How are Ball Jointed Dolls Used?

Although there is a vast number of ball jointed dolls avid fans out there, many are still new to the idea of owning one. Aside from being a collectors’ items, ball jointed dolls are basically bought to be owned as an extension of oneself – a close buddy with almost the same persona as the owner wants to exude. In the past, ball-jointed dolls are initially modeled in clay. The hardened clay body parts are used to form molds for multiple parts to be cast in synthetic polyurethane resin. Cured resin has a hard, smooth, porcelain-like feel, but is less brittle. Unlike porcelain however, polyurethane tends to turn yellow and decay over time depending on exposure to UV light and heat. Most regular edition ball jointed dolls come assembled and painted but without clothes, while full set dolls include clothes. A few ball jointed dolls are sold as bare unassembled parts in a kit. Ball jointed dolls are produced by anything from single-person outfits on a hobby level, to incorporated multinationals. Hobby artists in Asia, particularly Japan, and the West, particularly USA and Australia, create and sell their own dolls. In Asia there is a wide variety of companies making ball jointed dolls, mostly based in South Korea. When owning a ball jointed doll for the first time, be sure to get as much information of its make and type and how to properly care for it. Unlike other doll collections made of plastics which are easy to care for, the ball jointed doll could be quite intimidating because of its ball joint mechanism and because of the customization option. However with proper guidance and group support you will soon become addicted and might go into a full extended ball jointed doll collection. The secret to having a successful ball jointed doll collection is the matching of the wigs and the eyes and of course other accessories – learn all you can about these great add-ons and enjoy your ball jointed doll for life!