I discuss the types of sandpaper, kinds of buffers, using tumbling machines, Dremel, varnishes, and even whether you even need to sand at all. Sculpeyhas the supplies you need to get crafting! fluted clay finished3 makeandtell It is ideal for clay, wood, paper,leather, metal, and cloth. Always apply resin after baking your polymer clay project. From earrings tocabochons, a glassy domed coating makes wearable art pop.While resin offers unique qualities, it has its drawbacks. UV Resin is super easy to use as theres no mixing. Wait a few minutes for it to settle and level (a bit) and then bake. To use as a varnish, apply to the clay in a thin coating. I have attempted to put my pieces in the fridge so they will dry and harden. Renaissance Wax has persuasivemarketing thats convinced many people, including many polymer clay artists, that its an all-purpose protective material. Check for any interactions with the clay. Resin is lovely on sparkly or mica covered projects as it will intensify the sparkle. It can turn cloudy over time. If youre new to UV resin, this is a great way to get started. Golden does have a varnish that is popular among polymer clay users, but it remains sticky on Fimo. If dirt is sticking to the sealer, then it sounds like the sealer is sticky. Unbuffed, a sanded finish will be completely matte. (LogOut/ Just like wetting a beach pebble, a glaze or varnish can make clay appear brighter and/or more translucent. Liquid clays are essentially polymer clay without the binders that turn it into a putty. It is archival. There's more info on clear finishes, paints, and cooling the clay on these pages of my polymer clay encyclopedia site if you're interested: http://glassattic.com/polymer/finishes.htmhttp://glassattic.com/polymer/other_materials.htm > Epoxy Resin, http://glassattic.com/polymer/Conditioning.htm > Cooling, Thank you!!! Especially since I'm starting to make commissions and ship them, I do not want them getting stuck and ruined in the mail. All dimensional glazes are glossy there are not matte versions available. And someone said to put your pieces by a fan for 2 days so they dry. I have no idea what polymer clay they use, but Im using Sculpey III, Premo, and Fimo, and they are fine. In this article, Ill try to clear up confusion and help with understanding polymer clay glazes, sealers, and varnishes. Im adding this as a catch-all category because there are some glues that can be used as a polymer clay glaze, sealer, or varnish. Ive really been going back and forth about whether or not to apply varnish, I love the simple finish of buffed polymer clay, but not all designs are achievable with a raw, un-varnished finish (such as painting or textured finishes). If you use a heat gun on cured TLS, it will become glossier, giving a satin finish. Just brush them on. Maybe its already said so on the label, but since I cant read it, yea.. you know.. On the other hand, Padico varnish that has Sealer on the label works quite nice with polymer clay. Thank you for reading :). Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), View bellissimacrafts profile on Facebook, View bellissimacrafts profile on Instagram, View UCK6FhCapomuMkcPV0LJTahAs profile on YouTube, View 114146589376215113153s profile on Google+, is it necessary to varnish your polymer clay, which varnish you should use based on the sheen level. It still feel sticky after few hours of glazing, especially when the glazed items is exposed by heat, like sunlight for example. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. And yes, some varieties of CA are specifically used to create a tough, durable, and clear surface coating. You will want to use a spray varnish when you need to quickly seal and stabilize surface treatments such as mica powders, chalks, and glitter. Im working on making scented polymer clay sculptures. Or you can just let it dry over night. You can read more about the process here on Tonis site. clay sealers sculpey varnishes sealer Could I use it as fruit bowl, to rest some apples on it? Only small number of brand that can work well with polymer clay overtime. But to stay safe, before you buy get as much as info as possible from other peoples testimonial. You only need to apply it twice to get your item shiny.
You may have seen these liquids used to fill pendant bezels. A common variant of this embossing powder is called Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE). The surface will be extremely glossy and cant be easily peeled or lifted from a project. It is very difficult to apply without obvious brush strokes. After you bake your project, applyLiquid Sculpeythen bake again. Back then when I first started working with polymer clay, I thought only polymer clay varnish that will work on polymer clay. Although I love to use this fine metal, the tarnish that forms from the silver stains the polymer clay and just generally speaking, Ive had clay beads stain from daily wear & tear. In fact, its quite difficult to get this kind of flawless glossy surface with varnishes or glazes. I was about to by Luiqitex Gloss varnish actually! But obviously a spray is going to make it very difficult to coat only one part of a small detailed model, meaning the whole thing would end up with the same finish, where sometimes I try to get models matte in places and smooth in others. holo polymer clay effect tutorial It goes the other way around. If you feel like you want to give it a try, do it on scrap clay. Older resin may not cure, and it can yellow with age. 9 Polymer Clay Truths Newbies Dont Believe. The best glazesare water-based, durable and polymer-clay compatible.
