Glad new years everybody! I’ve one thing thrilling I lately found that I noticed I had not shared right here but so figured now is an effective time.
I see so many asking the query “what sealer works finest on polymer clay?” However does polymer clay actually require “sealing”? My reply: “No it doesn’t”. A whole lot of my creations haven’t any “sealing agent or glaze” and even years later they nonetheless look good as new. If I need a excessive shine, I desire to sand after which buff with my Dremel device. I particularly love the way it feels once I contact it with my arms. You possibly can learn extra information on this when you click on on the tab on the high of this weblog “Polymer Clay Ideas“. Here’s a video of my previous hubby/claymate buffing a chunk with the Dremel device. I’ve the buffing pads I make myself listed in my on-line retailer right here. (proper now on sale till the tip of the month).
I additionally create items that I can not sand or buff and DO require a sealing agent or glaze. That is once I add coloring brokers to the skin of my piece similar to mica powders, inks or pan pastels as within the textured tube beads proven within the photograph beneath — my tutorial for that is right here. If the coloring supplies aren’t sealed, they will ultimately put on off over time.
To Glaze or To not Glaze . . .
I wrote a weblog submit fairly a couple of years in the past on glazing your work (in 2010) and realized it wanted an replace. So many merchandise are consistently altering and have even been discontinued over time. It appears I simply discover a product I like after which it instantly is not obtainable any extra! I’m consistently searching for a greater product — not simply one thing higher to work with however that offers glorious outcomes and can be safer for the setting.
One of many merchandise I’ve been utilizing for a few years to seal my work (that has coloring brokers which require sealing) is, consider it or not, “Future Acrylic Ground End”. I do know many who’ve been working with polymer clay over time are conscious of this commerce “secret”. Some, like myself, nonetheless use it at this time. Many “newbies” aren’t conscious of it, or once they see a photograph or a reference to it, they’re confused. It is a product that was launched into the market way back to within the 1960’s. The bottle pictured above is of the unique classic bottle. Over time, the label had modified many occasions and was later bought by Johnson & Johnson, thus ultimately turning into “Pledge with Future” after which lastly, “Pledge Revive”.
So now, Johnson & Johnson discontinued their newest product and sadly, is now not obtainable.
Or is it?????
Effectively, introducing . . . . drum roll . . . . Fast Shine!
It’s by a distinct firm however very a lot the identical as the unique “Future Ground End”. I’ve been testing it out to see the way it compares and to date, it’s fairly darn shut — apart from the odor. I actually did not thoughts the odor of the unique Future (had considerably of a fruity odor) however this one isn’t as sturdy and barely totally different, but not objectionable — at the very least to not me.
I ought to point out I additionally like to make use of the opposite glazes made for polymer clay such because the Cernit model — which is available in a matte end moreover shiny. I discover they’re much better to make use of than a typical varathane. However when working with mica powders, I nonetheless desire to make use of the acrylic flooring end (now Fast Shine) for the next causes:
# 1 – Safer for the setting and our well being! Simply examine the labels. Fast Shine has the “Safer Selection” seal and all you need to do is take a look at these hazard warning indicators on the Varathane.
# 2 – Fast Shine has simply as onerous a end because the varathane, and possibly even harder. In any case, it’s made for use on flooring which may take fairly a beating.
# 3 – Cleans up straightforward off your arms, and so forth. with cleaning soap and water.
# 4 – Price! Fast Shine is by far manner cheaper than the varathane plus the bottle dimension is bigger as nicely and retains for a really very long time.
So the place are you able to get it? I purchased mine in a ironmongery store within the flooring care part. You possibly can google it to seek out what shops promote it in your space. I did see it on Amazon however at double the worth however when you can not discover it elsewhere, then that may at all times be a back-up plan.
And listed here are a couple of fast suggestions for working with the Fast Shine (or Future when you nonetheless have some hanging round like I do):
- Pour some Fast Shine right into a small clear jar (not an excessive amount of as you may high it up as wanted). This manner if you end up accomplished you may tightly seal the jar to make use of subsequent time. Over time, the Fast shine can begin to thicken. If it does (purpose for not an excessive amount of at a time in your jar), take some paper towel to sop it up and wipe the jar out. Discard the paper towel within the rubbish and add some contemporary product into your jar.
- When making use of it to your piece, use a dry, delicate, clear, brush. Apply a skinny, gentle coat to your piece. Permit to dry after which apply a second or third coat if needed. It’s higher to do a number of skinny coats than one thick one to forestall streaking, and so forth. It would additionally make the end extra sturdy. Wash your brush out with cleaning soap and water earlier than it dries and hardens.
- After your items have dried, they are often “heat-set” by baking once more however this time at a a lot decrease temperature (200 F or 100 C) for 15-20 minutes. Additionally remember to place the items in a pan that has a canopy or tightly cowl with tin foil to forestall any fumes from escaping (simply in case).
So lastly, when you desire, you may at all times use different glazes which might be created only for polymer clay similar to Sculpey or Cernit. I fairly just like the Cernit glaze and like the way it additionally is available in a matte end moreover shiny. These each additionally suggest “heat-setting” which makes them extra sturdy. I have not used them for sealing mica powders as of but however have one other particular use which I’ll share with you in one other submit later someday.