There are a few different types of sealant, including: I just used acrylic paint to stencil onto raw polymer clay, and now that its baked the paint is a kinda tacky, do I need to seal these? But it would also look pretty gloppy. It is basically a moldable plastic. Sealers typically come in either spray or brush-on forms and you should use several light coats for best results. When applying the Mod Podge, make sure to brush it on evenly and carefully so that no excess glue accumulates in any area. In order to prevent the pieces from breaking or being attacked by dirt or moisture, it is important to seal them properly after they have been hardened. Do I HAVE to Seal Polymer Clay? Only if necessary! - YouTube Yes, you can use Mod Podge to seal your polymer clay creations. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so its best to do some research before choosing which to use. Thanks so much for putting so much work into these details and the links between articles! 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. About once a week. Great article! But the problem is the paint. After sealing you may also choose to add texture or embellishments with paints, glitters, mica powders, etc. Craft blogs also sometimes recommended it as a sealer for polymer clay. Condition the polymer clay. Another myth is the belief that a sealer will protect a weak polymer clay sculpture against breakage. Bi-weekly emails, or thereabouts. Many people like to use the acrylic varnishes that are sold to protect fine art paintings. Sellotape Scissors How to Make Polymer Clay Earrings Once you've gathered everything you need, you're all set to start working. This will ensure that your polymer clay piece is properly sealed and protected from outside elements. Allow the coating to dry thoroughly before baking or painting the piece. Polymer clay is a synthetic material created from a plastic polymer base polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Polymer clay can be sealed using a variety of sealants, such as acrylic spray sealers, water-based varnishes, oil-based polyurethane finishes, paste waxes and liquid polymer clay. If you need to take a break during your project, cover your pieces with a damp cloth while they are not being worked on so they dont dry out. Read our guide below on how to seal polymer clay and gain valuable insight into the dos and donts of sealing polymer clay for a professional finish. Keep in the loop about new articles and tutorials. No, Varathane will not be a barrier to plasticizer migration. Craft Polymer Clay - The Ultimate Guide Lindsay Posted: April 25, 2022 - Updated at: January 3, 2023 Polymer clay is a modeling clay made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and a plasticizer. Have a look here. After it is dry it has a slightly shiny finish and will protect your project from water, sun, scratches, and dirt. When you embellish your polymer clay project with chalks, paints, mica powders, metallic pastes, or metal leaf, those treatments are sitting on the surface of the polymer clay and are not nearly as durable as the polymer clay itself. But for jewelry, it just dulls down way too fast. Email programs are very aggressive and youll likely find lots of missing emails in there! Maybe we can get the word out there and prevent some sticky beads! Liquid varnish such as. Make sure to read all labels before using any products on your projects. Thank you for the article on sealers and gloss enhancers. You should apply at least three coats of glaze to ensure proper sealing. 'SEAL Team' DVD Preview: Max Thieriot Leaves Role of Clay - TVLine However, sealing polymer clay is important in order to preserve its color and texture and prevent it from cracking or breaking over time. You can practice your application technique and feel how the sealant sets after it finishes curing. Sealing polymer clay is an optional step that lets you enhance your creations appearance. Again, read the manufacturers instructions carefully before applying any sealants to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your project. After you bake your project, applyLiquid Sculpeythen bake again. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. You can apply wax with a brush and buff it after it dries. Get in touch with us todayfor more information! You can also expect it to deepen your colors slightly. If this is the case, sealants specifically made for polymer clays can provide protection without baking. Additionally, nail polish does not provide a waterproof coating and may eventually wear away with extensive use or time. Clay County Judge Louis Angles granted the motion filed by . And I share my knowledge and my experience on this blog with you so that you can become a maker yourself. I tested 10 different brands of spray sealers and found that only PYM had universally good results on all the brands of clay that I tried. For the most permanent finish, always let each layer dry completely before applying the next one. In these cases, sealing the clay makes sense. Polymer clay is after it is baked and completely cured, water-resistant and it has a natural finish right away. Yes, this can be an issue for sure. Polymer clay wax is designed to give a beautiful lustre or sheen to your beads, rather than a glossy shine. Make sure children