And also, not every varnish made by clay supplies company are good for polymer clay. You can sand, buff, and polish the clay itself (see below), or you can apply a glossy varnish. Which of these would be best for something that is likely to be handled frequently and had tiny details? I will be reading this again later. Helmar Crystal Kote Matte is another spray varnish that works well with polymer clay. It is a comprehensive 120 page guide that explains everything I know about sanding and buffing. Thank you for the advice! Whats the Best Pasta Machine for Polymer Clay? Sounds like its try at my own risk or have it hold writing utensils instead. Can have a magnifying effect, giving deep dimension to glittery and mica covered projects. Thats not exactly true. Fimo Liquid used to be called Fimo Deco Gel. (LogOut/ It will be just slightly less shiny than Liquid Kato. here are some things i used this varnish on. 1. Some are off-white. PYM II(now discontinued and nearly impossible to find) is a unique spray acrylic coating that does not stay sticky and works well with polymer clay. And the cure will be inhibited and the surface will remain sticky if you use it over paints or varnishes. Just apply a thin coating, let dry for a few minutes, then buff with a cloth. These water-based matte options offer a shine-free seal: Have you ever painted on a matte finish only to return and find it's dried shiny? Which Varnish Should I use, Glossy, Satin orMatte? This is so confusing. Heat makes raw polymer clay softer (and stickier for some), and can not be best for curing resins.Just for water-based finishes though (Varathane, Mod Podge, art/craft brands, etc), warmth can speed up their natural drying while cold will slow it down.If you meant your raw clay pieces though, cooling the clay in various ways is often done in warm climates and for too-soft polymer clays to temporarily firm them. I found that each product behaved differently on each brand of clay. Another good brand of spray varnish is PYM II. The keychains tend to get pretty dirty overtime no matter which sealant Ive used. I dont recommend UTEE for glazing and varnishing purposes with polymer clay because it isnt very durable. Dont use ModPodge for this. 5mm long Swords that are 2mm wide and some fraction of a 1mm thick, and stuff like that. Solvent based varnish (or paint) would also harm your polymer clay. Of the three main brands of liquid polymer clay, Fimo Liquid is the only one that will remain fairly clear when cured in a thick layer. You can do this with any UV resin, but Teresa Pandora Salgado sells her DeepShine Resin. Just as with acrylic varnishes, polyurethane is a water-based brush-on varnish and is glossy by nature. Read about my experiments with spray sealers here. Thick layers will be opaque. Common brands of this resin are Envirotex Lite, Amazing Clear Cast, Little Windows, and ICE Resin. Im talking specifically about tiny miniatures like youd see in a D&D box set. (The same holds true for acrylic paint, by the way.). For this reason, you should always test your particular varnish with the clay youre usingbefore trusting it to a large or important project. When poured thick, they will take a few days to fully dry, but they should dry clear and have sort of a resin effect.
https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B001US2NY2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. After drying, if it dries at all, it can stay sticky in high humidity applications. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Follow BellissimaCreation on WordPress.com. Just made 19 pairs of earrings in various colours that are matte. Dont spray it on your working surface (or table in my case) wheres theres a lot of other different object since the particles thats not hitting your project will hit something else. No matter what type of things you like to make with polymer clay, sooner or later the question of sealers comes up. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Add this solution on top of paint and other treatments to finish beads, create faux stone effects and add shine. You can apply more coats. This will depend on the brands involved and the conditions theyre exposed to. However, when choosing a varnish, there are one or two things your might need to pay attention to. I feel like maybe a spray would be the easiest thing to use and get coverage without going on too thick but I worry about it being uneven. I am not fond of using this class of products with polymer clay. Best for: Thick, glossy coatings. Thank you for your comment :). Varathane comes in a lot of different variant. Sprays also work nicely to apply a varnish coating onto textured surfaces. Generally, they are quite soluble in water. This varnish leaves a very sticky feel even when I only use a thin layer. You can also use liquid polymer clays as a glaze or sealer. This is the newsletter that everyone talks about. Though I never tried this three, most review I read said quality wise they are decent. Depending on theresins included, some brands of polyurethane can be softened by the plasticizers in your polymer clay. Just take your project out on the porch, spray it real quick, come back in and youre done. Before you select a clear finish, consider these qualities: Review this list to take out the guesswork and help you select the best polymer clay sealers to make your crafts shine: Addepoxy enamel resinto baked clay to provide a dimensional, glass-like finish to your piece. Thank for you the good information :). The example for this one is Padico Water Resistant Varnish. PYM is not glossy or matte, rather, its sort of a semi-gloss finish. Clean the dust and use a soft cloth to vigorously rub the clay in circular motions to buff the piece smooth with friction. I wanted to try using polymer clay figures in snow globes. Wax can also change the appearance of surface treatments, such as paint, chalk, and mica powders. Im testing the above four brands and three of them are already failing. canes Sculpeyglazesadd that perfect finishing touch tomake paint treatments and mica powders pop: Polymer clay glazesare just one method to protect your projects. Clear-coat resins are poured onto the surface of your projectand then they harden to form a hard, durable, and thick clear coating. Likewise theres no need to seal polymer clay. Hi! It can be effectively used as a varnish, however, by using a cosmetic sponge to dab the TLS onto your clay surface. clay air dry seal sealing projects crafts Resins are tricky to work with and have a short shelf life of one year or less. Others can have those or other problems. Sort of like a cross between a glue and a varnish, dimensional glazes are similar to resin in that theyre syrupy and they can be applied in a thick coating. To save costs, they may also contain vinyl acrylic, vinyl stearate, vinyl acetate, polyurethane, or even poly-vinyl acetate (PVA, such as in white glue). Dont try a new unknown varnish to your real project. For example, Varathanes resin is an acrylic modified urethane. Baked clay is water-resistant and durable, even without a glaze. . Thanks. It is a syrupy, runny, cloudy liquid. Therefore, I bought myself a bottle of Sculpey Glaze. Understanding Polymer Clay Glazes, Sealers and Varnishes. If it becomes dirty (like things do when theyre exposed to life), it can be scrubbed clean with soap and water. this is even a more widely used spray varnish. After all that creative work, the last thing you want to do is accidentally ruin your piece with an incompatible glaze, resulting in distorted colors or a tacky surface. Just make sure you cure it really well or it can be sticky. Embossing powder is a wax-like powder that is traditionally applied to a design on paper, then melted with a heat gun to create a raised, embossed design. You only need to apply it twice to get your item shiny. So I dont hold much hope for using dimensional glazeswith polymer clay.
