Barbie Transformation?

[ShadowKat]

I hope this is the right place for this. I need some help transforming a Barbie head into this:

First off, how do you get paint to stick to a Barbie head? We've tried painting them before and it just flakes off, even after sealing them. Do I seal it first or use something else? What can I seal it with?
I've already got the head bald and her paint off, and now I'm stuck. Any suggestions?
She's Jemima from the musical, CATS. I've been wanting to start on a new project (hit a dead end creatively on another), and I have a whole bunch of old Barbie heads that I'm not attached to. My first choice was Grizabella, but I have no snarky/sad looking head for her, but the Barbie's smile is just perfect for Jemima. I've got a ton of old fur I'm going to be using for her wig, and then I'll be finished for a while until I get a good body for her to make her outfit on. Thanks in advance!

[K2!]

First off, how do you get paint to stick to a Barbie head? We've tried painting them before and it just flakes off, even after sealing them. Do I seal it first or use something else? What can I seal it with?

If you've already got the old face paint off, wash the head with soap and water to remove and residual finger oils from handling. Next prep the surface with a couple light coats of Mr. Super Clear. Along with it's sealing properties, it will prepare the surface to accept water based acrylics, watercolor pencils, and pastels (NO oil pastels!).

[yarwel]

If my paint was flaking I would consider trying a different brand.

[maywong]

I use acrylics to any face ups that I do. I never had any flake off.

[ShadowKat]

I blame the sealer. It was when I first started in the hobby, it wasn't a good brand of sealant, and that no matter how dry it is outside, it seems impossible to get spray paint to come out right here. Stupid humidity. It didn't actually flake off, more like rubbed off when I moved hair off of the faces (only the hair actually touched the paint).
Thanks for the steps K2! Now I must wait for the perfect day to actually spray paint. Maybe in July

[Trethowan]

I've started spraying in my basement. There's a dehumidifier down there. Plus, being in Tennessee and spraying outside means pollen is going to blow all into the sealant before it drys. (that sucks)