Total composition restoration

Here we have a composition baby doll from the 1930's or early '40's.
She has arrived for a restoration.
On first glace she doesn't look too bad?

But, you can see cracking and lifting of the paint and skim composition layers around the face.

A common problem in composition dolls is the head seam that runs from ear to ear. These seams were usually finished with plaster which is extremely susceptible to moisture and  is often the first area to show damage.

Missing fingers and more cracking paint/compo on the limbs.

Some progress.
The eyes and teeth are removed and much of the lifted paint/compo layers are off.

The next steps involve sanding and spray primers.......outside jobs. And outside weather has not been nice for a long time!

So, while I wait for decent weather......I fix fingers.

Finally.
The weather is cooperating so I can sand outside without getting frostbite.
The doll is now ready for primer/filler. It will get 3 coats with sanding in between each coat before paint is applied.

After multiple layers of primer, the doll gets into the paint booth.

In the final stretches now...... a few facial features to add still......

Done!