Resin is self-leveling, which means that you need to let it sit for a while so that the surface becomes even. Stickiness of finishes is usually caused by:1.not letting them dry or cure depending on what's been used, long enough and thoroughly; for water-based ones, they'll also take longer to dry in cool, humid, not well-ventilated areas; for resins, they'll take longer to cure if not mixed correctly, are too warm or cool, are too old, not enough UV light for the UV-curing ones, etc2.exposure to too much moisture/humidity after drying (may become temporarily sticky and/or cloudy), including too little ventilation even in a drawer or plastic bag3.having used the "wrong kind" of clear finish, one with a petroleum-solvent base or a spray where that ingredient is only in the propellant.
It will just cloud or peel. I gave my crations two layers. Polymer clay does not need to be sealed. Because a lathe is typically used, itsbeyond the scope for most routine polymer creations. Your email address will not be published. Just apply to your project, wait for it to level, remove bubbles, and cure. Its common for new polymer clay crafters to have misconceptions about the subject of varnishes, sealers, and clear coatings. Sanding and buffing has a reputation for being difficult and can lead to painful fingertips, but it doesnt have to be that way. Because waxes apply as a microscopically thin layerto polymer clay, they will do nothing to protect mica powder, glitter, paint, or metal leaf from wear or abrasion, and can even remove them. But it works very well with polymer clay as well. Best for: Sealing surface treatments, creating a glossy effect, and enriching translucent projects. Always stir these containers before use as the matting agent can settle in the bottom, leaving just the glossy varnish at the top of the bottle. On my defense, the description on the bottle itself is written in Japanese. It will also enrich the appearance ofmaterials such as tortoise-shell or ivory. Adding a clear coating, glaze, or varnish will not make a polymer clay project more durable, waterproof, weatherproof, or heatproof. Have fun! Common brands of this resin are Lisa Pavelkas Magic Glos and UltraDome. If anything, adding a coating to polymer clay increases the likelihood of it being ruined. I would skip it entirely. Do you need to seal polymer clay before painting or using it, and, if so, which sealers are safe to use? Polymer clay, when cured, is vinyl similar to a kiddie pool, tablecloth on your deck table, or beach ball. Other varnishes can be sticky, though, so always test a new varnish with the clay youre using. Varathane for example however is very hard/tough (and can be "rebaked" if desired to make it even harder), much less expensive than clear finishes "sold for" art/craft, and has some other special advantages. Even though this isnt exactly a polymer clay varnish, most polymer clay artist worldwide use this varnish for their project. Epoxy resin consists of two parts, part A and part B, which are mixed in equal portions. The same holds true for dots of paint and antiquing in the recessed areas of a design. Its horrible. After baking, you will need to use a heat gun to make the thin layer of clay crystal clear and shiny. I am a novice and created a toothbrush holder with air-dry clay today.
Varnish will not stick if applied over an oily substance. But it can still be messy. Its used similarlyto an epoxy resin, except that you use a large volume of resin (part A) and a small volume of hardener (part B). Rust-Oleum Varathane Interior Crystal Clear Water-Based Polyurethane. You have different options for liquid clay finishes: The best sealants forpolymer clay projectsare water-based, and even among water-soluble options, not all formulas are created equal. Globes have distilled water and a dribble of glycerin. (Contrary to myth, plasticizers stay in polymer clay. Obviously sanding and buffing arent the way to goout but Id still like to find a way to protect some of the pieces.
Most often the water-based/indoor Gloss version is used but it also comes in other version (e.g., Semigloss & Matte). Two things work really well for glossing up polymer clay. 3. Teresa Pandora Salgado sells her DeepShine Resin, read more about these liquid clays in my article on using them as a clearcoat here, read more about the process here on Tonis site, Heres where you learn more about the Sanding and Buffing eBook. The brand of clay youre using will make a difference, and some clay-varnish combinations will give you a sticky finish.
http://etsy.me/28Nt338. Then after baking, put a little cotton ball in the glass vial and drop your preferred scent into the cotton ball. My issue is with the varnish I put on top. Required fields are marked *. The one that works good with polymer clay is Rust-Oleum Varathane Interior Crystal Clear Water-Based Polyurethane. This is so helpful. But frankly, so does Vaseline, at a tiny fraction of the cost. Allow to settle and level, then bake. Padico is a very good clay craft supplies company. So the distinction between these two categories is more one of marketing than chemistry. Acrylic varnishes contain acrylic polymer emulsion, which is an acrylic resin suspended in water.
Even though this isnt exactly a polymer clay varnish, most polymer clay artist worldwide use this varnish for their project. Its not very flexible and will readily flake off baked polymer clay. I have attempted to put my pieces in the fridge so they will dry and harden. The only reason this matters is that some of these plastic resins are softened by the plasticizersin polymer clay. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Seasoned clayers utilize these finishes: The following finishes are not compatible with polymer clay: The best polymer clay finishes dry without tackiness, offer durability and are entirely compatible with polymer clay which is why so many polymer clay crafters recommend these specificvarnishes. Matting agents are particles that dull the shine of the varnish. It takes about 24-36 hours to fully harden. We do not ship internationally or to PO boxes. In this category, youll find artists acrylic varnishes, craft store varnishes, and polymer clay brand glazes. But hey, thats what wed call learning, no? The specific formulas are usually a secret, so youll never know exactly what is in the varnish you choose. And then, theres also Triple Thickwhich come both in jar and spray type. Varnishes are inherently glossy, but can be made to have a satin, semi-gloss, or matte finish by using matting agents. Polymer clay is not glossy after baking. Dont use Fimo because it gets a white cast.
