Table of Contents
These polymer clay sealers and varnishes performed well on Sculpey III. PYM II. Sculpey Satin Glaze. Polycrylic Clear (satin and gloss) Varathane (satin and gloss) Final Coat (both semi-gloss and low-gloss) Cernit Matte Varnish. Swellegant Sealant. DuraClear Ultra Matte Varnish.
What glaze do you use for polymer clay?
The best glaze to use for polymer clay is a water-based glaze from a clay brand, as the glaze is specifically designed for use with polymer clay, unlike general all-purpose glazes, resins and PVA thinned gloss.
What can I use to make my polymer clay shiny?
Polymer clay is not glossy after baking. You can sand, buff, and polish the clay itself (see below), or you can apply a glossy varnish. To make your clay project less shiny, you could apply a matte varnish. Note that adding a glossy varnish can make translucent polymer clay seem more clear.
Do you glaze polymer clay after baking?
Finish your creation — After you bake your clay and allow it to cool, you can sand and buff your craft, then paint it and seal it with a glaze. It’s entirely up to you if you wish to take these steps. Polymer clay is durable and waterproof without a glaze, so you might choose to leave your masterpiece as-is.
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.
Can you use nail polish to glaze polymer clay?
Or use clear nail polish as a glaze. The solvent in nail polish will begin to soften and dissolve your polymer clay, even baked clay, making it sticky and gooey over time. The same holds true for most varnishes and paints in spray cans can either degrade the clay or remain sticky.
How do you seal polymer clay after baking?
You can use a Wax, Acrylic Sealer, Varnish or Liquid Epoxy. If you want a smooth finish, then use sandpaper and wax to seal your Polymer Clay and if you painted your clay, then you should seal it with an Acrylic Sealer or Varnish.
How long should you cook polymer clay?
To bake polymer clay, preheat your oven to the manufacturer’s advised temperature (usually 230°F – 275°F). Baking times are typically 15 – 30 minutes for each ¼ inch thickness. Thinner clay needs 15 minutes to cure. When cool, properly baked clay can be marked with a fingernail, but it won’t sink in.
Can polymer clay be used for food?
Do not eat polymer clay. Do not coat utensils or cooking tools in polymer clay.
How do you know when polymer clay is done baking?
The only way to tell is to actually attempt to break a piece. Fully baked polymer clay will bend before it breaks. *** Underbaked polymer clay will snap in two or crumble when you try to break a piece in your hands.
How do I know when polymer clay is done baking?
Bake for 15 minutes per quarter inch of thickness. For example, a piece of 1/2″ thickness should be cured for 30 minutes. To test the curing, try pressing the tip of your fingernail into the bottom of your piece after it has cooled; it will leave a mark but will not actually enter the clay. For Premo!.
How do you keep polymer clay flat when baking?
To prevent brown spots from oven spikes, tent your work with aluminum foil pans or an index card. To avoid flat spots on beads, bake them on quilt batting or a bead baking rack. You CAN bake your polymer clay more than once! This is a common practice for intricate pieces.
Can you use resin on polymer clay?
Yes, you can use epoxy resin over baked polymer clay to seal it, strengthen it and give it a gorgeous, glossy, look. To cover polymer clay with ArtResin, paint it on with a disposable foam brush or apply it with gloved hands. You can also dip small objects into a cup of ArtResin.
Can I use triple thick on polymer clay?
I did a test sample of Triple Thick Gloss Glaze on a baked piece of Premo Sculpey Clay, that had a chance to sit for a few months. As far as my test sample shows, Triple Thick is compatible with polymer clay.
Do you need to glaze polymer clay earrings?
The short answer is no. It’s not necessary to seal polymer clay pieces because polymer clay is both durable and water resistant. Depending on the look you want to create, you may only want to sand and buff your polymer clay pieces. Only when you use additional effects such as resin is it necessary to seal the piece.
Can you sand polymer clay after baking?
Sandpaper is used to sand your clay after it has been baked, however you must make sure that you are using Wet/Dry Sandpaper so that you can keep the polymer dust out of the air and use it with water. Start out with the more COARSE grits of sandpaper and than use a very FINE grit of sandpaper.
Can you add paint to polymer clay?
Craft Paints (and the supplies that go with it) are a must have for most polymer clay artists. I prefer acrylic paints and in many cases “heavy body” acrylic paints, but any type of acrylic craft paint is safe to use directly on polymer clay. You can use acrylic paints before baking OR after baking your clay.
How long does it take for acrylic paint to dry on polymer clay?
This article talks all about painting with acrylics on polymer clay. The typical dry time for acrylic paint on clay is anywhere from 10-20 minutes. As with any project, keep in mind that a humid environment can add some time to the drying process. Clay is an excellent surface to paint on, especially with acrylic paint.
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 add water to polymer clay?
you can use water. Cut up, crumble or break down the hardened polymer clay into small pieces. Put a few drops of oil/water to the clay. If using cling wrap, just wrap up.
Can you put baked polymer clay in water?
Yes, once baked, you can seal your project with our Sculpey glazes to make them waterproof.
