(Read about repairing old and collectible antique dolls, whether made with porcelain, bisque, or composition materials.)

Repairing antique dolls has become important in an age where they can be easily sold on e-bay and other online auction site. 

Naturally, a nice looking antique doll will sell easier and for more than a doll with a faded dress, paint, and flaws.  However, careless restoration can damage the doll and harm its originality and historical value.  So, if you are going to undergo antique doll repair, be sure to do it right. You can send your doll to a professional to get restored, such as Doll Haven, or you can try and do it yourself. However, I do recommend on sending your Doll to a Doll Repair Specialists.

“Do nothing that cannot be undone”—That is the motto of the United Federation of Doll Clubs (UFDC), and is good to apply to collectible doll repair.  If your vintage or antique doll has historical value, “do nothing that cannot be undone”.  The doll has more historical value if it has the original clothes and presentation, so if your doll does not have those things, you can pretty much do whatever you want. 

When you are doing the restoration, make sure that you read a lot of how-to guides before you start.  Identify what needs to be done, and go from there.  You can get a lot of supplies via the internet or craft stores.  You can find many guides on damaged porcelain Doll Repair, composition doll repair, and bisque doll repair, as well as many others.  I am sure that if you have a lot of vintage or antique dolls you know a little about the restoration process.

When you are repairing be sure to wash your hands often, or wear gloves.  The oils from your hands can ruin the doll and the clothing.  You can’t see the oils, but they attract bugs, dirt, and mold.  Work in a well lit, well ventilated area and use white cloths so that you can see what you are whipping away (such as dirt or paint).  Have all of the materials you need in front of you.  Also, if you take the doll apart, be sure to sketch where the pieces go so you can put it back together.

If you end up selling your doll, tell people what changes you have made.  Tell them about repainting, repairs, and added materials such as new eyes or hair.  You don’t have to tell them that you cleaned the dolls or washed the cloths or restyled the hair.  But it is ethical to tell the buyer any major changes.