Bubbles in TPE

[AIMD]

Been repairing tears in my companion using controlled heat and extra TPE, but as the TPE cools it develops bubbles under the skin. Obviously the deep TPE wasn't melted properly so I fix it but still get bubbles. Any suggestions on how to fix this?

[nox2doll]

If I understood correctly, you are trying to melt new material over the doll's skin where there is some damage. I myself do a similar job by sliding a hot iron on the doll's skin. Works at least for small abrasions. I have not been successful in melting the additional material, it works exactly as described.

I have started a documentary on the subject. It can be found in the attached link, section: Fixing doll’s skin after joint repair (advanced)

[RevJack]

For deep tears, I will do the fix in stages. Drip molten tpe directly into the deepest part of the crack and let it cool. Then do a few more drops on top of that. Cool. Then finish the surface and gently smooth.
Bubbles (for me) indicate that I didn't do the molten tpe deep enough into the crack. So dont be afraid to hold the wound open while dripping the TPE deep, then release the wound edges to let it cool. Repeat until done, a little at a time.

Reverend Jack

[Wheezer]

RevJack .... Good call on keeping it open while adding the molten TPE.

I have also seen where bubbles are due to vapors of liquid that was still in the wound site.
Typically it comes up when a deep would is "cleaned well" with isopropyl alcohol prior to a repair.
Any small amount remaining does not affect a solvent or 3M primer repair.
A heat only seal repair also usually vaporizes it when the hot iron is inserted.
But adding molten TPE over any residue generates a vapor which can led to bubbles.

One suggestion is perhaps skip iso alchol or any liquid PRIOR to the molten TPE.
Alternately allow more time to dry or use some air flow on it before the hot TPE.

Just my thoughts.
Cheers!
... W ...