diff --git a/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/intersect/curve_face.rs b/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/intersect/curve_face.rs
index 9ede7f995..9e87ec130 100644
--- a/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/intersect/curve_face.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/intersect/curve_face.rs
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@ where
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
     use crate::{
-        builder::CurveBuilder,
+        builder::{CurveBuilder, FaceBuilder},
         objects::{Curve, Face, Objects},
         partial::HasPartial,
     };
@@ -183,11 +183,11 @@ mod tests {
             [ 1., -1.],
         ];
 
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points(exterior)
             .with_interior_polygon_from_points(interior)
-            .build();
+            .build(&objects)?;
 
         let expected =
             CurveFaceIntersection::from_intervals([[[1.], [2.]], [[4.], [5.]]]);
diff --git a/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/intersect/face_face.rs b/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/intersect/face_face.rs
index ac9e2776c..66b41ac30 100644
--- a/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/intersect/face_face.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/intersect/face_face.rs
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ mod tests {
 
     use crate::{
         algorithms::intersect::CurveFaceIntersection,
-        builder::CurveBuilder,
+        builder::{CurveBuilder, FaceBuilder},
         objects::{Curve, Face, Objects},
         partial::HasPartial,
     };
@@ -86,12 +86,12 @@ mod tests {
             [1., 2.],
         ];
         let [a, b] = [objects.surfaces.xy_plane(), objects.surfaces.xz_plane()]
-            .map(|surface| {
-                Face::builder(&objects)
+            .try_map_ext(|surface| {
+                Face::partial()
                     .with_surface(surface)
                     .with_exterior_polygon_from_points(points)
-                    .build()
-            });
+                    .build(&objects)
+            })?;
 
         let intersection = FaceFaceIntersection::compute([&a, &b], &objects)?;
 
@@ -113,12 +113,12 @@ mod tests {
         ];
         let surfaces =
             [objects.surfaces.xy_plane(), objects.surfaces.xz_plane()];
-        let [a, b] = surfaces.clone().map(|surface| {
-            Face::builder(&objects)
+        let [a, b] = surfaces.clone().try_map_ext(|surface| {
+            Face::partial()
                 .with_surface(surface)
                 .with_exterior_polygon_from_points(points)
-                .build()
-        });
+                .build(&objects)
+        })?;
 
         let intersection = FaceFaceIntersection::compute([&a, &b], &objects)?;
 
diff --git a/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/intersect/face_point.rs b/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/intersect/face_point.rs
index 639dde796..6fa3d17b9 100644
--- a/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/intersect/face_point.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/intersect/face_point.rs
@@ -136,34 +136,38 @@ mod tests {
 
     use crate::{
         algorithms::intersect::{face_point::FacePointIntersection, Intersect},
+        builder::FaceBuilder,
         iter::ObjectIters,
         objects::{Face, Objects},
+        partial::HasPartial,
     };
 
     #[test]
-    fn point_is_outside_face() {
+    fn point_is_outside_face() -> anyhow::Result<()> {
         let objects = Objects::new();
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.xy_plane();
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([[0., 0.], [1., 1.], [0., 2.]])
-            .build();
+            .build(&objects)?;
         let point = Point::from([2., 1.]);
 
         let intersection = (&face, &point).intersect();
         assert_eq!(intersection, None);
+
+        Ok(())
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn ray_hits_vertex_while_passing_outside() {
+    fn ray_hits_vertex_while_passing_outside() -> anyhow::Result<()> {
         let objects = Objects::new();
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.xy_plane();
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([[0., 0.], [2., 1.], [0., 2.]])
-            .build();
+            .build(&objects)?;
         let point = Point::from([1., 1.]);
 
         let intersection = (&face, &point).intersect();
@@ -171,17 +175,19 @@ mod tests {
             intersection,
             Some(FacePointIntersection::PointIsInsideFace)
         );
+
+        Ok(())
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn ray_hits_vertex_at_cycle_seam() {
+    fn ray_hits_vertex_at_cycle_seam() -> anyhow::Result<()> {
         let objects = Objects::new();
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.xy_plane();
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([[4., 2.], [0., 4.], [0., 0.]])
-            .build();
+            .build(&objects)?;
         let point = Point::from([1., 2.]);
 
         let intersection = (&face, &point).intersect();
@@ -189,14 +195,16 @@ mod tests {
             intersection,
             Some(FacePointIntersection::PointIsInsideFace)
         );
+
+        Ok(())
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn ray_hits_vertex_while_staying_inside() {
+    fn ray_hits_vertex_while_staying_inside() -> anyhow::Result<()> {
         let objects = Objects::new();
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.xy_plane();
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([
                 [0., 0.],
@@ -204,7 +212,7 @@ mod tests {
                 [3., 0.],
                 [3., 4.],
             ])
-            .build();
+            .build(&objects)?;
         let point = Point::from([1., 1.]);
 