There are three types of clear-coat resins as follows. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account.
While you can apply resin to curved pieces, it is an advanced technique, so I only recommend applying resin to flat pieces until you have a really good feel for how to use it. These resins are very similar in function and application to the epoxy resins, but they cure within 5 minutes when exposed to UV light using a special lamp or a bright sunny day. Open Your Etsy Shop Now document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.
MOST of them will be softened by the plasticizer in polymer clay and stay sticky. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. The best way Ive found to add a lasting scent to the clay is by rubbing a drop of concentrated alcohol-free fragrance onto the clay hot out of the oven, but then the clay gets a bit soft and able to be scratched. I also live in Arizona and it's very hot so I don't know if that affects it. This broad group of products are typically clear to milky white liquids. Brush strokes can be an issue with this category of finish. For a hint of a shine, reach for these finishes: Looking for a glossy, wet-look coating? Other clear finishes may work, but won't be as hard or as tough as those. The only way Ive ever seen that WORKS for scenting polymer clay isto not do it. Price wise, this sealer are cheaper than Sculpey glaze. UTEE can be used to coat polymer clay projects, giving a thick, clear surface like resin. Note thatlight dustings of chalk or mica, such as rosy cheeks on a sculpture, do not need to be sealed. If you want to know how to get an absolutely perfect shine on polymer clay with sanding and buffing, with minimal effort, I recommend that you check out my Sanding and Buffing eBook. I paint my clay creations with acrylic paint. These products offer the best durability and highest shine: Another high-gloss option isDecoArt Media Gloss Varnish but only use it withSculpey Souffl, as it tends to bead up onSculpey Premo and other polymer clays. Varathane is not a polymer clay varnish. There are other waxes which work just as well. Sign up for our newsletter to receive special sales, product sneak peeks, exclusive projects and more! Hi there, I have read that I can make polymer clay food-safe by adding a glass lining to the finished bowl. It really does need the high heat of a heat gun. Thank you!! I also paint my projects with acryl. They have many dozens of products, some of which may be used on polymer clay. Once dried, most willform a stretchy plastic filmover your work. There's a simple reason for this the bottle wasn't mixed enough. I also have a problem with jewelry that uses sterling silver as the hardware. Get tips and info. Ideally Id like my jewelry to become lifetime pieces for my customers, but currently its been challenging. What would you recommend to be sure the keychains dont become dirty looking over time when handled? Its best to use a soft brush and apply several thin coats. But please knowthat thesevarnishes still contain acrylic resins. 4. These varnishes are typically clear to off-white, can leave brush strokes, and dry clear and flexible. Also known as Kato Liquid or Kato Sauce, this liquid has the consistency and appearance of thinned white glue. The best clear finishes to use directly on polymer clay (and not interact with it), or probably even on top of acrylic paint if you want to do that, are Varathane (clayers' favorite brand of polyurethane for years) and resin (epoxy resin or UV-curing resin). Varathane has strong durability and give a brilliant shiny look. It cannot be baked. But that doesnt mean its a superior protective coating for all purposes. Would sanding and buffing correct this? Resin coatings are quite thick and syrupy and can be frustrating and messy to use. Understanding Polymer Clay Glaze, Sealer, and Varnish, Rustic Components, Earrings, and a Surprise, More Rustic Components, Findings, and Beads. Best for: Encasing inclusions, sealing surface treatments. Hi! When you apply mica powders, chalks, glitter, or metal leaf to the surface of your polymer clay project, it will need to be protected if the item is subject to wear. If you properly buff smooth polymer clay with a high speed buffer, you can get a finish that is just as smooth and glossy as resin or glass. Instead, youll get a burnished sheen, but only when used on an already smooth surface. You wont commonly see polyester resin used in the craft world as its pretty noxious. Always clay-safe. PYM II have a very good durability and after a few layer, it will give a decent sheen. This is why some varnishes, glazes, and sealers work beautifully on wood and paper but become soft or sticky when used on polymer clay. Wet the sandpaper and sand starting with 400 grit and work your way up to finer grits until you reach 1,000 or higher. You've made a one-of-a-kind vase, ornament or pendant out of polymer clay,and now it's baking in the oven to cure to completion. It seems that dirt is maybe sticking to the finish?? What is a Polymer Clay Conditioning Machine? It is a high quality microcrystalline wax used to coat metals against corrosion and tarnish. I got into making things with polymer clay about 2 months ago. Like lip gloss on a beach ball. varnish sealer Apply two layers of glaze to a small, hidden section. The Matte is nice and not sticky at all, and the gloss dries nicely but then becomes a lil sticky after a few days. Woodworkers know that cyanoacrylate(CA) can make a fantastic coating for wood. (All clear finishes will be safe used on top of acrylic paint though, even if the paint is on top of the clay since it will form a barrier.). Ah, thats unfortunate. Ive not used this since I was a kid and helped my dad repaira fiberglass tank, so Im only mentioning it here as an FYI. And since I dont read Japanese, I can only count on what the sellers website said. Varathane is an interior varnish, but that doesnt mean other interior varnish will also work for polymer clay. We would never think of varnishing or sealing a beach ball to protect it, right? Your email address will not be published. Best for: Sealing surface treatments, especially mica powders. They do not bake out.) Many thin coats is far better than one thick one. I am still testing that out! Great on textured items where varnish would pool. Experiment to see what works best for the results you want. So I mixed another drop of fragrance into Sculpey glaze and brushed it over the sculpture, then another coat of glaze WITHOUT fragrance since the first layer was separating, and found that the scent lasted, but the glaze peeled. 