Polymer clay varnish: types of varnish, classification by glossiness, rating of the best varnish, rules of use and reviews of masters

2024 Author: Sierra Becker | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-26 03:46

Many needlewomen want to develop their craft skills by trying and learning new crafts. Many will be interested in the experience of working with polymer clay. It is quite easy to use, and products from it look very beautiful and unusual. But getting started with this material, you need to know that it must be varnished. This article will tell you how to choose the right varnish, how to apply and dry it.

What is polymer clay

Polymer clay is a material used to create small figurines and crafts such as crafts and jewelry, and is often used in modeling. It hardens if it is heated to a certain temperature, most often up to 100 - 130 degrees Celsius. In its structure and appearance, it strongly resembles plasticine familiar to everyone. It differs from plasticine in the ability to harden. May have different colors. Finished items are often lacquered with polymer clay.

Composition

Polymer clay has a fairly simple composition. It is made on the basis of PVC, with the addition of one or more plasticizers in liquid form. The substance is transparent. For coloring in any colors, koalin, white porcelain or other types of pigments can be added. Sometimes it is required to obtain a substance of a metallic or pearly color. In this case, mica is used as a pigment.

In addition to solid state clay, some manufacturers produce a liquid version of polymer clay in the form of a gel. The properties remain the same - when heated, the gel hardens.

Where is polymer clay used?

The scope of this material is very wide. Polymer clay is very popular in needlework. From it you can make not only various figurines and souvenirs, but also beautiful decorations for sale or for yourself. In modeling, this material is used to create sculptures and models. Having a dense structure, clay serves for a long time and does not deform. It is often used in the creation of decor and interior items, designer dolls, Christmas decorations, as well as bouquets. Initially, this material was created specifically for the manufacture of dolls.

Types of varnish

Any polymer clay should be varnished. There are the following main types of varnish for polymer clay:

1. Glossy. Shiny, often gives the effect of the appearance of manybubbles. It is more suitable for covering small products, it does not fit well on large ones. Most often used for varnishing various beads. They are glossy varnish for polymer clay gives a beautiful and even glass sheen. When hit, it gives strong chips.
2. Matte. Has no shine. It lays on the product more evenly and neatly than glossy. Wear resistant. Among the shortcomings, one can single out the fact that the matte varnish for polymer clay emphasizes all the shortcomings of the product. Some irregularities of crafts are not visible before coating with matte varnish, and after coating they become pronounced. It does not crack, and most often retains its original appearance when dropped.
3. Acrylic. The most common acrylic varnish for polymer clay is often used. It is this varnish that is used in needlework and applied art. In terms of wear resistance, it is inferior to matte, but it looks decent and is easy to apply.
4. Specialized. Specialized varnishes are called varnishes, which are made by the manufacturers of polymer plastics themselves. They may cost more, but their composition is precisely matched to the specific material.

Classification of varnish by glossiness

Here varnishes can be divided into four types:

• Glossy (have a characteristic sheen, create a "glassy" look).
• Semi-gloss (not as shiny).
• Matte (have no sheen).
• Semi-matte (reminiscent of a mixture of matte and glossy).

Most often, matte varnishes are used for polymer clay. They do not distort the color of the material, they better convey the structure of the clay. Mattelacquer for polymer clay also has a denser structure, protecting the product from damage.

Rating of the best varnish

Many beginners who have just started their acquaintance with such material as polymer clay often ask themselves the question: what kind of varnish to buy for polymer clay, which one is better and more practical? There is simply no definitive answer to this question. You can only compare the price characteristics and read the reviews of those people who have long tried various means in this area. The main favorites have long stood out on the varnish market, among which:

