About Urethane Eyes

About Colors:

Variations in color do happen, and should be expected.  Sometimes even within a single pair of eyes, each eye can vary in hue. And the more colors an eye has inside of it, the greater chance for random variations. This is not a sign of poor quality; rather, it shows that each eye is individually handmade. So instead of looking at this as a defect, see it as something that makes your eyes more unique and lifelike -- because no two eyes of real people are exactly the same, either!

 

About Photographic Accuracy:

Just how similar will your eyes be to the pictures on the website? Please click here to learn.

 

About Differences between Acrylic, Silicone, Glass and Urethane Eyes:

Acrylic

Acrylics eyes are the cheapest option. Made of hard acrylic plastic, they scratch easily but offer thousands of interesting colors and designs at a low price.

Unless you specifically buy acrylic eyes that have been hand-painted by a hobbyist, your acrylic eyes will have computer-printed irises. They can look more flat and "2D" than other types of eyes.

If you're new to the hobby, acrylic eyes might be a good place to start. You can cheaply figure out what size of eye you like in your doll.

Silicone

A newer addition to the eye market. These have a more rubbery texture than other eyes, which is not easy to scratch, and that's a good thing. However, they can attract dust easily, and can be difficult to clean. Some people love them, some people hate them.

Glass

Glass is probably the oldest and most traditional material for doll eyes. Glass eyes can be very variable in quality; you can buy cheap, mass produced eyes(which may or may not even be the same size as each other!) or you can buy finely crafted artisan glass eyes of the highest quality. Glass eyes are glossy, have better depth than acrylics, and are generally more durable than you'd expect.

Glass eyes don't have computer printed irises.

Urethane Eyes

Urethane eyes are basically made of the same material as your doll: synthetic resin.

Urethane eyes were developed to have all the benefits of glass eyes, without some of the drawbacks. Urethane imitates the glossiness and durability of glass, but also makes it possible to offer more colors, textures, and other effects that aren't possible in glass.

Like some glass, urethane eyes have a 3D "follow" effect, so when you move an eye to the side, it almost looks like the pupil of the eye is "following you" or looking at you.

Some companies make urethane eyes with computer printed pupils. DollBakery makes urethane eyes that are completely hand painted.