural sunlight, when you paint your baby under this natural sunlight-type lamp the colors are far more lifelike. The lamp also includes a large magnifying lens for painting fine details and revealing small painting flaws. Painting mistakes can easily be fixed as long as you find them before baking. This magnifying glass helps you do just that.

If you plan to sell your baby dolls, the Daylight Lamp is extremely important in helping you achieve the most realistic babies possible. The 19" Rosie, shown above, was painted using the Daylight Lamp and as you can see she has incredibly accurate coloration. Learn more about the Daylight Lamp on page 51 of the 2009 Secrist Tutorial Catalog Guide.

Rosie was newborned by Pat Secrist using the Authentic Reborn Strawberry Complexion paint set, following the instructions above. Pat also used the Authentic Reborn Premixed Veining paint for the veins on the forehead; the Moist Glaze Medium shown on the eyelids; and Baby Tears on the mouth, nostrils, and eye creases. Now all Rosie needs is some eyelashes, eyebrows and hair!