5. Mod Podge seemed okay at first but got real sticky later and looked weird. Wax applied to a textured surface will be white and unattractive. Refer to the section on varnishes in this article for more info. Dimensional glazes can be applied with a brush and used as glaze or varnish. Best for: Deepening and enriching dark colors, giving a warm sheen to smooth clay. Some colors (such as hot pink) will turn funny shades. By the same token, many acrylic varnishes contain urethane as part of their resin makeup. I use a variety of varnishes for different purposes. Their Matte is really good so I thought about getting the gloss one. Bubbles can be a problem, but you can usually pop them by waving a heat gun over the top. Its called Golden Polymer Varnish with UVLS. Liquid clays have the advantage of always being 100% compatible with polymer clay and will not result in stickiness. A CA finish is what Ed Street uses to put a super-smooth finish on Toni Ransfields pens. I'm trying to search all over Amazon for different varnishes, and reading reviews. Sadly, I dont really know a lot about air dry clays. This is answered there. Multiple coats will give a more durable finish, but do let it dry between coats. It is also easily scratched. Epoxy resin will not cure fully if the mixture is incorrect or if the mixture is not fully mixed before pouring. Instead of using a brush, resins are usually poured on and the sticky liquid is spread on the surface with a toothpick or needle tool. Embed a tiny glass vial in the clay item. Water left on the surface will turn white and the Mod Podge will soften. Afterward, thin layers will be invisible, but the surface will be matte. But sadly, very few brands of spray varnish will work with polymer clay. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. A better idea is to make a scent dispenser of sorts.
You may have seen these liquids used to fill pendant bezels. A common variant of this embossing powder is called Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE). The surface will be extremely glossy and cant be easily peeled or lifted from a project. It is very difficult to apply without obvious brush strokes. After you bake your project, applyLiquid Sculpeythen bake again. Back then when I first started working with polymer clay, I thought only polymer clay varnish that will work on polymer clay. Although I love to use this fine metal, the tarnish that forms from the silver stains the polymer clay and just generally speaking, Ive had clay beads stain from daily wear & tear. In fact, its quite difficult to get this kind of flawless glossy surface with varnishes or glazes. I was about to by Luiqitex Gloss varnish actually! But obviously a spray is going to make it very difficult to coat only one part of a small detailed model, meaning the whole thing would end up with the same finish, where sometimes I try to get models matte in places and smooth in others. holo polymer clay effect tutorial It goes the other way around. If you feel like you want to give it a try, do it on scrap clay. Older resin may not cure, and it can yellow with age. 9 Polymer Clay Truths Newbies Dont Believe. The best glazesare water-based, durable and polymer-clay compatible.
And also, not every varnish made by clay supplies company are good for polymer clay. You can sand, buff, and polish the clay itself (see below), or you can apply a glossy varnish. Which of these would be best for something that is likely to be handled frequently and had tiny details? I will be reading this again later. Helmar Crystal Kote Matte is another spray varnish that works well with polymer clay. It is a comprehensive 120 page guide that explains everything I know about sanding and buffing. Thank you for the advice! Whats the Best Pasta Machine for Polymer Clay? Sounds like its try at my own risk or have it hold writing utensils instead. Can have a magnifying effect, giving deep dimension to glittery and mica covered projects. Thats not exactly true. Fimo Liquid used to be called Fimo Deco Gel. (LogOut/ It will be just slightly less shiny than Liquid Kato. here are some things i used this varnish on. 1. Some are off-white. PYM II(now discontinued and nearly impossible to find) is a unique spray acrylic coating that does not stay sticky and works well with polymer clay. And the cure will be inhibited and the surface will remain sticky if you use it over paints or varnishes. Just apply a thin coating, let dry for a few minutes, then buff with a cloth. These water-based matte options offer a shine-free seal: Have you ever painted on a matte finish only to return and find it's dried shiny? Which Varnish Should I use, Glossy, Satin orMatte? This is so confusing. Heat makes raw polymer clay softer (and stickier for some), and can not be best for curing resins.Just for water-based finishes though (Varathane, Mod Podge, art/craft brands, etc), warmth can speed up their natural drying while cold will slow it down.If you meant your raw clay pieces though, cooling the clay in various ways is often done in warm climates and for too-soft polymer clays to temporarily firm them. I found that each product behaved differently on each brand of clay. Another good brand of spray varnish is PYM II. The keychains tend to get pretty dirty overtime no matter which sealant Ive used. I dont recommend UTEE for glazing and varnishing purposes with polymer clay because it isnt very durable. Dont use ModPodge for this. 5mm long Swords that are 2mm wide and some fraction of a 1mm thick, and stuff like that. Solvent based varnish (or paint) would also harm your polymer clay. Of the three main brands of liquid polymer clay, Fimo Liquid is the only one that will remain fairly clear when cured in a thick layer. You can do this with any UV resin, but Teresa Pandora Salgado sells her DeepShine Resin. Just as with acrylic varnishes, polyurethane is a water-based brush-on varnish and is glossy by nature. Read about my experiments with spray sealers here. Thick layers will be opaque. Common brands of this resin are Envirotex Lite, Amazing Clear Cast, Little Windows, and ICE Resin. Im talking specifically about tiny miniatures like youd see in a D&D box set. (The same holds true for acrylic paint, by the way.). For this reason, you should always test your particular varnish with the clay youre usingbefore trusting it to a large or important project. When poured thick, they will take a few days to fully dry, but they should dry clear and have sort of a resin effect.
