I was asked recently how I finish my polymer clay pieces.

I will say that it all depends on what I am making and the look that I am after.  Most of the time I simply sand the clay with wet/dry sandpaper (the kind that you use for autos) starting with a heavier grit and working to a very fine one until I like how the piece looks.  Then I buff it to a shine.

I will also use a number of finishes if I want the piece really glossy.  For those pieces I will sand a little, just to make sure that they are smooth and then cover them with either Varathane (made by Rustoleum) or Triple Thick (made by Deltacraft).  Many people while use Future floor wax to seal the polymer clay but I am afraid that the hair products that people use could damage the finish.  I know that Varathane and Triple Thick will hold up to the chemicals.

 There are many other ways to finish polymer clay.  These are just the ones that I use currently. 

Posted by Helen in Tips and Techniques on September 4th, 2007 |