1. Varnishes from the famous brand "FIMO". This company has a long history. In 1930, Fifi Rebinder produced polymer clay in Germany. The creator gave her the name "Fifi mosaics". Fifi needed this material to make a kind of porcelain dolls, only less fragile. After 34 years, Rebinder sold the clay formula. The buyer was Eberhard Faber. He began large-scale production of FIMO polymer clay varnish and the clay itself. For many years, the company not only did not cease to exist on the world market, but also began the production of additional products for polymer clay. Including a wide variety of varnishes. The main options here will be water-based or mineral-based polymer clay varnishes. But recently, mineral-based varnishes have ceased to be produced. Among the main disadvantages of the brand "FIMO" can be identified: the appearance of yellowness on the product, cracking andchipped varnish, as well as fragility of the coating. The price varies from 250 to 400 rubles, depending on the volume and type of varnish.

2. The next well-known company can be called POLYFORM PRODUCTS CO. She makes two good polishes: Sculpey Glossy Glaze and Satin Glaze. The first is glossy and gives the product shine, while the second is matte and does not give shine. Among the advantages are: durability of varnish, good protection against scratches and chips. These varnishes can be applied even before you put the clay in the oven. This is also an important plus. It is also possible to apply POLYFORM PRODUCTS CO polymer clay varnish in a very thin layer (due to the fact that it is very liquid). Applying a large number of layers contributes to the creation of the effect of "glass". Since the varnish sticks to wood very well, it is strongly not recommended to try to trim it on the product with a toothpick or any wooden object. The price for Sculpey Glossy Glaze varies from 400 to 500 rubles, and for Satin Glaze from 400 to 450 rubles for 30 ml.

3. Among other good companies for the production of varnish for polymer clay, VIVA. Schmuck is also distinguished. She produces Lack from Viva Decor. It differs in density, sticks to the tree even more strongly. It is better to use with polymer clay of the same company, because this varnish does not fit so well on other materials. Among the minuses: poor compatibility with materials from other companies, poor durability. Among the advantages: forms a beautiful film,emphasizes the appearance of the product. The price is approximately 500 - 600 rubles

4. Next is construction companies. Varathane stands out here with its product VARATHANE CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERBONE DIAMOND WOOD FINISH. The product should be called that way, because there are many other varieties of coating products from the same company. Varieties: matte, glossy, semi-gloss. Created on a water basis. Experienced craftsmen use this varnish, which has long been time-tested. The price will be quite high, but only due to the fact that the product is sold in large quantities, as it is considered to be a building product.

5. Tikkurila - produces two good products - KIVA and ASSA. These varnishes are acrylic based on polyurethane. They are sold in large quantities, so the price will be quite biting - 6500 rubles for 3 liters.

6. Decoupage varnish IDEA from MAIMERI. Produced in Italy. It has a water base, fits well and protects against scratches for a long time. The price will be 700 rubles for 75 ml. Such a varnish for products made of polymer clay is more convenient in terms of its price-to-volume ratio.

I would like to note that building varnishes are not so easy to find even in online stores. They are not common, and sometimes you need to try hard to order or buy a similar tool. Among the disadvantages of all building varnishes, only their large volume can be distinguished. For applied art, they will be very inconvenient, since simplyjust dry while you're trying to make a truckload of items to cover them with all 3 liters of building varnish. And which varnish for polymer clay is better, it’s up to everyone to decide for themselves. You can listen to the advice of those who have already had experience with polymer clay varnishes. Feedback on such matters can be very helpful.

Terms of Use

After you have decided which varnish to coat polymer clay with, you need to figure out how to do it correctly. After all, few people want to spoil a beautiful product due to improper coating. Despite the fact that each product comes with a special instruction that explains the rules for applying and indicates the drying time of the varnish, there are a number of important points that every beginner needs to know. Here are some of them:

