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Even with careful handling, it’s bound to happen eventually: a scratch from a zipper, a pressure mark from storage, or a small tear in a high-stress area. The good news: Many types of damage to TPE and silicone dolls can be repaired at home—if you know how. Here are the most important tips from our daily experience with Real Dolls.
As a general rule: The sooner you address damage, the better the result. A small tear that continues to be stressed will grow—and what could have been a five-minute repair will turn into a job for a professional. So take the time to give your doll a thorough once-over whenever you clean it, paying special attention to the armpits, groin, and joint areas.
These types of damage are the most common
- Superficial scratches and small cuts, such as those caused by jewelry or fingernails
- Tears in areas subject to heavy strain, such as the armpits, groin, or joint creases
- Pressure marks and indentations caused by improper positioning or tight clothing
- Stains caused by dark fabrics that bleed color
- Pulled-out eyelashes, loose fingernails, or damaged wigs
Repairing TPE: Working with Special Adhesive
TPE is relatively easy to repair. For small tears, you'll need TPE Adhesive, which dissolves the material at the damaged area and bonds it back together. Here’s how to do it: Clean and dry the area, gently pull the crack apart, apply a thin layer of adhesive, and press the edges together for a few minutes. Remove any excess adhesive immediately and let the area set for at least 24 hours. Important: Use sparingly—too much adhesive leaves hard, visible edges.
Repairing Silicone: Patience and the Right Adhesive
Silicone is more durable than TPE, but it’s less forgiving when it comes to improvisation: Only special silicone adhesive will work here, since standard TPE tools won’t do the job. You can use it to seal small cuts yourself—the process is the same as with TPE, just with a longer curing time. For larger damages or cracks in visible areas, we recommend taking photos first and seeking advice before attempting to repair them yourself.
Treating Pressure Marks and Discoloration
Pressure marks often disappear on their own once the cause is eliminated: reposition the doll, relieve the pressure, and give the material a few days to recover. For discoloration caused by clothing that bleeds color, there are special stain-removal creams for TPE and silicone that are left on for several hours to draw the pigments out of the skin. Here, too, be sure to test the product on an inconspicuous area first.
Prevention is better than repair
Most damage is caused by handling and storage, not by use itself. Always lift your doll by the torso, store her lying down or hanging without any pressure points, and wash new, dark clothing before putting it on her for the first time. Regularly applying powder keeps TPE skin supple. You’ll find everything you need to know in our Care Instructions and in the The ABCs of Sex Dolls, appropriate tools such as cleaning kits and powder in the Sex Doll Accessories.
Your Repair Toolbox
For most common situations, you need surprisingly little—and it's worth having the basics on hand before anything happens:
- TPE adhesive or silicone adhesive, compatible with your doll's material
- Lint-free wipes and mild, oil-free cleanser to prepare the affected area
- A wooden or silicone spatula for applying the adhesive neatly
- Restoration powder for TPE, to restore the velvety texture to the repaired area
- Stain-Removing Cream for Discoloration
- False eyelashes and nail glue for minor cosmetic touch-ups
Important for all gluing projects: Work in a well-ventilated room, keep open flames away, and allow the repair to fully cure—a bonded joint that’s put under stress too soon will almost always tear open again, and the second repair will be more noticeable than the first.
When You Should Let a Pro Take Over
In cases of deep cracks, damage to the frame, loose joints, or anything involving built-in electronics, we advise against attempting repairs yourself—improper repairs can actually make the damage worse. Contact us In cases like these, just send us 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 the doll really can't be saved, you'll find the used sex dolls a fair fresh start.
