Necessities
This is a list of necessities that I’ve compiled and generally, you can find other lists similar to this one online. I’ve just noticed that there’s no solid list of what to have in general. This is for when you get started and also just things to keep on hand at all times. Part of the BJD hobby is the upkeep.
Acrylic paint.
Chalk Pastels (non-oil based).
Watercolor Pencils.
Pencil sharpener. Duh.
An assortment of paint brushes, in all different sizes.
Paint thinner. USE SPARINGLY.
Cotton buds and q-tips.
Face protectors! Don’t be dumb and throw the one you get with the doll away. You’re gonna need it. You’ll know what I’m talkin’ about when you get your first doll in the post.
Unscented dish soap, for washin’ them dirty doll faces and bodies, to be used before body blushing and on a regular basis for general upkeep. This also works well for cleaning doll clothes.
Cotton gloves, for handling doll parts when you can’t guarantee that your hands are clean while doing faceups.
Magic Erasers. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers work fine but you can get Japanese magic erasers for cheaper and they’re way better. These are for when you fuck up a faceup before sealing it.
Sealant! I use Liquitex Matte Varnish but the primo shit is Mr. Super Clear, it’s just really expensive.
Isopropyl Alcohol for when you monumentally fuck up a faceup...after sealing it.
Sticky tack is a great substitute for eye putty.
False eyelashes! You think your doll won’t look weird without eyelashes but they will. Stock up on false eyelashes. You’re gonna need em.
PVC glue AKA Elmer’s Glue. I use Elmer’s Glue-All, which is “Extra Strength” and you will need it to secure those eyelashes.
Cheap-ish shampoo and conditioner for those doll wigs.
Dryer sheets to smooth out frizzy hair.
A super soft bristle toothbrush...also for frizzy hair but also to scrub off the sealant when you inevitably want to redo your faceup. GENTLY. SCRUB GENTLY.
Elastic and a restringing tool. You’ll have to restring your doll at some point and while it’s not particularly fun, it’s necessary if you want to keep them posing properly. As far as a restringing tool goes, you can just get some sturdy wire, bend it in half and loop the elastic through it, like a giant needle. I also recommend wrapping the end of the wire in tape to prevent it from scratching the resin.
Masking tape.
I’m sure there’s more to add to the list but this is pretty standard and will cover almost everything faceup and care wise. Have at it and happy collecting, everyone!