Polymer Clay Sticking to Cutters?

We really love making super detailed cutters, but with more detail comes more challenges. Check out my foolproof method for making sure your clay doesn't get stuck in your polymer clay cutters.
TheClayImpress.com

[@lorettasiegrist9334]

I dipped a pipe cleaner in alcohol and flossed my tiny cutters. Worked good to clean out stuck clay.

[@BlackOnyxCat]

Thank you for making this tutorial, it so confirms what I have found successful with your cutters, particularly with the cutters with fine details. It’s the details and and the sharp, firm cutting edges that make these cutters so attractive❣️ The unique shapes and designs of the cutters are also very attractive features, as well as the sizes. These small cutters are so perfect for turning polymer clay pieces into easily, wearable jewelry. I ordered several cutters from The Clay Impress back in May 2022 after watching a tutorial on how to use the Outline Huggies, so adorable!! Then I saw on the website the Art Deco style cutters and was hooked!!!! I love the cutters I purchased and quickly learned getting a good cut took a little finesse. There were instructions in the package that explained the use of cornstarch with the cutters. Once I experimented a little with some scrap clay, I got it and all the cuts I made were coming out so clean and the embossed impressions were very consistent. What was also really helpful were the little pin and tiny bottlebrush that came in the box to help ensure a thorough cleaning of the fine detail areas in the cutters after use. I do find that also cleaning the cutters after using them really helps in successfully using them the next time around. I find these to be great cutters with beautiful designs and very sharp, clean edges. Ad even though the cutters are small they are very sturdy. They are great and well worth the purchase!! I will definitely be back for more❣️

[@TheClayImpress]

I don't know how I missed your amazing comment when you left it, but I'm just now seeing it. Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so glad that you're happy with your cutters and that this video helped you as you learned how to make the cutters work well for you 🥰

[@MiniMaker68]

I used to cornstarch, but then I discovered Plastic Wrap does a Great Job, and no mess! ;)

[@TheClayImpress]

It's a great option for simple cutters, but I find that it ruins the crisp details when using detailed cutters. 😣

[@PintoClare]

Great info. Thank you so much. Just got some intricate cutters so I'm glad I have this information.

[@donnahoward3694]

Thank you for such an excellent tutorial. Doing a half-press, then preparing it for the full press is genious.

[@TheClayImpress]

🥰 I hope it helps if you ever have trouble!

[@ddhomestead6163]

Thanks for the tutorial

[@nicolerickey]

Thanks for sharing the half press!!! Love this video. You are so sweet!

[@TheClayImpress]

🥰 thank you so much! I hope it helps!

[@promoplus100]

Omg, thank you, this is the best video I've seen, works perfectly and I have these cutters... Thank you, thank you!!!!

[@TheClayImpress]

Yay! I'm so glad to have helped!

[@barbstotter7288]

Thank you very helpful to this beginner!!

[@TheClayImpress]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tired.ass.mom.2535]

Umm! Yes, thank you. I almost gave up, but the half press method came in clutch!

[@TheClayImpress]

Yaaas! I love to hear it! 😁🥰

[@audreylovelace4441]

Thank you so much

[@jammie2475]

Helpful, thank you!

[@TheClayImpress]

Glad it was helpful!

[@abigailscire8139]

YOU ARE INCREDIBLE , thank you sooo much :)

[@keelygreen6455]

GREAT INFO! You have saved me a great deal of FRUSTRATION!

[@sandyduell4298]

OMG!!!! When I first started, I bought a bunch of Sculpey III because it was on sale. Really, I just stopped doing clay because my cutters were always sticking. Of course, I used cornstarch but not the right way. I put it all away in a container that is air tight. Now I can play!!! Thanks!!!

[@TheClayImpress]

That must have been so frustrating! I think we all made the Sculpey III mistake when starting out. It's super soft and sticky, and unfortunately also not durable once baked. It's really common that it breaks. 😞 We actually have a Sculpey III buyback program for folks located within the US. We offer $1 per oz + shipping in store credit for all colors except for black, dark brown, and dark grey. If you're interested in trading in your unwanted Sculpey III, we'll take it off your hands!

[@susanbrasier5866]

Thank you so much!!❤

[@MoonMagikNikki]

Your video is sooooo helpful! Thank you.

[@denisestover2416]

You could go the opposite way. Use a glycerine or Magic Sizing or a light starch mix instead of powders. Try alcohol to wipe off the oil(s) because alcohol evaporates quickly and takes the oil(s) with them.

[@TheClayImpress]

You definitely can! Dimethicone is a great option as well!

[@najmuddinjanab1216]

I have lotta clay in my Lego and it's pretty annoying so this tutorial works

[@dianewilliams5819]

Thanks!! Great tips!

