How to apply sculpey glaze properly?

Question

Hi,

I have just started making Polymer beads and noticed that after a couple of days the glaze keeps peeling off am I doing something wrong or is that just what happens I was hoping to have more fun with the beads

Can anyone help me or give me some advice on how to Glaze the beads with something else that will last.

Thanks

Answer 1

Sculpey Glaze is only one of the clear finishes that can be used on polymer clay, and it's not the preferred one for various reasons.  It can be too thick and gloppy compared to others that are used for one thing, and it'll also be more expensive, it's somewhat more prone to peeling under certain conditions, etc.

If your glaze is actually peeling off though, it's possible that other things are going on too --for example things like an oily residue left on the clay from your hands or from incompletely-cured clay which act as "resists," too much humidity while drying, other application problems, etc.  

(There are things you can do though if you have some that are already finished and you want to "harden" the finish, or you can even remove that finish and start over.)

There's lots more info about all those things, including the finishes that are more often used by clayers, on this page at my polymer clay "encyclopedia" site:

http://glassattic.com/polymer/finishes.h...

(...for this particular problem, look under the subcategory called "Peeling & Stickiness" under the Varathane category--the info just happens to be at that spot

... and also look at the category called "Finishes Made Specifically For Polymer Clay"

...and perhaps also look at the subcategory on "Application"

HTH,

Diane B.

P.S.  Baked polymer clay doesn't actually NEED any sealing though to be waterproof like other clays do... finishes/sealers are only used to give gloss** to the suface when desired, or to keep some materials from oxidizing/tarnishing that have been added to the surface of the clay, or to hold on certain things that might fall off or be rubbed off.

*a sheen, or all the way up to a high-gloss shine, can also be given to the suface of baked polymer clay by sanding then buffing

.

Answer 2

Hi, if you are having problems with the liquid Sculpey Glaze - maybe it is old!   That is the very same reason I don't use it at all !  It could also be that your beads are very, very smooth and not have enough porous parts to have the glaze adhere??

Honestly - I don't know - I would have to see the bottle also - because the glaze should be white or almost clear - no yellowing, etc.

I use Varathane - which can be purchased at Home Depot.  It is waterproof and permanent, and can be used directly on the clay both right out of the oven - or cooled off beads, to give it a wonderful shine.

  

You can also put it back in the oven without problems for an extra 5 minutes right after applying the Varathane-

I have done it this way- and have had no fumes that I can smell.... but if you are worried about possible fumes or just want to take extra precautions, you can put your baking rack outside and use the Varathane - then gently use a heating gun to speed up the process of drying and seeing if you need another coat!

I don't use a brush - I dip the beads, I pour a small amount into a container that has a top then dip the beads - then let them air out - or if I am in a hurry with the project - I use the heat gun !

Have you tried applying the glaze right after taking the beads out of the oven ???  Maybe it will adhere better?  

I personally do not like the liquid glazes by Sculpey - have had so many problems with them... not worth my time or money !

But something that does work and is GUARANTEED is sanding them down and then buffing them by hand !  The luster hand buffing gives them is not comparable to any glaze !  It looks like a mirror !

Beautiful and it takes care of any little mishaps that may have happened like fingerprints, little bubbles, etc !  Give it a try !

You can find alot of information on the Glass Attic site the other person who answered gave you... or you can also find answers here to many subjects:

http://www.polymerclaycentral.com/cyclop...

http://sunnisan.com/crafts/tutorials.htm...  TUTORIALS

www.pcpolyzine.com

You can check out my work here - some of the beads have been hand sanded and buffed - others just have Varathane.!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yamisclaycr...

I can help further if you have any questions - just email me through my flickr and I'll try to help however I can !

Hope this info helps out !

:-)