How to Use and Clean Polymer Clay Silk Screens

[@MrsWarcup]

I am so glad to find this! Ages ago I made silk screens like this for cookie decorating. I am super interested in this process for clay! Thank you for sharing this!

[@GentleStrengthHolistics]

This video was concise and to the point. Thank you!

[@TheClayImpress]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ruthmills2292]

Thank you so much for this tutorial!💕🩵🩵

[@fibergeek8362]

Does the acrylic paint become tacky and sticky after backing?

[@TheClayImpress]

That will happen with some brands of acrylic paint. Unfortunately not all brands are going to be compatible with polymer clay. They react with the plasticizers in the clay and stay sticky. I recommend Liquitex Basics acrylic paints. It seems to work well with all of the brands of polymer clay that I've tried it with. 😊

[@christineggirlcs3447]

Can’t wait for my package to arrive!!!

[@jaimeteets6080]

Do you have a link for your screens?

[@TheClayImpress]

Here you go 😊 theclayimpress.com/collections/silk-screens

[@dehawklin]

Hi there thanks for the video I have a question, can mica powder be used with the screen

[@TheClayImpress]

Yes, absolutely! Here's an example video: kzbin.infodQq4CqiTsrY?si=Cg1lhkyP-M1imhic

[@Naydean21]

Does it work the same way if you use mica powders instead of paint?

[@TheClayImpress]

It's similar, but if you're working with mica powders or other powder pigments, you don't have to rush because the pigments won't dry in the screen. Also, when you wash your screen, it will likely stain. But that's okay, it still works perfectly!

[@gerlindedewell4276]

Thank you. How do you clean the paint of the clay edges?

[@TheClayImpress]

You can use rubbung alcohol before baking or acetone after baking. 😊

[@zoebello7950]

Hello, I would like to know if the brand of acrylic you used can be used to paint with a brush on clay? Or is it only for screen printing?

[@TheClayImpress]

Hey Zoe! You can use Liquitex Basics acrylic paint on polymer clay. It can be applied with a screen or brush! If you're looking for a more durable option that doesn't have to be sealed, I highly suggest painting with colored liquid clay! amzn.to/3JxEpLz (Liquid clay won't work on silk screens. It's just for painting on with a brush.)

[@zoebello7950]

@@TheClayImpress Thank you so much!!! Excellent

[@allisonstephens8818]

Hi! Im here because I put my screens in water and set them on the counter, but then slipped out for errands and my husband dumped out the water and the paint residue dried in my screens. Is there any hope? I was going to try 100% acetone?

[@TheClayImpress]

Hi Allison! I'm so sorry to hear that happened! In testing, we couldn't any way to remove the paint from the mesh material without ruining the screen. 😬

[@allisonstephens8818]

@TheClayImpress so! I found a kind of solution. A product called goof off. Man... it is smelly. I recommend a mask and gloves. But it eats latex. It worked!

[@curious-kat]

So… I made the mistake when I used my silk screen the first time, I thought I could clean it after I finished the clay, and I did soak the screen I lukewarm water over night but there’s still a few patches with paint on it, can I save it or is it damaged for good?

[@TheClayImpress]

Unfortunately, if the paint has dried in the mesh, that part of the screen may be ruined. It's possible that the paint didn't dry in the pattern itself though!

[@laurarucker5853]

How do you clean silk screen with dried paint on them

[@TheClayImpress]

Unfortunately that's not going to be possible in most cases. You may be able to dissolve the paint with acetone, but there's a good chance that the acetone will ruin the silk screen. 😟

[@C1990]

This is a great idea. 🎉

[@TheClayImpress]

Glad you think so!

[@lorrainemclay3343]

Excellent tips, mahalo 👏🌈😀

[@TheClayImpress]

You're welcome!

[@HO-bndk]

That's surely stencilling, though, and not actually silk screen printing?

[@TheClayImpress]

These are indeed silk screens. You can use them on clay with acrylic paints and mica powders. 😊

[@susane945]

You shouldn't be tipping all that paint down the sink into the water system. Also be mindful of how much paint ur wasting. Please use paint sparingly. A better idea is to wipe the squeegee onto a piece of scrap paper before washing. Also to press the used silkscreen onto a piece of scrap paper and wipe as much paint off as you can before putting into the water. And THEN wash both after all the excess paint is on the paper. Then either use the scrap paper in something like a collage, or if you really don't have another use for it, THEN put it in the bin.

[@TheClayImpress]

Thank you for your feedback and concern for the environment. We appreciate your input and are committed to eco-friendly practices. While we understand your suggestion about wiping the squeegee and silkscreen on scrap paper, it's important to note that with polymer clay silk screens, immediate cleaning is crucial to prevent paint from drying and damaging the screen. Our recommended method involves placing the silkscreen directly into water after use to maintain its longevity. We strive to provide accurate information to help users make the most of our tools. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out.