If you’re a passionate BJD (球连接娃娃) collector, you know that these stunning dolls require a little extra care to maintain their beauty and functionality. From enhancing articulation to preventing yellowing and breakage, there are many aspects of BJD care that can make a huge difference in preserving your doll’s value and longevity.
Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned collector looking for more advanced tips, this guide will provide you with everything you need to keep your BJD in perfect shape. We’ll cover everything from improving poseability with the right materials to proper storage and cleaning techniques, ensuring your dolls stay looking pristine for years to come. Let’s dive into the essential tips and tricks every BJD enthusiast should know!
Improving Articulation: Tips for Better Poseability
Q: The articulation is terrible! I’m going crazy!!
一个: If you care about articulation, never buy dolls with single-jointed limbs! Otherwise, your doll will just be able to sit. When using aluminum wire, it will also show on the outside, which can look unattractive. For dolls with double-jointed limbs, as long as there is enough space in the joint, aluminum wire can be used to enhance articulation.
Q: I used the coated aluminum wire, but it’s not working at all!
一个: I still don’t understand why everyone keeps recommending coated aluminum wire, and many tutorials online still use it. Personally, I find it ineffective, and it doesn’t work well for me at all.
For BJD collectors struggling with aluminum wire, I recommend enameled aluminum wire! Enameled aluminum wire! Enameled aluminum wire!
Some people have questioned whether enameled aluminum wire will lose its color. But I’ve been using it for 3–4 years without any issues. I’ve also recommended it to my friends, and none of them have faced this problem. Plus, if you’re worried about color fading, try rubbing the surface with your hand or a tissue to see if the red paint comes off.
Some people also worry that the wire will break over time. I personally haven’t had that issue, and neither have my friends. After all, it really depends on how each person handles their dolls or the wire, and that’s something we can’t really test or prove universally.
I tested the enameled aluminum wire to determine if it’s a common issue. I bent a 2mm diameter wire 90 degrees 100 times in a short period. After doing so, the paint started to peel off, but the wire didn’t break. For the 3mm diameter wire, I couldn’t even bend it 100 times in a short time. After 20 times, I was already exhausted, and of course, there was no paint coming off. If you’re still concerned, I suggest testing the wire by bending it a few times before using it.
Some people are also concerned that the cut ends of the wire may scratch the resin. I haven’t experienced this issue, and neither have my friends. In fact, dozens of BJD dolls have used this wire without any problems. If you’re worried, you can wrap a bit of paper tape around the cut ends. Personally, I do this mainly because I’m concerned that the aluminum wire might shift inside the doll’s body and potentially scratch my hands.
Most BJD collectors who have used enameled aluminum wire say it’s highly effective because it offers better support than coated aluminum wire, which is why it’s widely preferred. As a side note, if you’re not willing to take any risks, BJD doll maintenance might not be for you.
Q: Does the aluminum wire need to hook onto the S-hook?
一个: No, it’s not necessary for the aluminum wire to hook onto the S-hook. The key is that the length of the wire should be sufficient to avoid touching the joint balls on both sides. You can choose to use one wire for both legs or use two separate wires—both options work well. Personally, I sometimes prefer the simpler approach, using just one wire for one leg, and I’ve never experienced any issues with this setup.
Q: Are there any other methods to improve articulation?
一个: 是的, 有. You can enhance articulation by using a modification package that includes stringing (elastic string), 铝线, spacers, and hot glue. Some services offer this, and it does significantly improve the range of motion. I had this done for about $100.
You can also do it yourself if you have the right tools. Personally, I’m not a fan of hot glue because it can get dirty over time and may become uneven. Spacers slightly raise the joints, which can make movements look a bit unnatural. 为我, stringing with aluminum wire provides enough mobility without the need for additional modifications.
Q: How do you string the doll?
一个: To string a BJD, you need to gradually adjust the length of the elastic cord (or string) so that it provides just enough tension to allow proper articulation. Each BJD brand may have slight variations, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Personally, I don’t have a strong preference for the stringing tension as long as it’s not too loose. Adding aluminum wire can usually solve most articulation issues.
Storing and Maintaining Your BJD Dolls
Q: How should I store my BJD dolls?
一个: It’s best to avoid exposing the resin to extreme heat, cold, or humidity. I’m not sure about the conditions in the southern regions, but in the northern areas, it’s much easier to manage. You should avoid direct sunlight on your dolls. If possible, store them in an opaque box to protect them, though displaying them isn’t a huge issue—just know that they will yellow faster when exposed. Also, when taking photos, try not to use a flash, as it can affect the doll’s finish over time.
Q: What should I do if my BJD gets dirty?
一个: You can clean it with water, adding some soap or mild cleaning products. Alcohol also works for cleaning. Alternatively, you can use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and water. Just make sure to wipe away any water marks on the metal parts, as they can rust over time. It’s best to disassemble the doll and only clean the resin parts.
Dealing with Yellowing and Breakage
Q: What should I do if my BJD turns yellow?
一个: Yellowing is inevitable over time. You can use sandpaper to gently buff off the surface layer. If you’re not confident doing it yourself, you can find professional de-yellowing services online. There are plenty of resources available for this.
Q: What should I do if my BJD’s finger breaks?
一个: Contact the official after-sales service. If you’re handling it yourself, you can use glue to reattach the finger. If that doesn’t work, it might be time to purchase a new hand or replacement part or a new doll.
Q: Is it normal for a BJD’s articulation to be poor?
一个: It’s relatively common. 一般来说, the articulation of BJDs may require some adjustments over time. Among my dolls, the Volks SDGr female body has the best range of motion—no surprise, considering it’s a limited edition body that cost extra.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your BJD dolls involves more than just keeping them clean—it’s about ensuring their articulation is smooth, preventing yellowing, and handling breakages with care. Whether you’re improving the poseability with the right aluminum wire, learning how to properly store them to avoid damage, or dealing with more advanced maintenance techniques, taking good care of your BJD will keep them in pristine condition for years. Happy doll collecting and take good care of your precious BJD dolls!