https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B001US2NY2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. After drying, if it dries at all, it can stay sticky in high humidity applications. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Follow BellissimaCreation on WordPress.com. Just made 19 pairs of earrings in various colours that are matte. Dont spray it on your working surface (or table in my case) wheres theres a lot of other different object since the particles thats not hitting your project will hit something else. No matter what type of things you like to make with polymer clay, sooner or later the question of sealers comes up. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Add this solution on top of paint and other treatments to finish beads, create faux stone effects and add shine. You can apply more coats. This will depend on the brands involved and the conditions theyre exposed to. However, when choosing a varnish, there are one or two things your might need to pay attention to. I feel like maybe a spray would be the easiest thing to use and get coverage without going on too thick but I worry about it being uneven. I am not fond of using this class of products with polymer clay. Best for: Thick, glossy coatings. Thank you for your comment :). Varathane comes in a lot of different variant. Sprays also work nicely to apply a varnish coating onto textured surfaces. Generally, they are quite soluble in water. This varnish leaves a very sticky feel even when I only use a thin layer. You can also use liquid polymer clays as a glaze or sealer. This is the newsletter that everyone talks about. Though I never tried this three, most review I read said quality wise they are decent. Depending on theresins included, some brands of polyurethane can be softened by the plasticizers in your polymer clay. Just take your project out on the porch, spray it real quick, come back in and youre done. Before you select a clear finish, consider these qualities: Review this list to take out the guesswork and help you select the best polymer clay sealers to make your crafts shine: Addepoxy enamel resinto baked clay to provide a dimensional, glass-like finish to your piece. Thank for you the good information :). The example for this one is Padico Water Resistant Varnish. PYM is not glossy or matte, rather, its sort of a semi-gloss finish. Clean the dust and use a soft cloth to vigorously rub the clay in circular motions to buff the piece smooth with friction. I wanted to try using polymer clay figures in snow globes. Wax can also change the appearance of surface treatments, such as paint, chalk, and mica powders. Im testing the above four brands and three of them are already failing. canes Sculpeyglazesadd that perfect finishing touch tomake paint treatments and mica powders pop: Polymer clay glazesare just one method to protect your projects. Clear-coat resins are poured onto the surface of your projectand then they harden to form a hard, durable, and thick clear coating. Likewise theres no need to seal polymer clay. Hi! It can be effectively used as a varnish, however, by using a cosmetic sponge to dab the TLS onto your clay surface. clay air dry seal sealing projects crafts Resins are tricky to work with and have a short shelf life of one year or less. Others can have those or other problems. Sort of like a cross between a glue and a varnish, dimensional glazes are similar to resin in that theyre syrupy and they can be applied in a thick coating. To save costs, they may also contain vinyl acrylic, vinyl stearate, vinyl acetate, polyurethane, or even poly-vinyl acetate (PVA, such as in white glue). Dont try a new unknown varnish to your real project. For example, Varathanes resin is an acrylic modified urethane. Baked clay is water-resistant and durable, even without a glaze. . Thanks. It is a syrupy, runny, cloudy liquid. Therefore, I bought myself a bottle of Sculpey Glaze. Understanding Polymer Clay Glazes, Sealers and Varnishes. If it becomes dirty (like things do when theyre exposed to life), it can be scrubbed clean with soap and water. this is even a more widely used spray varnish. After all that creative work, the last thing you want to do is accidentally ruin your piece with an incompatible glaze, resulting in distorted colors or a tacky surface. Just make sure you cure it really well or it can be sticky. Embossing powder is a wax-like powder that is traditionally applied to a design on paper, then melted with a heat gun to create a raised, embossed design. You only need to apply it twice to get your item shiny. So I dont hold much hope for using dimensional glazeswith polymer clay.
Resin is self-leveling, which means that you need to let it sit for a while so that the surface becomes even. Stickiness of finishes is usually caused by:1.not letting them dry or cure depending on what's been used, long enough and thoroughly; for water-based ones, they'll also take longer to dry in cool, humid, not well-ventilated areas; for resins, they'll take longer to cure if not mixed correctly, are too warm or cool, are too old, not enough UV light for the UV-curing ones, etc2.exposure to too much moisture/humidity after drying (may become temporarily sticky and/or cloudy), including too little ventilation even in a drawer or plastic bag3.having used the "wrong kind" of clear finish, one with a petroleum-solvent base or a spray where that ingredient is only in the propellant.
