Comfortable new years everybody! I’ve one thing thrilling I not too long ago found that I noticed I had not shared right here but so figured now is an efficient time.
I see so many asking the query “what sealer works greatest on polymer clay?” However does polymer clay actually require “sealing”? My reply: “No it doesn’t”. Lots of my creations don’t have any “sealing agent or glaze” and even years later they nonetheless look good as new. If I need a excessive shine, I choose to sand after which buff with my Dremel software. I particularly love the way it feels after I contact it with my fingers. You possibly can learn extra data on this when you click on on the tab on the prime of this weblog “Polymer Clay Ideas“. Here’s a video of my previous hubby/claymate buffing a bit with the Dremel software. I’ve the buffing pads I make myself listed in my on-line retailer right here. (proper now on sale till the top of the month).
I additionally create items that I can’t sand or buff and DO require a sealing agent or glaze. That is after I add coloring brokers to the surface of my piece corresponding to mica powders, inks or pan pastels as within the textured tube beads proven within the picture beneath — my tutorial for that is right here. If the coloring supplies should not sealed, they’ll ultimately put on off over time.
To Glaze or To not Glaze . . .
I wrote a weblog publish fairly a couple of years in the past on glazing your work (in 2010) and realized it wanted an replace. So many merchandise are always altering and have even been discontinued over time. It appears I simply discover a product I like after which it instantly is not out there any extra! I’m always looking for a greater product — not simply one thing higher to work with however that offers glorious outcomes and can also 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, imagine it or not, “Future Acrylic Flooring 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 the moment. Many “newbies” should not conscious of it, or after 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. Through the years, the label had modified many occasions and was later bought by Johnson & Johnson, thus ultimately changing into “Pledge with Future” after which lastly, “Pledge Revive”.
So now, Johnson & Johnson discontinued their newest product and sadly, is not out there.
Or is it?????
Nicely, introducing . . . . drum roll . . . . Fast Shine!
It’s by a distinct firm however very a lot the identical as the unique “Future Flooring End”. I’ve been testing it out to see the way it compares and thus far, it’s fairly darn shut — apart from the scent. I actually did not thoughts the scent of the unique Future (had considerably of a fruity odor) however this one shouldn’t be as robust and barely totally different, but not objectionable — a minimum of 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 choose to make use of the acrylic ground 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 Alternative” seal and all you need to do is have a look at these hazard warning indicators on the Varathane.
# 2 – Fast Shine has simply as laborious a end because the varathane, and possibly even more durable. In spite of everything, it’s made for use on flooring which may take fairly a beating.
# 3 – Cleans up simple off your fingers, and so on. with cleaning soap and water.
# 4 – Price! Fast Shine is by far method 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 ground 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 value however when you can’t discover it elsewhere, then that may at all times be a back-up plan.
And listed below are a couple of fast ideas 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’ll be able to prime it up as wanted). This fashion when you find yourself completed you’ll be able to tightly seal the jar to make use of subsequent time. Over time, the Fast shine can begin to thicken. If it does (motive 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, mushy, clear, brush. Apply a skinny, gentle coat to your piece. Enable 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 stop streaking, and so on. It is going to 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 stop any fumes from escaping (simply in case).
So lastly, when you choose, you’ll be able to at all times use different glazes which are created only for polymer clay corresponding 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 never used them for sealing mica powders as of but however have one other particular use which I’ll share with you in one other publish later someday.