         let intersection = (&face, &point).intersect();
@@ -212,14 +220,17 @@ mod tests {
             intersection,
             Some(FacePointIntersection::PointIsInsideFace)
         );
+
+        Ok(())
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn ray_hits_parallel_edge_and_leaves_face_at_vertex() {
+    fn ray_hits_parallel_edge_and_leaves_face_at_vertex() -> anyhow::Result<()>
+    {
         let objects = Objects::new();
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.xy_plane();
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([
                 [0., 0.],
@@ -227,7 +238,7 @@ mod tests {
                 [3., 1.],
                 [0., 2.],
             ])
-            .build();
+            .build(&objects)?;
         let point = Point::from([1., 1.]);
 
         let intersection = (&face, &point).intersect();
@@ -235,14 +246,17 @@ mod tests {
             intersection,
             Some(FacePointIntersection::PointIsInsideFace)
         );
+
+        Ok(())
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn ray_hits_parallel_edge_and_does_not_leave_face_there() {
+    fn ray_hits_parallel_edge_and_does_not_leave_face_there(
+    ) -> anyhow::Result<()> {
         let objects = Objects::new();
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.xy_plane();
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([
                 [0., 0.],
@@ -251,7 +265,7 @@ mod tests {
                 [4., 0.],
                 [4., 5.],
             ])
-            .build();
+            .build(&objects)?;
         let point = Point::from([1., 1.]);
 
         let intersection = (&face, &point).intersect();
@@ -259,17 +273,19 @@ mod tests {
             intersection,
             Some(FacePointIntersection::PointIsInsideFace)
         );
+
+        Ok(())
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn point_is_coincident_with_edge() {
+    fn point_is_coincident_with_edge() -> anyhow::Result<()> {
         let objects = Objects::new();
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.xy_plane();
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([[0., 0.], [2., 0.], [0., 1.]])
-            .build();
+            .build(&objects)?;
         let point = Point::from([1., 0.]);
 
         let intersection = (&face, &point).intersect();
@@ -286,17 +302,19 @@ mod tests {
             intersection,
             Some(FacePointIntersection::PointIsOnEdge(edge.clone()))
         );
+
+        Ok(())
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn point_is_coincident_with_vertex() {
+    fn point_is_coincident_with_vertex() -> anyhow::Result<()> {
         let objects = Objects::new();
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.xy_plane();
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([[0., 0.], [1., 0.], [0., 1.]])
-            .build();
+            .build(&objects)?;
         let point = Point::from([1., 0.]);
 
         let intersection = (&face, &point).intersect();
@@ -311,5 +329,7 @@ mod tests {
             intersection,
             Some(FacePointIntersection::PointIsOnVertex(vertex.clone()))
         );
+
+        Ok(())
     }
 }
diff --git a/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/intersect/ray_face.rs b/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/intersect/ray_face.rs
index ada935ad9..38201c372 100644
--- a/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/intersect/ray_face.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/intersect/ray_face.rs
@@ -152,8 +152,10 @@ mod tests {
             },
             transform::TransformObject,
         },
+        builder::FaceBuilder,
         iter::ObjectIters,
         objects::{Face, Objects},
+        partial::HasPartial,
     };
 
     #[test]
@@ -163,7 +165,7 @@ mod tests {
         let ray = HorizontalRayToTheRight::from([0., 0., 0.]);
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.yz_plane();
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([
                 [-1., -1.],
@@ -171,7 +173,7 @@ mod tests {
                 [1., 1.],
                 [-1., 1.],
             ])
-            .build()
+            .build(&objects)?
             .translate([-1., 0., 0.], &objects)?;
 
         assert_eq!((&ray, &face).intersect(), None);
@@ -185,7 +187,7 @@ mod tests {
         let ray = HorizontalRayToTheRight::from([0., 0., 0.]);
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.yz_plane();
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([
                 [-1., -1.],
@@ -193,7 +195,7 @@ mod tests {
                 [1., 1.],
                 [-1., 1.],
             ])
-            .build()
+            .build(&objects)?
             .translate([1., 0., 0.], &objects)?;
 
         assert_eq!(
@@ -210,7 +212,7 @@ mod tests {
         let ray = HorizontalRayToTheRight::from([0., 0., 0.]);
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.yz_plane();
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([
                 [-1., -1.],
@@ -218,7 +220,7 @@ mod tests {
                 [1., 1.],
                 [-1., 1.],
             ])
-            .build()
+            .build(&objects)?
             .translate([0., 0., 2.], &objects)?;
 
         assert_eq!((&ray, &face).intersect(), None);
@@ -232,7 +234,7 @@ mod tests {
         let ray = HorizontalRayToTheRight::from([0., 0., 0.]);
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.yz_plane();
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([
                 [-1., -1.],
@@ -240,7 +242,7 @@ mod tests {
                 [1., 1.],
                 [-1., 1.],
             ])
-            .build()
+            .build(&objects)?
             .translate([1., 1., 0.], &objects)?;
 