[@TheClayImpress]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Dinglylavendermousecreations]

I've just started using fimo which I love, but I'm doing small designs like stars, hearts etc..I found getting them off my tile is a struggle as it distorts the little arms of the star..can i put cornstarch on the tile before I roll out my clay? Thanks! ⚘️

[@TheClayImpress]

Hey there! I'm happy to help with this! Unfortunately, putting cornstarch on the tile before you roll out your clay will cause the clay shapes to get stuck in your cutters. The solution for not distorting your clay when you remove it from the tile is using firm clay. What brand of clay are you using? It may need to be leeched so that it's a bit firmer and easier to work with. There's also a helpful article and video by Ginger at the blue bottle tree that shows the best technique for using a tissue blade to remove shapes from your cutting surface: thebluebottletree.com/how-to-lift-polymer-clay-from-your-work-surface/

[@ruthtrefethen4171]

Thank you for this tutorial. My problem is that my clay sticks to my pasta maker. Could I apply the same principle to it? BTW, those are beautiful molds. Can you tell me where you got them? 💗📿😊👍

[@TheClayImpress]

We make all of the cutters, textures, and silk screens you see in our videos. 😊 When you say it's sticking to your pasta machine...have you removed the scrapers from your machine?

[@hkreations5108]

These are great methods, but if you use cornstarch, your mica powders won't stick...what to do then?

[@TheClayImpress]

They still stick 😊 you just have to brush the corn starch off with your finger.

[@mishiilinda]

What can i use to clean the cornstarch when my piece is ready? Sometimes it looks dirty because of the cornstarch :(

[@TheClayImpress]

Just brush it off the clay with a soft makeup or paint brush after cutting your shape out. If you wait until after you bake, you can rinse it with warm water to dissolve the corn starch away. 😊

[@crystalteaknits1474]

Also where did you get these cutters I love them

[@TheClayImpress]

I'm so glad you like them! We make them and sell them at theclayimpress.com/

[@BellaJewlzStudio]

Thanks! I've def banged my cutters on my countertop to get the cornstarch out. Won't be doing that anymore! Do you reuse the leftover clay that has the cornstarch in/on it?

[@TheClayImpress]

I do! I use a soft fan brush to brush away any excess cornstarch before working the clay into a slab to store for later use.

[@evabods]

What about even brushing out the cornstarch after cutting the clay, we get those white marks that are visible after baking?

[@aprilkuczynski]

I’m having issues with my clay sticking to my cutters after using both methods shown (small, detailed cutters) as well as being impossible to remove from my cutting surface (smooth glass bought specifically for this). I currently have only used Premo and soufflé. I also just started using clay. I’m rolling it to what you suggest as the correct thickness, too. I failed for hours last week and haven’t touched it since :(

[@TheClayImpress]

I'm sorry you're having trouble April. I would stay away from Souffle for tiny or very detailed cutters. It's just not sticky enough to stick well to the cutting surface. We would be happy to help you on a one-on-one level to try to figure out what might be going on. Please reach out to us via our website chat or email at [e-mail] and we'll do our best to assess the situation and get these cutters working well for you!

[@crystalteaknits1474]

How do you get the clay out of the cutters if it's already stuck like a fine detail one

[@TheClayImpress]

That can be tricky because you have to be careful to not break the cutter as you clean. I think its best to go in with a pin and carefully scoop the clay out. Try not to put any lateral pressure on the cutting or debossing blades. Cutters are pretty durable when you press down on them, but pressing the blades sideways can definitely break them. If the clay is really stuck, you can add some rubbing alcohol to dissolve the clay a bit.

[@lesliespiers8407]

now how thick is the clay? does baking soda work too?

[@TheClayImpress]

I typically work with clay that's about 2.5 mm thick. I don't believe baking soda would work quite the same way as corn starch. I have a feeling it would get stuck to your clay, where cornstarch brushes right off.

[@DianaChinchen]

How do I order the tool for the domed earring back? Do u use a clay glue on the dome prior to attacing to baked earring? Thank u for a reply

[@TheClayImpress]

Hi Diana! You can order it here: theclayimpress.com/products/earring-post-embedder-tool No clay adhesive is necessary, as long as you're using nice sticky clay. The instructions can be found here: theclayimpress.com/blogs/tips-and-tricks/how-to-use-the-earring-embedder-tool Please let us know if you have any other questions. We're happy to help! 😊

[@SorryIcantIhavebookclub]

I should have watched you video first! I am trying to use my dragon cutter and failed...I have clay stuck to the cutter and couldn't make the piece. 😥

[@TheClayImpress]

Oh no! I hope you're able to get the clay out of there and try again! Dragons sound pretty cool! 🐲💚

[@jessdavis6006]

What thickness is your clay? I don't have issues with it sticking but I do have issues getting the details to show up so I am assuming my clay isn't thick enough 👀🤷‍♀️🤦

[@TheClayImpress]

Our debossing cutters work on clay that's 2.5 to 3 mm thick. And you're absolutely right, if you want the details to show up a bit better, make your clay slightly thicker 😊

[@Aleganja]

Can I use flour that’s all I got

[@TheClayImpress]

I wouldn't use flower. It will become clipped with any moisture.

[@brittanys1570]

Do you ever find some clay will crack after you cut it? I have had this happen with a few different ones, even if I conditioned it really well. What can I do to prevent this?

[@TheClayImpress]

Do you mean the cracking on the sides of your shape after you cut it out? If that's the case, it just not quite conditioned enough. Sometimes you need to add clay softener or liquid clay to your clay as you condition to get it to the right consistency.

[@monkeypink5407]

Do you know how to get the clay that is stuck inside the intricate cutters out?

[@TheClayImpress]

You just have to carefully remove it with maybe some tweezers. If you use alcohol it will help to soften the clay.