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Even with careful handling, it happens eventually: a scratch from a zipper, a pressure mark from storage or a small tear in a stressed area. The good news: many types of damage to TPE and silicone dolls can be fixed at home – if you know how. Here are the most important tips from our daily work with Real Dolls.
The most common types of damage
- Superficial scratches and small cuts, for example from jewellery or fingernails
- Tears in heavily stressed areas such as armpits, groin or joint attachments
- Pressure marks and dents caused by improper storage or tight clothing
- Discolouration from dark fabrics that bleed dye
- Torn-out lashes, loose fingernails or worn-out wigs
Repairing TPE: work with dedicated glue
TPE is comparatively easy to repair. For small tears you need TPE glue, which dissolves the material at the damaged spot and bonds it back together. Here's how: clean and dry the area, carefully hold the tear open, apply a thin layer of glue and press the edges together for a few minutes. Wipe off any excess glue immediately and let the spot rest for at least 24 hours. Important: use it sparingly – too much glue leaves hard, visible edges.
Repairing silicone: patience and the right adhesive
Silicone is more robust than TPE but forgives less improvisation: only dedicated silicone adhesive works here – TPE tools and glues won't bond. You can close small cuts yourself using the same steps as with TPE, just with a longer curing time. For larger damage or tears in visible areas, we recommend taking photos first and getting advice before you start.
Treating pressure marks and discolouration
Pressure marks often disappear on their own once the cause is removed: reposition the doll, take the pressure off and give the material a few days to recover. For discolouration caused by dye transfer from clothing, there are dedicated stain remover creams for TPE and silicone that work into the skin over several hours and draw the pigments out. Again: test on an inconspicuous spot first.
Prevention is the best repair
Most damage is caused by handling and storage, not by use itself. Always lift your doll by the torso, store her lying flat or hanging without pressure points, and wash new dark clothing before dressing her for the first time. Regular powdering keeps TPE skin supple. You'll find the full routine in our sex doll guide and the right tools, from cleaning kits to powder, in our sex doll accessories.
Your repair toolkit
- TPE glue or silicone adhesive, matching your doll's material
- Lint-free cloths and mild, oil-free cleaner to prepare the damaged area
- A wooden or silicone spatula for applying glue cleanly
- Renewal powder for TPE so the repaired spot feels velvety again
- Stain remover cream for discolouration
- Spare lashes and nail glue for the small cosmetic cases
One rule for all glue work: work in a well-ventilated room, keep open flames away and give the repair its full curing time – a bond that is stressed too early almost always tears open again, and the second repair will be more visible than the first.
When to call in a professional
For deep tears, skeleton damage, loose joints or anything involving built-in electronics, we advise against DIY repairs – done wrong, they can make the damage worse. In those cases simply contact us with a few photos of the damaged area: we'll give you an honest assessment of what's worth repairing and guide you through the next steps. And if your doll really is beyond saving, our used sex dolls offer a fair fresh start.