         let edge = face
@@ -265,7 +267,7 @@ mod tests {
         let ray = HorizontalRayToTheRight::from([0., 0., 0.]);
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.yz_plane();
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([
                 [-1., -1.],
@@ -273,7 +275,7 @@ mod tests {
                 [1., 1.],
                 [-1., 1.],
             ])
-            .build()
+            .build(&objects)?
             .translate([1., 1., 1.], &objects)?;
 
         let vertex = face
@@ -290,13 +292,13 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn ray_is_parallel_to_surface_and_hits() {
+    fn ray_is_parallel_to_surface_and_hits() -> anyhow::Result<()> {
         let objects = Objects::new();
 
         let ray = HorizontalRayToTheRight::from([0., 0., 0.]);
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.xy_plane();
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([
                 [-1., -1.],
@@ -304,12 +306,14 @@ mod tests {
                 [1., 1.],
                 [-1., 1.],
             ])
-            .build();
+            .build(&objects)?;
 
         assert_eq!(
             (&ray, &face).intersect(),
             Some(RayFaceIntersection::RayHitsFaceAndAreParallel)
-        )
+        );
+
+        Ok(())
     }
 
     #[test]
@@ -319,7 +323,7 @@ mod tests {
         let ray = HorizontalRayToTheRight::from([0., 0., 0.]);
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.xy_plane();
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([
                 [-1., -1.],
@@ -327,7 +331,7 @@ mod tests {
                 [1., 1.],
                 [-1., 1.],
             ])
-            .build()
+            .build(&objects)?
             .translate([0., 0., 1.], &objects)?;
 
         assert_eq!((&ray, &face).intersect(), None);
diff --git a/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/reverse/face.rs b/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/reverse/face.rs
index e96edeeaa..9f7a20607 100644
--- a/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/reverse/face.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/reverse/face.rs
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 use crate::{
     objects::{Face, Objects},
+    partial::HasPartial,
     storage::Handle,
     validate::ValidationError,
 };
@@ -14,10 +15,10 @@ impl Reverse for Handle<Face> {
             .map(|cycle| cycle.clone().reverse(objects))
             .collect::<Result<Vec<_>, _>>()?;
 
-        Ok(Face::builder(objects)
+        Face::partial()
             .with_exterior(exterior)
             .with_interiors(interiors)
             .with_color(self.color())
-            .build())
+            .build(objects)
     }
 }
diff --git a/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/sweep/edge.rs b/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/sweep/edge.rs
index a4c09f01e..b4659507a 100644
--- a/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/sweep/edge.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/sweep/edge.rs
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ use crate::{
         Curve, Cycle, Face, GlobalEdge, HalfEdge, Objects, SurfaceVertex,
         Vertex,
     },
+    partial::HasPartial,
     path::SurfacePath,
     storage::Handle,
     validate::ValidationError,
@@ -175,10 +176,10 @@ impl Sweep for (Handle<HalfEdge>, Color) {
             objects.cycles.insert(Cycle::new(edges))?
         };
 
-        Ok(Face::builder(objects)
+        Face::partial()
             .with_exterior(cycle)
             .with_color(color)
-            .build())
+            .build(objects)
     }
 }
 
@@ -256,7 +257,7 @@ mod tests {
                     .cycles
                     .insert(Cycle::new([bottom, side_up, top, side_down]))?;
 
-                Face::builder(&objects).with_exterior(cycle).build()
+                Face::partial().with_exterior(cycle).build(&objects)?
             };
 
         assert_eq!(face, expected_face);
diff --git a/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/sweep/face.rs b/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/sweep/face.rs
index eb44fc87c..3919832f7 100644
--- a/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/sweep/face.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/sweep/face.rs
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ mod tests {
 
     use crate::{
         algorithms::{reverse::Reverse, transform::TransformObject},
-        builder::HalfEdgeBuilder,
+        builder::{FaceBuilder, HalfEdgeBuilder},
         objects::{Face, HalfEdge, Objects, Sketch},
         partial::HasPartial,
     };
@@ -107,15 +107,15 @@ mod tests {
             .build()
             .sweep(UP, &objects)?;
 
-        let bottom = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let bottom = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface.clone())
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points(TRIANGLE)
-            .build()
+            .build(&objects)?
             .reverse(&objects)?;
-        let top = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let top = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface.translate(UP, &objects)?)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points(TRIANGLE)
-            .build();
+            .build(&objects)?;
 
         assert!(solid.find_face(&bottom).is_some());
         assert!(solid.find_face(&top).is_some());
@@ -151,15 +151,15 @@ mod tests {
             .build()
             .sweep(DOWN, &objects)?;
 
-        let bottom = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let bottom = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface.clone().translate(DOWN, &objects)?)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points(TRIANGLE)
-            .build()
+            .build(&objects)?
             .reverse(&objects)?;
-        let top = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let top = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points(TRIANGLE)
-            .build();
+            .build(&objects)?;
 
         assert!(solid.find_face(&bottom).is_some());
         assert!(solid.find_face(&top).is_some());
diff --git a/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/transform/face.rs b/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/transform/face.rs
index 249f32700..833eaebaa 100644
--- a/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/transform/face.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/transform/face.rs
@@ -2,44 +2,51 @@ use fj_math::Transform;
 
 use crate::{
     objects::{Face, FaceSet, Objects},
-    partial::HasPartial,
-    storage::Handle,
+    partial::{HasPartial, PartialFace},
     validate::ValidationError,
 };
 
 use super::TransformObject;
 
-impl TransformObject for Handle<Face> {
+impl TransformObject for PartialFace {
     fn transform(
         self,
         transform: &Transform,
         objects: &Objects,
     ) -> Result<Self, ValidationError> {
-        let surface = self.surface().clone().transform(transform, objects)?;
+        let surface = self
+            .surface()
+            .map(|surface| surface.transform(transform, objects))
+            .transpose()?;
         let exterior = self
             .exterior()
-            .to_partial()
+            .into_partial()
             .transform(transform, objects)?
-            .with_surface(Some(surface.clone()))
-            .build(objects)?;
+            .with_surface(surface.clone());
         let interiors = self
             .interiors()
             .map(|cycle| -> Result<_, ValidationError> {
                 cycle
-                    .to_partial()
+                    .into_partial()
                     .transform(transform, objects)?
-                    .with_surface(Some(surface.clone()))
+                    .with_surface(surface.clone())
                     .build(objects)
             })
             .collect::<Result<Vec<_>, _>>()?;
 
         let color = self.color();
 
-        Ok(Face::builder(objects)
+        let mut face = Face::partial()
             .with_exterior(exterior)
-            .with_interiors(interiors)
-            .with_color(color)
-            .build())
+            .with_interiors(interiors);
+        if let Some(surface) = surface {
+            face = face.with_surface(surface);
+        }
+        if let Some(color) = color {
+            face = face.with_color(color);
+        }
+
+        Ok(face)
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/triangulate/mod.rs b/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/triangulate/mod.rs
index 73b68039e..6f9579c70 100644
--- a/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/triangulate/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-kernel/src/algorithms/triangulate/mod.rs
@@ -84,7 +84,9 @@ mod tests {
 
     use crate::{
         algorithms::approx::{Approx, Tolerance},
+        builder::FaceBuilder,
         objects::{Face, Objects},
+        partial::HasPartial,
         storage::Handle,
     };
 
@@ -100,10 +102,10 @@ mod tests {
         let d = [0., 1.];
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.xy_plane();
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([a, b, c, d])
-            .build();
+            .build(&objects)?;
 
         let a = Point::from(a).to_xyz();
         let b = Point::from(b).to_xyz();
@@ -135,11 +137,11 @@ mod tests {
         let h = [3., 1.];
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.xy_plane();
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface.clone())
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([a, b, c, d])
             .with_interior_polygon_from_points([e, f, g, h])
-            .build();
+            .build(&objects)?;
 
         let triangles = triangulate(face)?;
 
@@ -196,10 +198,10 @@ mod tests {
         let e = [0., 0.8];
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.xy_plane();
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface.clone())
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([a, b, c, d, e])
-            .build();
+            .build(&objects)?;
 
         let triangles = triangulate(face)?;
 
diff --git a/crates/fj-kernel/src/builder/face.rs b/crates/fj-kernel/src/builder/face.rs
index 0f217d409..41f6dc5b1 100644
--- a/crates/fj-kernel/src/builder/face.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-kernel/src/builder/face.rs
@@ -1,115 +1,49 @@
-use fj_interop::mesh::Color;
 use fj_math::Point;
 
 use crate::{
-    objects::{Cycle, Face, Objects, Surface},
-    partial::HasPartial,
-    storage::Handle,
+    objects::Cycle,
+    partial::{HasPartial, PartialFace},
 };
 
 use super::CycleBuilder;
 
-/// API for building a [`Face`]
-///
-/// Also see [`Face::builder`].
-pub struct FaceBuilder<'a> {
-    /// The stores that the created objects are put in
-    pub objects: &'a Objects,
+/// Builder API for [`PartialFace`]
+pub trait FaceBuilder {
+    /// Update the [`PartialFace`] with an exterior polygon
+    fn with_exterior_polygon_from_points(
+        self,
+        points: impl IntoIterator<Item = impl Into<Point<2>>>,
+    ) -> Self;
 
-    /// The surface that the [`Face`] is defined in
-    pub surface: Option<Handle<Surface>>,
-
-    /// The exterior cycle that bounds the [`Face`] on the outside
-    ///
-    /// Must be provided by the caller, directly or using one of the `with_`
-    /// methods, before [`FaceBuilder::build`] is called.
-    pub exterior: Option<Handle<Cycle>>,
-
-    /// The interior cycles that form holes in the [`Face`]
-    pub interiors: Vec<Handle<Cycle>>,
-
-    /// The color of the [`Face`]
-    pub color: Option<Color>,
+    /// Update the [`PartialFace`] with an interior polygon
+    fn with_interior_polygon_from_points(
+        self,
+        points: impl IntoIterator<Item = impl Into<Point<2>>>,
+    ) -> Self;
 }
 
-impl<'a> FaceBuilder<'a> {
-    /// Build the [`Face`] with the provided surface
-    pub fn with_surface(mut self, surface: Handle<Surface>) -> Self {
-        self.surface = Some(surface);
-        self
-    }
-
-    /// Build the [`Face`] with the provided exterior
-    pub fn with_exterior(mut self, exterior: Handle<Cycle>) -> Self {
-        self.exterior = Some(exterior);
-        self
-    }
-
-    /// Build the [`Face`] with an exterior polygon from the provided points
-    pub fn with_exterior_polygon_from_points(
-        mut self,
+impl FaceBuilder for PartialFace {
+    fn with_exterior_polygon_from_points(
+        self,
         points: impl IntoIterator<Item = impl Into<Point<2>>>,
     ) -> Self {
-        let surface = self
-            .surface
-            .as_ref()
-            .expect("Need surface to create polygon");
+        let surface = self.surface().expect("Need surface to create polygon");
 
-        self.exterior = Some(
+        self.with_exterior(
             Cycle::partial()
-                .with_poly_chain_from_points(surface.clone(), points)
-                .close_with_line_segment()
-                .build(self.objects)
-                .unwrap(),
-        );
-        self
+                .with_poly_chain_from_points(surface, points)
+                .close_with_line_segment(),
+        )
     }
 
-    /// Build the [`Face`] with the provided interior polygons
-    pub fn with_interiors(
-        mut self,
-        interiors: impl IntoIterator<Item = Handle<Cycle>>,
-    ) -> Self {
-        self.interiors.extend(interiors);
-        self
-    }
-
-    /// Build the [`Face`] with an interior polygon from the provided points
-    pub fn with_interior_polygon_from_points(
-        mut self,
+    fn with_interior_polygon_from_points(
+        self,
         points: impl IntoIterator<Item = impl Into<Point<2>>>,
     ) -> Self {
-        let surface = self
-            .surface
-            .as_ref()
-            .expect("Need surface to build polygon.");
+        let surface = self.surface().expect("Need surface to build polygon.");
 
-        self.interiors.push(
-            Cycle::partial()
-                .with_poly_chain_from_points(surface.clone(), points)
-                .close_with_line_segment()
-                .build(self.objects)
-                .unwrap(),
-        );
-        self
-    }
-
-    /// Build the [`Face`] with the provided color
-    pub fn with_color(mut self, color: Color) -> Self {
-        self.color = Some(color);
-        self
-    }
-
-    /// Construct a polygon from a list of points
-    pub fn build(self) -> Handle<Face> {
-        let exterior = self
-            .exterior
-            .expect("Can't build `Face` without exterior cycle");
-        let color = self.color.unwrap_or_default();
-
-        self.objects
-            .faces
-            .insert(Face::new(exterior, self.interiors, color))
-            .unwrap()
+        self.with_interiors([Cycle::partial()
+            .with_poly_chain_from_points(surface, points)
+            .close_with_line_segment()])
     }
 }
diff --git a/crates/fj-kernel/src/builder/mod.rs b/crates/fj-kernel/src/builder/mod.rs
index 9dafd5326..1d96e73d7 100644
--- a/crates/fj-kernel/src/builder/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-kernel/src/builder/mod.rs
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@
 // These are the old-style builders that need to be transferred to the partial
 // object API. Issue:
 // https://github.com/hannobraun/Fornjot/issues/1147
-mod face;
 mod shell;
 mod sketch;
 mod solid;
@@ -12,6 +11,7 @@ mod solid;
 mod curve;
 mod cycle;
 mod edge;
+mod face;
 mod vertex;
 
 pub use self::{
diff --git a/crates/fj-kernel/src/builder/shell.rs b/crates/fj-kernel/src/builder/shell.rs
index 9c6d1629b..867519507 100644
--- a/crates/fj-kernel/src/builder/shell.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-kernel/src/builder/shell.rs
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ use fj_math::Scalar;
 
 use crate::{
     algorithms::transform::TransformObject,
-    builder::HalfEdgeBuilder,
+    builder::{FaceBuilder, HalfEdgeBuilder},
     objects::{
         Curve, Cycle, Face, FaceSet, HalfEdge, Objects, Shell, Surface,
         SurfaceVertex, Vertex,
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ impl<'a> ShellBuilder<'a> {
                 .translate([Z, Z, -h], self.objects)
                 .unwrap();
 
-            Face::builder(self.objects)
+            Face::partial()
                 .with_surface(surface)
                 .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([
                     [-h, -h],
@@ -62,7 +62,8 @@ impl<'a> ShellBuilder<'a> {
                     [h, h],
                     [-h, h],
                 ])
-                .build()
+                .build(self.objects)
+                .unwrap()
         };
 
         let (sides, top_edges) = {
@@ -193,7 +194,10 @@ impl<'a> ShellBuilder<'a> {
                         .build(self.objects)
                         .unwrap();
 
-                    Face::builder(self.objects).with_exterior(cycle).build()
+                    Face::partial()
+                        .with_exterior(cycle)
+                        .build(self.objects)
+                        .unwrap()
                 });
 
             (sides, tops)
@@ -259,11 +263,12 @@ impl<'a> ShellBuilder<'a> {
                 );
             }
 
-            Face::builder(self.objects)
+            Face::partial()
                 .with_exterior(
                     self.objects.cycles.insert(Cycle::new(edges)).unwrap(),
                 )
-                .build()
+                .build(self.objects)
+                .unwrap()
         };
 
         self.faces.extend([bottom]);
diff --git a/crates/fj-kernel/src/builder/sketch.rs b/crates/fj-kernel/src/builder/sketch.rs
index e0aef7c48..aad2b9620 100644
--- a/crates/fj-kernel/src/builder/sketch.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-kernel/src/builder/sketch.rs
@@ -2,9 +2,12 @@ use fj_math::Point;
 
 use crate::{
     objects::{Face, FaceSet, Objects, Sketch, Surface},
+    partial::HasPartial,
     storage::Handle,
 };
 
+use super::FaceBuilder;
+
 /// API for building a [`Sketch`]
 ///
 /// Also see [`Sketch::builder`].
@@ -44,10 +47,11 @@ impl<'a> SketchBuilder<'a> {
             .surface
             .as_ref()
             .expect("Can't build `Sketch` without `Surface`");
-        self.faces.extend([Face::builder(self.objects)
+        self.faces.extend([Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface.clone())
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points(points)
-            .build()]);
+            .build(self.objects)
+            .unwrap()]);
         self
     }
 
diff --git a/crates/fj-kernel/src/iter.rs b/crates/fj-kernel/src/iter.rs
index c27d3fbaf..6708c96b1 100644
--- a/crates/fj-kernel/src/iter.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-kernel/src/iter.rs
@@ -360,7 +360,7 @@ impl<T> Iterator for Iter<T> {
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
     use crate::{
-        builder::{CurveBuilder, CycleBuilder, HalfEdgeBuilder},
+        builder::{CurveBuilder, CycleBuilder, FaceBuilder, HalfEdgeBuilder},
         objects::{
             Curve, Cycle, Face, GlobalCurve, GlobalVertex, HalfEdge, Objects,
             Shell, Sketch, Solid, SurfaceVertex, Vertex,
@@ -424,10 +424,10 @@ mod tests {
         let objects = Objects::new();
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.xy_plane();
-        let object = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let object = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([[0., 0.], [1., 0.], [0., 1.]])
-            .build();
+            .build(&objects);
 
         assert_eq!(3, object.curve_iter().count());
         assert_eq!(1, object.cycle_iter().count());
@@ -528,14 +528,14 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn sketch() {
+    fn sketch() -> anyhow::Result<()> {
         let objects = Objects::new();
 
         let surface = objects.surfaces.xy_plane();
-        let face = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let face = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(surface)
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([[0., 0.], [1., 0.], [0., 1.]])
-            .build();
+            .build(&objects)?;
         let object = Sketch::builder(&objects).with_faces([face]).build();
 
         assert_eq!(3, object.curve_iter().count());
@@ -549,6 +549,8 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(0, object.solid_iter().count());
         assert_eq!(1, object.surface_iter().count());
         assert_eq!(6, object.vertex_iter().count());
+
+        Ok(())
     }
 
     #[test]
diff --git a/crates/fj-kernel/src/objects/face.rs b/crates/fj-kernel/src/objects/face.rs
index 649c3d571..7fba05e73 100644
--- a/crates/fj-kernel/src/objects/face.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-kernel/src/objects/face.rs
@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@ use std::collections::{btree_set, BTreeSet};
 use fj_interop::mesh::Color;
 use fj_math::Winding;
 
-use crate::{builder::FaceBuilder, storage::Handle};
+use crate::storage::Handle;
 
-use super::{Cycle, Objects, Surface};
+use super::{Cycle, Surface};
 
