Molded Hair experiments:

I am using a 10” Berenguer LTL head for these experiments.  I removed all of the paint beforehand.   

Before:

Trial 1: Sanding

I tried using very fine grade sandpaper to remove the grooves, but it made the vinyl slightly rough and speckled looking—made the baby look like he had a severe dry skin problem and needed a good dandruff shampoo.

Trial 2 with Hot Iron:

I used my household regular electric iron set on the hottest setting and placed it at the back of the head just at the molded hair line and started to move the iron out and up.  The vinyl started to melt and became sticky.  It did get rid of the molded lines, but it also changed the vinyl texture and discolored it in areas. 

Trial 3 with Transparent Liquid Sculpey:

I applied the “Transparent Liquid Sculpey” to the front starting at the hair line and using a paintbrush to spread it out.  The bake time calls for 15-20 minutes at 275 degrees, but I decided to turn the oven down to 225 degrees and bake it for 30 minutes.  I kept an eye on it and checked it about half way through—looked fine so kept going.  (Please note: On close inspection, the top of the ears did get a little dark (not that noticeable), but have repeated this step on another head with the oven temperature lower (around 175 degrees) without any problems.)  I pulled it out of the oven after 30 minutes and I think it looks great.  You can still see very faint darker lines in the areas where the grooves were deeper, but I think after hair is applied it wouldn’t be that noticeable. 

Trial 4: Removing the ridges with an Exacto knife

I took a regular Exacto knife and switched to a blade with a rounded tip.  I slid it just across the surface and removed the higher parts of the ridges.  I could tell right away that this was not the method of choice for me.  I realized very quickly that this method would be very time consuming and left shiny places in the vinyl.

I tried to photograph the head where the vinyl hasn’t been altered next to the areas that were changed.   The iron was used at the back of the head, Exacto knife at the side and the “TLS” was used on the front.   

I didn't have any problems rooting through the liquid sculpey after it was baked.

Trial 5:  Using a "Dremel" type tool

I have tried several attachments to remove the grooves.  I am happy with the little round grinders rather than the sandpaper.  The sandpaper attachment left many scratches and marks all over the head.  The scratches can probably be buffed out--but it will take a lot of time to do it.  The grinders worked really well, but it can be difficult to get near the ears without nicking at them.  Also, another trouble spot is near the forehead where the grooves start--it can be very easy to scratch below the hair line and its a little more difficult to blend it below the hairline.  I used a buffing attachment all over the head after the grinders and it looks really good.  The only thing that I would complain about is the color difference between the removed grooves and the rest of the vinyl--however, once the hair has been rooted I don't think the difference will be that noticeable.  I will continue more experimenting with it and do some fine tuning and place the directions in my online tutorial.