Boot Restoration

This Internet-captured photo illustrates how Top Model Nikki's boots looked before my doll's boots began to flake.

Quite some time ago, I discovered that the top layer of Top Model Nikki's knee-high faux leather aqua boots was flaking off, breaking down, disintegrating! I peeled off all the flakes and the remaining top layer with the intention of sealing the knit material that was underneath.

 

I inserted marking pens in the boots in preparation for sealing with varnish.

 

The boots remained as illustrated above, with a marking pen placed inside each to hold their shape while I applied varnish. I didn't get around to doing this until recently after another pair of flaking boots arrived that needed my immediate attention.

Part of the Barbie Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader uniform, these boots had begun to flake in areas.

The flaking cowboy boots from the opposite side are shown here.

With two boots that needed restoration, I was motivated to begin the quick, but necessary restoration. 

Pens were inserted inside the cowboy boots, too. 

The inserted pens served to maintain the boot shape, to prevent the insides from sticking, and to hold while applying the sealant to the outer surfaces. 

Next, I applied thin layers of matte varnish to both boots and allowed the boots to dry after placing the pen-held boots upside down inside two vintage brass napkin holders that had been my mother's.

After the varnish dried, I didn't like the finished surface, so I used Mod Podge for both boots to complete the necessary sealing.

The Sealed Boots

Top Model Nikki's boots sealed well.

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader boots also sealed well.

The dolls model their newly sealed boots next.

Top Model Nikki proudly poses in her new (but stiff) boots.

She's thankful that her feet and legs are no longer bare.

Artsy/Desiree posed next. 

Desiree already loved wearing the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader uniform.

She loves wearing it even more now that the boots are sealed.

While the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader ensemble is not her original clothes, Desiree wears it well. The "hot pants" fit her like a glove. 

The girls pose together in this final picture.

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

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