It will just cloud or peel. I gave my crations two layers. Polymer clay does not need to be sealed. Because a lathe is typically used, itsbeyond the scope for most routine polymer creations. Your email address will not be published. Just apply to your project, wait for it to level, remove bubbles, and cure. Its common for new polymer clay crafters to have misconceptions about the subject of varnishes, sealers, and clear coatings. Sanding and buffing has a reputation for being difficult and can lead to painful fingertips, but it doesnt have to be that way. Because waxes apply as a microscopically thin layerto polymer clay, they will do nothing to protect mica powder, glitter, paint, or metal leaf from wear or abrasion, and can even remove them. But it works very well with polymer clay as well. Best for: Sealing surface treatments, creating a glossy effect, and enriching translucent projects. Always stir these containers before use as the matting agent can settle in the bottom, leaving just the glossy varnish at the top of the bottle. On my defense, the description on the bottle itself is written in Japanese. It will also enrich the appearance ofmaterials such as tortoise-shell or ivory. Adding a clear coating, glaze, or varnish will not make a polymer clay project more durable, waterproof, weatherproof, or heatproof. Have fun! Common brands of this resin are Lisa Pavelkas Magic Glos and UltraDome. If anything, adding a coating to polymer clay increases the likelihood of it being ruined. I would skip it entirely. Do you need to seal polymer clay before painting or using it, and, if so, which sealers are safe to use? Polymer clay, when cured, is vinyl similar to a kiddie pool, tablecloth on your deck table, or beach ball. Other varnishes can be sticky, though, so always test a new varnish with the clay youre using. Varathane for example however is very hard/tough (and can be "rebaked" if desired to make it even harder), much less expensive than clear finishes "sold for" art/craft, and has some other special advantages. Even though this isnt exactly a polymer clay varnish, most polymer clay artist worldwide use this varnish for their project. Epoxy resin consists of two parts, part A and part B, which are mixed in equal portions. The same holds true for dots of paint and antiquing in the recessed areas of a design. Its horrible. After baking, you will need to use a heat gun to make the thin layer of clay crystal clear and shiny. I am a novice and created a toothbrush holder with air-dry clay today. Varnish will not stick if applied over an oily substance. But it can still be messy. Its used similarlyto an epoxy resin, except that you use a large volume of resin (part A) and a small volume of hardener (part B). Rust-Oleum Varathane Interior Crystal Clear Water-Based Polyurethane. You have different options for liquid clay finishes: The best sealants forpolymer clay projectsare water-based, and even among water-soluble options, not all formulas are created equal. Globes have distilled water and a dribble of glycerin. (Contrary to myth, plasticizers stay in polymer clay. Obviously sanding and buffing arent the way to goout but Id still like to find a way to protect some of the pieces.
Most often the water-based/indoor Gloss version is used but it also comes in other version (e.g., Semigloss & Matte). Two things work really well for glossing up polymer clay. 3. Teresa Pandora Salgado sells her DeepShine Resin, read more about these liquid clays in my article on using them as a clearcoat here, read more about the process here on Tonis site, Heres where you learn more about the Sanding and Buffing eBook. The brand of clay youre using will make a difference, and some clay-varnish combinations will give you a sticky finish.
http://etsy.me/28Nt338. Then after baking, put a little cotton ball in the glass vial and drop your preferred scent into the cotton ball. My issue is with the varnish I put on top. Required fields are marked *. The one that works good with polymer clay is Rust-Oleum Varathane Interior Crystal Clear Water-Based Polyurethane. This is so helpful. But frankly, so does Vaseline, at a tiny fraction of the cost. Allow to settle and level, then bake. Padico is a very good clay craft supplies company. So the distinction between these two categories is more one of marketing than chemistry. Acrylic varnishes contain acrylic polymer emulsion, which is an acrylic resin suspended in water.
Even though this isnt exactly a polymer clay varnish, most polymer clay artist worldwide use this varnish for their project. Its not very flexible and will readily flake off baked polymer clay. I have attempted to put my pieces in the fridge so they will dry and harden. The only reason this matters is that some of these plastic resins are softened by the plasticizersin polymer clay. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Seasoned clayers utilize these finishes: The following finishes are not compatible with polymer clay: The best polymer clay finishes dry without tackiness, offer durability and are entirely compatible with polymer clay which is why so many polymer clay crafters recommend these specificvarnishes. Matting agents are particles that dull the shine of the varnish. It takes about 24-36 hours to fully harden. We do not ship internationally or to PO boxes. In this category, youll find artists acrylic varnishes, craft store varnishes, and polymer clay brand glazes. But hey, thats what wed call learning, no? The specific formulas are usually a secret, so youll never know exactly what is in the varnish you choose. And then, theres also Triple Thickwhich come both in jar and spray type. Varnishes are inherently glossy, but can be made to have a satin, semi-gloss, or matte finish by using matting agents. Polymer clay is not glossy after baking. Dont use Fimo because it gets a white cast. There are three types of clear-coat resins as follows. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account.
While you can apply resin to curved pieces, it is an advanced technique, so I only recommend applying resin to flat pieces until you have a really good feel for how to use it. These resins are very similar in function and application to the epoxy resins, but they cure within 5 minutes when exposed to UV light using a special lamp or a bright sunny day. Open Your Etsy Shop Now document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.