and pets are away from the area while working with polymer clay since it can reach temperatures of up to 250C during baking. If your projects are brittle. This can also be a problem when the clay is created with a finely textured surface. Depending on the size and complexity of your project, this may require an air compressor to blow away dirt and debris from hard to reach areas. Dull the colour of the clay youve used slightly so keep this in mind when making your piece. Sealing Polymer Clay - What Works and What Doesn't? - Jessama Tutorials Polycrylic dries clear and does not yellow with age like some other finishes do. Cindys result does show the value of testing and making samples. I was told that I can use polymer clay to fill in these voids. You only want to Seal your Polymer clay if you have painted it or if you want a special kind of finish. But if its super goopy, you need to remove the coating. Spray Sealers for Polymer Clay Can be Sticky - The Blue Bottle Tree Yes, you can seal polymer clay without baking it. There are a few different ways to seal polymer clay without baking it, such as using varnish, acrylic spray paint, or liquid latex. But keep in mind that cleaning any accumulated dust would likely cause the surface treatments to be disturbed. Doing so will provide your project with a hard, glossy finish that is both durable and resistant to water. Once sealed with one of these methods, your project should remain safe from breakage or damage for many years. It will, however, lose its color and become white when it is exposed to direct sunlight for a very long period of time (a year or longer). When using this method, it is important to follow directions carefully and keep the spray can at least 6 inches away from your project as you work. Deepen the colours of the polymer clay youve used, leaving you with colours that are more saturated. Im SO GLAD I found you and your info!!! To prevent your polymer clay from cracking, you should always condition the clay before use and make sure to seal it properly. Forgive me if this has been asked before. Its not terribly matte, but does give a low-sheen satin finish that looks and feels great. What do you use to glaze polymer clay? Polymer Clay Tutorial - Where to Sart for Beginners - TREASURIE This is an Affiliate Link. The thing is, it can be rather hit and miss, perhaps due to the brand of clay or nail polish. No matter which type of sealing method you choose, make sure to read the directions on the packaging carefully beforehand. Some clay brands, such as Sculpey III and Souffle, tend to have a surface that appears to be porous (this is also why those brands are so great for holding onto acrylic paint). It will not absorb and hold water. I think that humidity is a factor. In addition to sealing and protecting your polymer clay piece, you may want to consider using a sealant that is food-safe if you plan on using it for items that will be in contact with food. Sealing polymer clay with a translucent liquid clay will: Now youve learnt how to seal polymer clay and all the different ways you can do so, its time to try it yourself. Or you can simply use Mat Mod Podge to give your Project a nice mat finish. You could also try a clear acrylic spray, but those can be spotty or run, and may or may not have the "bad stuff" only in their propellants. Polymer clay has a lovely feel all by itself. The PVC can absorb moisture from the air, which can cause bubbles or cracks in the polymer clay after baking. Do you need to seal it once its been baked? Start by using progressively finer grits of sandpaper (starting at 150 grit and working up to 400 or 600) to smooth out any rough edges or bumps. Testing and doing sample pieces will help you find the best ways to use them. Polycrylic, another water-based finish, is another product that can be used as a sealer over Mod Podge. And the reviews Ive read of Dimensional Magic are sad. It says on the bottle that it needs to be baked to seal properly. Kato Liquid Polyclay can be used as a sealer. Youve probably noticed that Im a big fan. For instance, Varathane is a fantastic sealer. It is not a suitable material for this purpose. Which Glaze Is The BEST For Polymer Clay? The wax, that I always suggest is Enkaustikos Wax. At the risk of sounding dumb, I know I can paint it on but do I hold them and paint them, is there a tool to help out somewhere? Once it cools, what comes next? When you have finished your polymer clay project, its important to seal the entire piece for protection and durability. The short answer is yes. Shop Now If you're ready to get painting on polymer clay, prepare with a few tips and ideas to gather all the inspiration you need. This will create an invisible barrier that seals in moisture and prevents cracking. Polymer clay is no different. Once the top layer has dried completely, buff your piece with a soft cloth for a glossy finish. When using a product specifically designed for polymer clay, it is best to apply multiple thin coats and allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. Thank you and have a great day! Hi Joy, Im glad you find my site helpful. But there are reasons why trying to seal your project might not be a good idea. Is there a way to salvage them? 1. How to Seal Acrylic Paint on Polymer Clay | Step by Step Guide