Preventing stains

How to Prevent Stains on TPE: Complete Guide

TPE, the material used for torso dolls, is susceptible to stains due to its oil-rich composition. Wondering why and how this happens? Here's a simple explanation and tips to keep your doll free from unsightly stains, especially when using dark clothing.

Why is TPE so susceptible to stains?

TPE contains a certain amount of oil to maintain its supple and realistic texture. When clothing, especially tight clothing, is placed on your doll, it exerts more or less pressure on its surface. This pressure compresses the TPE slightly, which has the effect of pushing the oil towards the surface of the doll's skin.

In this process, the oil can end up absorbing the layer of talc you apply, before seeping into the fibers of the fabric. If the garment is dyed, especially if it is dark, the pigments can come off the fabric and be absorbed into the surface of the TPE, causing stains.

What colors of clothing are problematic?

Almost any color can potentially transfer to TPE, especially if the garment is form-fitting or very tight-fitting. However, dark clothing (especially blacks, reds, and deep blues) has a higher risk of residual dye. This risk increases if the clothing is not properly washed beforehand or if the material is in prolonged contact with the doll's skin.

Some stains are fortunately superficial, sometimes a good wash is enough. Tantaly also offers you an anti-stain product on their site by following these links: On Tantaly.com or on Tantaly.de

How to prevent stains?

There are several tips to protect your TPE doll from stains:

1. Always test before dressing your doll : If you have an insert or TPE sample available, try your clothes on this small area first. Test materials under different conditions (washing, pressure) before putting them on your doll.
2. Powder sensitive areas generously : Talc absorbs oil seepage from the TPE, forming a protective barrier against clothing pigments. It’s more than just a touch enhancement—it’s your first line of defense against stains.
3. Wash your clothes carefully : Here is a recommended test to check if your clothes are safe to use:
• Test 1 : Soak the garment in lukewarm water (30°C) with detergent and a little white vinegar. If the test is conclusive (no bleeding), move on to the next step.
• Test 2 : Repeat the same test at 40°C. If everything is fine, continue.
• Test 3 : Apply approximately 5 kg of pressure to the garment for 24 hours. If no dye transfers, try 30 kg of pressure for 24 hours. If, after these tests, the TPE has not changed color, your garment is probably safe to use.

1. Watch for sensitive areas : Certain parts of your doll's body are more likely to stain depending on the type of clothing:

• Shoulders : When covered by tight clothing like tops.
• Chest : Very exposed with fitted bodysuits or tight bras.
• Hips and Stomach : High risk if your doll wears pants, mini shorts or tight panties.
• Buttocks : If the doll is sitting or wearing tight pants, the pressure may promote color transfer.

The ideal washing protocol

Before putting any clothing on your doll, make sure to wash it properly. Here are the recommended steps:

1. Hand wash at 30°C with mild detergent and white vinegar to fix the colours.
2. Repeat the process at 40°C to ensure no dye remains.
3. Do pressure tests to check that the garment does not fade under a pressure of 5 kg, then 30 kg for 24 hours each.

If after these tests your doll's TPE remains unchanged, then you've won! Your garment is now safe to use. This process may seem lengthy, but it's worth taking these precautions to avoid difficult-to-remove stains.

One last piece of advice: choose light-colored clothing.

While I do offer dark clothing in my shop, I recommend sticking with light-colored clothing. It has a much lower risk of color transfer and requires fewer precautions. That said, if you're a fan of black or dark clothing, these steps will help you minimize the risk and enjoy your doll to the fullest, without any nasty surprises.

By following these tips, you will effectively protect your doll from stains while enjoying your favorite outfits. Remember: an excess of caution is always better to keep your doll in perfect condition.

Here's the risk you run if you're not careful, use unsuitable clothing, or leave your dark clothes on your doll for too long: