Table of Contents
Did you know that polymer clay is waterproof? Just like any plastic, you can wash polymer clay creations with water. To clean pieces, gently hand-wash them with soap and water. Avoid the dishwasher, though, as the heat can damage your creations.
How do you clean polymer clay?
Try alcohol or acetone: One cool trick is to dip a Q-tip in rubbing alcohol or acetone. You can use nail polish remover, but make sure it isn’t colored. Just swipe your dipped Q-tip or a soaked tissue across the surface you want to clean and it will pull the debris off the clay.
Can you get polymer clay wet?
As polymer clay is a waterproof oil based material it can get wet, either in it’s baked or unbaked state. Water can however make the clay a little more brittle, if a design is submerged after baking.
Can you clean polymer clay after baking?
Another very good way to clean your unbaked polymer clay from dirt is to use 99% Isopropyl Alcohol (Rubbing alcohol) on a paper towel. If I discover some more dust or dirt on my polymer clay after baking, I softly use the sand-paper to remove it and refresh my creation.
How do you keep polymer clay smooth?
However, if you want to a very smooth surface that is completely free from bumps, marks and fingerprints, there is another simple trick. Alcohol melts Sculpey. We can take advantage of this by dipping a paintbrush in rubbing alcohol and then gently brushing the sculpture until the alcohol dries.
Can you use rubbing alcohol on polymer clay?
Rubbing alcohol removes polymer clay residue from hands, tools, and work surfaces. Q-tips dipped in alcohol can smooth the surface of polymer clay before baking, removing lint and debris. Used in a spray bottle, it makes work space clean-up easier. Rubbing alcohol is also known as isopropyl alcohol.
Can you use Mod Podge to seal polymer clay?
Mod Podge is a decoupage medium that paper crafters use as a “sealer”. Therefore new polymer clayers sometimes advocate its use as a glaze, sealer and varnish as well. But Mod Podge does not make a good polymer clay glaze or varnish.
Does polymer clay break easily?
Polymer clay beads should be bendable if they are baked correctly. Under-baked polymer clay won’t be bendable. It will be brittle and easy to break.
Which is better Fimo or Sculpey?
As it is based on true colours, Fimo Professional is perfect for colour mixing. Firmer than Fimo Soft. Premo Sculpey. Quickly reaches a workable state with minimal conditioning and remains soft and pliable.
Can I use acetone on polymer clay?
The acetone will smooth out the surface by melting the plastic on the surface of the clay. Don’t worry if you notice smear marks while doing this — they will disappear once you bake the polymer clay. Because acetone is highly flammable, keep it away from heat sources and use only in well-ventilated areas.
Why does my polymer clay bubbles after baking?
Those bubbles are caused by trapped air in your polymer clay. When you fold over your strip of clay and insert it in your pasta machine fold last, a little pocket of air gets trapped in the fold. If you keep doing this over and over, more and more air gets forced into the layers of clay.
How do you get rid of air bubbles in polymer clay after baking?
Sandwich hot bubbled clay between two smooth heat proof surfaces and apply pressure until the piece is cool. I used to smooth glass tiles in the video. This process should flatten the bubbles and make them disappear or appear less noticeable.
Can I use hand sanitizer to smooth polymer clay?
Hand Sanitizer cleans clay residue off your hands. After working with polymer clay, there is usually a residue on your hands which soap and water will not remove. Alcohol dissolves polymer clay, so it works well to rub some alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel into your hands, and then wipe them clean with a paper towel.
How do you store unfinished polymer clay projects?
You don’t need to store polymer clay in airtight containers, since it contains no water to evaporate. However, it should be wrapped or covered to prevent dust and lint from getting on it, and kept away from heat and sunlight. Be careful about storing polymer clay in plastic containers or plastic wrap.
What can you seal polymer clay with?
Wax is the best polymer clay sealer to use if you want to perfectly maintain the texture of your work. If you’ve sanded and buffed your bead, the wax will give a wonderfully warm sheen. If you don’t sand and buff, it will give a more matte finish.
Should you paint polymer clay before or after baking?
Polymer clay doesn’t shrink or expand as it cures, meaning you can paint it before you bake. Unbaked clay may create a better bond with paint as it cures. Test different types and brands of paint to find the best results.
Do I need to seal acrylic paint on polymer clay?
Polymer clay’s natural qualities make it perfect for sculpting this style of sculpture. No varnish or sealer is needed, just a strong brand of clay (such as Premo) and your imagination.
What does polymer clay feel like after baking?
It will break or cut cleanly, without a crumbly texture. Of course the first hint that you’re finished baking polymer clay is when your kitchen timer dings. But it won’t feel done. Polymer is quite soft when first removed from the oven.
Can you bake polymer clay on glass?
Lots of artists like to use glass work surfaces. They are easy to clean, easy to find, and work well with oven bake polymer clays. In fact, if you are making window clings with Liquid Sculpey you will want to make them on glass so that they will be smooth enough to stick to windows when they are done.
What happens if you dont bake polymer clay?
Yes, polymer clay can burn if you do not bake it according to package instructions. Just like anything you would bake in the oven, if you bake clay too hot for too long, it will burn.