MOST of them will be softened by the plasticizer in polymer clay and stay sticky. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. The best way Ive found to add a lasting scent to the clay is by rubbing a drop of concentrated alcohol-free fragrance onto the clay hot out of the oven, but then the clay gets a bit soft and able to be scratched. I also live in Arizona and it's very hot so I don't know if that affects it. This broad group of products are typically clear to milky white liquids. Brush strokes can be an issue with this category of finish. For a hint of a shine, reach for these finishes: Looking for a glossy, wet-look coating? Other clear finishes may work, but won't be as hard or as tough as those. The only way Ive ever seen that WORKS for scenting polymer clay isto not do it. Price wise, this sealer are cheaper than Sculpey glaze. UTEE can be used to coat polymer clay projects, giving a thick, clear surface like resin. Note thatlight dustings of chalk or mica, such as rosy cheeks on a sculpture, do not need to be sealed. If you want to know how to get an absolutely perfect shine on polymer clay with sanding and buffing, with minimal effort, I recommend that you check out my Sanding and Buffing eBook. I paint my clay creations with acrylic paint. These products offer the best durability and highest shine: Another high-gloss option isDecoArt Media Gloss Varnish but only use it withSculpey Souffl, as it tends to bead up onSculpey Premo and other polymer clays. Varathane is not a polymer clay varnish. There are other waxes which work just as well. Sign up for our newsletter to receive special sales, product sneak peeks, exclusive projects and more! Hi there, I have read that I can make polymer clay food-safe by adding a glass lining to the finished bowl. It really does need the high heat of a heat gun. Thank you!! I also paint my projects with acryl. They have many dozens of products, some of which may be used on polymer clay. Once dried, most willform a stretchy plastic filmover your work. There's a simple reason for this the bottle wasn't mixed enough. I also have a problem with jewelry that uses sterling silver as the hardware. Get tips and info. Ideally Id like my jewelry to become lifetime pieces for my customers, but currently its been challenging. What would you recommend to be sure the keychains dont become dirty looking over time when handled? Its best to use a soft brush and apply several thin coats. But please knowthat thesevarnishes still contain acrylic resins. 4. These varnishes are typically clear to off-white, can leave brush strokes, and dry clear and flexible. Also known as Kato Liquid or Kato Sauce, this liquid has the consistency and appearance of thinned white glue. The best clear finishes to use directly on polymer clay (and not interact with it), or probably even on top of acrylic paint if you want to do that, are Varathane (clayers' favorite brand of polyurethane for years) and resin (epoxy resin or UV-curing resin). Varathane has strong durability and give a brilliant shiny look. It cannot be baked. But that doesnt mean its a superior protective coating for all purposes. Would sanding and buffing correct this? Resin coatings are quite thick and syrupy and can be frustrating and messy to use. Understanding Polymer Clay Glaze, Sealer, and Varnish, Rustic Components, Earrings, and a Surprise, More Rustic Components, Findings, and Beads. Best for: Encasing inclusions, sealing surface treatments. Hi! When you apply mica powders, chalks, glitter, or metal leaf to the surface of your polymer clay project, it will need to be protected if the item is subject to wear. If you properly buff smooth polymer clay with a high speed buffer, you can get a finish that is just as smooth and glossy as resin or glass. Instead, youll get a burnished sheen, but only when used on an already smooth surface. You wont commonly see polyester resin used in the craft world as its pretty noxious. Always clay-safe. PYM II have a very good durability and after a few layer, it will give a decent sheen. This is why some varnishes, glazes, and sealers work beautifully on wood and paper but become soft or sticky when used on polymer clay. Wet the sandpaper and sand starting with 400 grit and work your way up to finer grits until you reach 1,000 or higher. You've made a one-of-a-kind vase, ornament or pendant out of polymer clay,and now it's baking in the oven to cure to completion. It seems that dirt is maybe sticking to the finish?? What is a Polymer Clay Conditioning Machine? It is a high quality microcrystalline wax used to coat metals against corrosion and tarnish. I got into making things with polymer clay about 2 months ago. Like lip gloss on a beach ball. varnish sealer Apply two layers of glaze to a small, hidden section. The Matte is nice and not sticky at all, and the gloss dries nicely but then becomes a lil sticky after a few days. Woodworkers know that cyanoacrylate(CA) can make a fantastic coating for wood. (All clear finishes will be safe used on top of acrylic paint though, even if the paint is on top of the clay since it will form a barrier.). Ah, thats unfortunate. Ive not used this since I was a kid and helped my dad repaira fiberglass tank, so Im only mentioning it here as an FYI. And since I dont read Japanese, I can only count on what the sellers website said. Varathane is an interior varnish, but that doesnt mean other interior varnish will also work for polymer clay. We would never think of varnishing or sealing a beach ball to protect it, right? Your email address will not be published. Best for: Sealing surface treatments, especially mica powders. They do not bake out.) Many thin coats is far better than one thick one. I am still testing that out! Great on textured items where varnish would pool. Experiment to see what works best for the results you want. So I mixed another drop of fragrance into Sculpey glaze and brushed it over the sculpture, then another coat of glaze WITHOUT fragrance since the first layer was separating, and found that the scent lasted, but the glaze peeled. 5. Mod Podge seemed okay at first but got real sticky later and looked weird. Wax applied to a textured surface will be white and unattractive. Refer to the section on varnishes in this article for more info. Dimensional glazes can be applied with a brush and used as glaze or varnish. Best for: Deepening and enriching dark colors, giving a warm sheen to smooth clay. Some colors (such as hot pink) will turn funny shades. By the same token, many acrylic varnishes contain urethane as part of their resin makeup. I use a variety of varnishes for different purposes. Their Matte is really good so I thought about getting the gloss one. Bubbles can be a problem, but you can usually pop them by waving a heat gun over the top. Its called Golden Polymer Varnish with UVLS. Liquid clays have the advantage of always being 100% compatible with polymer clay and will not result in stickiness. A CA finish is what Ed Street uses to put a super-smooth finish on Toni Ransfields pens. I'm trying to search all over Amazon for different varnishes, and reading reviews. Sadly, I dont really know a lot about air dry clays. This is answered there. Multiple coats will give a more durable finish, but do let it dry between coats. It is also easily scratched. Epoxy resin will not cure fully if the mixture is incorrect or if the mixture is not fully mixed before pouring. Instead of using a brush, resins are usually poured on and the sticky liquid is spread on the surface with a toothpick or needle tool. Embed a tiny glass vial in the clay item. Water left on the surface will turn white and the Mod Podge will soften. Afterward, thin layers will be invisible, but the surface will be matte. But sadly, very few brands of spray varnish will work with polymer clay. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. A better idea is to make a scent dispenser of sorts.