• When applying varnish, give the layers enough time to dry. It is better to wait longer than to redo the work completely.
• Do not use wooden objects (toothpicks or matches) to touch up irregularities in the varnish layer. Many products can adhere very well to wood surfaces.
• Regardless of the polymer clay you choose, lacquering is considered a necessary part of making a product. Even if your material costs at least 3,000 rubles, it will still need to be protected from chips and scratches. So the product will live much longer, and it will feel more pleasant in the hands.
• Close the nail polish jar tightly. So it will not dry out and last longer.
• Don't buy big construction bankswith varnish, even if they are very good, but you are going to make only a couple of products. Most of the funds will remain unused, and you will simply spend money. It's better to buy a small one. Building varnishes are almost always sold in large quantities, and it is not always possible to use it in applied art in time.
• The drying time of the varnish must be viewed individually on each package.
• To achieve the best effect, it is better to apply the varnish on the finished product not with a brush, but by dipping it directly into the liquid. Complete drying occurs after a week. During this week, the craft can be touched somewhere after 48 hours, and then picked up, just do not wet it with water.

Basic mistakes

When working with polymer clay, attention to detail is very important, even more so when varnishing a product. Often beginners make common mistakes, the result of which can simply discourage any desire for further work. To avoid such difficulties, it is better to familiarize yourself with the list of the main mistakes when varnishing polymer clay:

• Trying to fill the clay with a lot of varnish. Beginners think that this way their jewelry or souvenir will last longer and look more beautiful. But it's not. A thick layer of varnish dries for a long time and does not always dry completely.
• The idea that cheap polish is bad polish. This is not true. The price depends on its type. Whether it's glossy or matte. From volume and many other reasons. You should not buy what is more expensive if you really do not even have experience in thiscraft.
• Trying to touch up the polish when it started to dry. When it dries, the varnish forms a thin film, which, if you try to move it, will simply be removed and will not be able to lie back evenly.
• Don't use regular nail polish. Just because it's translucent and fits well on your nails, it doesn't mean it will be the same on your clay product.
• No need to buy regular acrylic paints that are sold in every craft store. They will not be a good option for this material.
• It is desirable to apply at least 2-3 layers of varnish. Only not thick and with an interval for sufficient drying.
• After grinding the craft, you need to remove all the remaining dust and debris from it. Otherwise, all this dirt will remain under a layer of varnish and will stick out, spoiling the whole appearance of even the most successful product.
• If a lot of a substance such as a plasticizer has been added to polymer clay, then after applying the varnish, a noticeable fatty film may remain. How to avoid it? Before applying varnish, you need to wash the product with a sponge and detergent or wipe it with a cloth soaked in an alcohol solution. Dirty hands that have come into contact with the material may also develop such a film.
• The reason for the chipping may be that the very first layer is not dry enough. Instead of 10 - 30 minutes, it is better to give the product an hour of drying time. And so with each layer. No need to think that the second or third layer will be able to cover the bumps of the first layer. The first is the most basic, if it cracks, then all other layers of varnish will crack.
• If you bought a bad onevarnish, it may start to stick. It is quite difficult to predict this, so you need to know how it is possible to fix it. One of the effective solutions to this problem is re-baking for 10 - 15 minutes at a temperature of 100 degrees. If this option does not help, you should simply wipe off the varnish layer with a cotton pad dipped in acetone and apply a new layer of another fixing agent.

Price

The cheapest varnish for polymer clay products can be bought for 200 rubles. The volume will be small, but it will be enough for 2-3 products. You need to understand that the larger the volume of the jar of varnish, the higher its price. If you are just starting out in this field, it is better not to overpay and do not buy large jars of varnish.

Reviews of masters

The easiest way to understand the essence of the work and learn something useful is to read the reviews of those who have been practicing in any industry for a long time. In our case, this is information about varnishes for polymer clay. Reviews about them are presented below:

• Nail polish is generally better not to take in the case of polymer clay. Over time, it can simply dissolve the material, just like ordinary acrylic paint. It is better to buy a special tool. In general, there is no difference what kind of varnish to buy, if only not for nails.
• Water-based gloss varnish holds up well despite negative reviews. Appearance keeps beautiful, does not crack. And the glass effect is generally excellent!