 /// A face of a shape
 ///
@@ -39,17 +39,6 @@ pub struct Face {
 }
 
 impl Face {
-    /// Build a `Face` using [`FaceBuilder`]
-    pub fn builder(objects: &Objects) -> FaceBuilder {
-        FaceBuilder {
-            objects,
-            surface: None,
-            exterior: None,
-            interiors: Vec::new(),
-            color: None,
-        }
-    }
-
     /// Construct a new instance of `Face`
     pub fn new(
         exterior: Handle<Cycle>,
diff --git a/crates/fj-kernel/src/partial/mod.rs b/crates/fj-kernel/src/partial/mod.rs
index 172c05cef..f7e845d07 100644
--- a/crates/fj-kernel/src/partial/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-kernel/src/partial/mod.rs
@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@ pub use self::{
         curve::{PartialCurve, PartialGlobalCurve},
         cycle::PartialCycle,
         edge::{PartialGlobalEdge, PartialHalfEdge},
+        face::PartialFace,
         vertex::{PartialGlobalVertex, PartialSurfaceVertex, PartialVertex},
     },
     traits::{HasPartial, Partial},
diff --git a/crates/fj-kernel/src/partial/objects/face.rs b/crates/fj-kernel/src/partial/objects/face.rs
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c2dbf2a33
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/fj-kernel/src/partial/objects/face.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,114 @@
+use fj_interop::mesh::Color;
+
+use crate::{
+    objects::{Cycle, Face, Objects, Surface},
+    partial::{util::merge_options, MaybePartial},
+    storage::Handle,
+    validate::ValidationError,
+};
+
+/// A partial [`Face`]
+///
+/// See [`crate::partial`] for more information.
+#[derive(Clone, Debug, Default)]
+pub struct PartialFace {
+    surface: Option<Handle<Surface>>,
+    exterior: MaybePartial<Cycle>,
+    interiors: Vec<MaybePartial<Cycle>>,
+    color: Option<Color>,
+}
+
+impl PartialFace {
+    /// Access th surface that the [`Face`] is defined in
+    pub fn surface(&self) -> Option<Handle<Surface>> {
+        self.surface.clone()
+    }
+
+    /// Access the [`Face`]'s exterior cycle
+    pub fn exterior(&self) -> MaybePartial<Cycle> {
+        self.exterior.clone()
+    }
+
+    /// Access the [`Face`]'s interior cycles
+    pub fn interiors(&self) -> impl Iterator<Item = MaybePartial<Cycle>> + '_ {
+        self.interiors.iter().cloned()
+    }
+
+    /// Access the color of the [`Face`]
+    pub fn color(&self) -> Option<Color> {
+        self.color
+    }
+
+    /// Build the [`Face`] with the provided surface
+    pub fn with_surface(mut self, surface: Handle<Surface>) -> Self {
+        self.surface = Some(surface);
+        self
+    }
+
+    /// Build the [`Face`] with the provided exterior
+    pub fn with_exterior(
+        mut self,
+        exterior: impl Into<MaybePartial<Cycle>>,
+    ) -> Self {
+        self.exterior = exterior.into();
+        self
+    }
+
+    /// Build the [`Face`] with the provided interior polygons
+    pub fn with_interiors(
+        mut self,
+        interiors: impl IntoIterator<Item = impl Into<MaybePartial<Cycle>>>,
+    ) -> Self {
+        let interiors = interiors.into_iter().map(Into::into);
+        self.interiors.extend(interiors);
+        self
+    }
+
+    /// Build the [`Face`] with the provided color
+    pub fn with_color(mut self, color: Color) -> Self {
+        self.color = Some(color);
+        self
+    }
+
+    /// Merge this partial object with another
+    pub fn merge_with(self, other: Self) -> Self {
+        let mut interiors = self.interiors;
+        interiors.extend(other.interiors);
+
+        Self {
+            surface: merge_options(self.surface, other.surface),
+            exterior: self.exterior.merge_with(other.exterior),
+            interiors,
+            color: merge_options(self.color, other.color),
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Construct a polygon from a list of points
+    pub fn build(
+        self,
+        objects: &Objects,
+    ) -> Result<Handle<Face>, ValidationError> {
+        let exterior = self.exterior.into_full(objects)?;
+        let interiors = self
+            .interiors
+            .into_iter()
+            .map(|cycle| cycle.into_full(objects))
+            .collect::<Result<Vec<_>, _>>()?;
+        let color = self.color.unwrap_or_default();
+
+        Ok(objects
+            .faces
+            .insert(Face::new(exterior, interiors, color))?)
+    }
+}
+
+impl From<&Face> for PartialFace {
+    fn from(face: &Face) -> Self {
+        Self {
+            surface: Some(face.surface().clone()),
+            exterior: face.exterior().clone().into(),
+            interiors: face.interiors().cloned().map(Into::into).collect(),
+            color: Some(face.color()),
+        }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/crates/fj-kernel/src/partial/objects/mod.rs b/crates/fj-kernel/src/partial/objects/mod.rs
index 751063c23..5ab9c57b7 100644
--- a/crates/fj-kernel/src/partial/objects/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-kernel/src/partial/objects/mod.rs
@@ -1,18 +1,19 @@
 pub mod curve;
 pub mod cycle;
 pub mod edge;
+pub mod face;
 pub mod vertex;
 
 use crate::{
     objects::{
-        Curve, Cycle, GlobalCurve, GlobalEdge, GlobalVertex, HalfEdge, Objects,
-        SurfaceVertex, Vertex,
+        Curve, Cycle, Face, GlobalCurve, GlobalEdge, GlobalVertex, HalfEdge,
+        Objects, SurfaceVertex, Vertex,
     },
     storage::Handle,
 };
 
 use super::{
-    HasPartial, MaybePartial, Partial, PartialCurve, PartialCycle,
+    HasPartial, MaybePartial, Partial, PartialCurve, PartialCycle, PartialFace,
     PartialGlobalCurve, PartialGlobalEdge, PartialGlobalVertex,
     PartialHalfEdge, PartialSurfaceVertex, PartialVertex,
 };
@@ -53,6 +54,7 @@ macro_rules! impl_traits {
 impl_traits!(
     Curve, PartialCurve;
     Cycle, PartialCycle;
+    Face, PartialFace;
     GlobalCurve, PartialGlobalCurve;
     GlobalEdge, PartialGlobalEdge;
     GlobalVertex, PartialGlobalVertex;
diff --git a/crates/fj-kernel/src/validate/face.rs b/crates/fj-kernel/src/validate/face.rs
index 166afb827..098b5ea28 100644
--- a/crates/fj-kernel/src/validate/face.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-kernel/src/validate/face.rs
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ impl FaceValidationError {
 mod tests {
     use crate::{
         algorithms::reverse::Reverse,
-        builder::CycleBuilder,
+        builder::{CycleBuilder, FaceBuilder},
         objects::{Cycle, Face, Objects},
         partial::HasPartial,
         validate::Validate,
@@ -115,11 +115,11 @@ mod tests {
     fn face_surface_mismatch() -> anyhow::Result<()> {
         let objects = Objects::new();
 
-        let valid = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let valid = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(objects.surfaces.xy_plane())
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([[0., 0.], [3., 0.], [0., 3.]])
             .with_interior_polygon_from_points([[1., 1.], [1., 2.], [2., 1.]])
-            .build();
+            .build(&objects)?;
         let invalid = {
             let interiors = [Cycle::partial()
                 .with_poly_chain_from_points(
@@ -142,11 +142,11 @@ mod tests {
     fn face_invalid_interior_winding() -> anyhow::Result<()> {
         let objects = Objects::new();
 
-        let valid = Face::builder(&objects)
+        let valid = Face::partial()
             .with_surface(objects.surfaces.xy_plane())
             .with_exterior_polygon_from_points([[0., 0.], [3., 0.], [0., 3.]])
             .with_interior_polygon_from_points([[1., 1.], [1., 2.], [2., 1.]])
-            .build();
+            .build(&objects)?;
         let invalid = {
             let interiors = valid
                 .interiors()
diff --git a/crates/fj-operations/src/difference_2d.rs b/crates/fj-operations/src/difference_2d.rs
index c5c5e9e30..341ac2b30 100644
--- a/crates/fj-operations/src/difference_2d.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-operations/src/difference_2d.rs
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ use fj_kernel::{
     algorithms::reverse::Reverse,
     iter::ObjectIters,
     objects::{Face, Objects, Sketch},
+    partial::HasPartial,
     validate::ValidationError,
 };
 use fj_math::Aabb;
@@ -78,11 +79,11 @@ impl Shape for fj::Difference2d {
             );
 
             faces.push(
-                Face::builder(objects)
+                Face::partial()
                     .with_exterior(exterior)
                     .with_interiors(interiors)
                     .with_color(Color(self.color()))
-                    .build(),
+                    .build(objects)?,
             );
         }
 
diff --git a/crates/fj-operations/src/sketch.rs b/crates/fj-operations/src/sketch.rs
index 3b0573d76..83ab1911c 100644
--- a/crates/fj-operations/src/sketch.rs
+++ b/crates/fj-operations/src/sketch.rs
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ use std::ops::Deref;
 
 use fj_interop::{debug::DebugInfo, mesh::Color};
 use fj_kernel::{
-    builder::HalfEdgeBuilder,
+    builder::{FaceBuilder, HalfEdgeBuilder},
     objects::{Cycle, Face, HalfEdge, Objects, Sketch},
     partial::HasPartial,
     validate::ValidationError,
@@ -32,20 +32,20 @@ impl Shape for fj::Sketch {
                     .build(objects)?;
                 let cycle = objects.cycles.insert(Cycle::new([half_edge]))?;
 
-                Face::builder(objects)
+                Face::partial()
                     .with_exterior(cycle)
                     .with_color(Color(self.color()))
-                    .build()
+                    .build(objects)?
             }
             fj::Chain::PolyChain(poly_chain) => {
                 let points =
                     poly_chain.to_points().into_iter().map(Point::from);
 
-                Face::builder(objects)
+                Face::partial()
                     .with_surface(surface)
                     .with_exterior_polygon_from_points(points)
                     .with_color(Color(self.color()))
-                    .build()
+                    .build(objects)?
             }
         };