Resin Alternatives for Polymer Clay - The Blue Bottle Tree

Go here to read the full article that gives more info about all the alternatives to resin. thebluebottletree.com/resin-a...
Resin isn't the only way to create a glossy surface on your polymer clay creations. Here is an exploration and examples of resin and four more ways to make a glossy surface. These solutions work well for polymer clay earrings and any other polymer clay art.
This video is a summary of an article on my website. To read the full article, head over to thebluebottletree.com/resin-a...

[@msashlynnleona9442]

I love using minwax polycrylic on my peices. Super shiny

[@Eric-qj8mm]

this is so helpful for my project!!

[@lizrichardson3309]

Great demonstration Ginger! It's nice to see the different finishes. If I have to have a shiny finish, I still prefer sanding and buffing!

[@thebluebottletree]

Thanks Liz! Yes, it's funny how many of us prefer that finish. It just feels lovely.

[@t.terrell7037]

Can a dreamer tool be used to sand and get a smoothness needed after baking? Will this method work for making polymer earrings? Thank you

[@t.terrell7037]

And excuse if it sounds silly but is buffing just wiping it clean after sanding or is it more specific? Any videos on that process?

[@DeborahOlander]

Extremely helpful! Thank you. 😊

[@seemag9095]

So helpful, thank you

[@Hobbyrian]

Sanding and buffing is my favorite option!

[@thebluebottletree]

Mine, too. :) Such a great finish.

[@yolandaedwards3889]

Great video.

[@diannamarie464]

Wow! And here I was planning on ordering a UV Resin kit to start my polymer clay journey! Thank you for the info! I just happened to come across your website then noticed you have videos here on KZbin so I just subscribed. I was actually trying to find the difference between Sculpy PREMO brand's regular translucent and white translucent after baking and clicked on your website. I am happy I did and look forward to learning more from your expertise! Thank you!

[@thebluebottletree]

Welcome! I don't prioritize KZbin, but you'll find everything on my website and some on the other main socials. I also share exclusive content in my emails, so you might want to get signed up for those, too!

[@moniesn12]

Hiya I love your videos and blogs it’s very informative and has been really helpful I appreciate the resource thank you after reading your blog I wanted to ask you something I know you stated polymer clay can’t be spray painted and can only be sealed with Varathane but I was wondering if I sealed the clay with varathane then spray painted it) I would like to spray paint it gold ) would this stop the chemical reaction and stop it from going sticky over time I was thinking maybe the varathane could act as a barrier. Hope to hear your thoughts thank you

[@tjones8774]

Thank You!!! I really don’t care for resin, varnish didn’t go so well for me. Sand and buffing…. Gonna have a try!

[@nataliech1812]

Would you apply the liquid clay onto raw clay before baking?

[@paulinemounier4121]

Very useful thank you! Is sanding and buffing compatible with clay painted with acrylic paint? Is it also compatible with non flat surface clay pieces? Thanks

[@GingerBamaTX]

Does sanding and buffing only work on smooth surfaces? I was wondering how would that work if you have gold flake or any type of embellishment. Thank you for this informative video!

[@thebluebottletree]

You can sand and buff textured surfaces to create a warm, burnished effect. The article goes into more detail, thanks! thebluebottletree.com/resin-alternatives-on-polymer-clay/

[@annagore285]

Where can I find the tutorial on sanding and buffing? I looked and can’t find it

[@thebluebottletree]

learn.thebluebottletree.com/product/sanding-and-buffing-polymer-clay/

[@eclecticelegancellc]

Have you ever tried protect a clear?

[@thewholenessshop]

I’m looking everywhere for your tutorial on sanding and buffing, where can I find it please 🙏🏽

[@thebluebottletree]

You can get the course here: learn.thebluebottletree.com/product/sanding-and-buffing-polymer-clay/

[@GrumpetteJV]

How about renaissance wax? It's very nice aswell for a durable finish. The sanding and buffing method looks amazing, but won't work when you painted or coloured your clay. I also really loved the clear liquid clay! I didn't realise the fimo one dried that clear! I just bought a bottle, so certainly going to try it! Thank you.

[@thebluebottletree]

Ren wax doesn't give any physical protection to surface treatments. It's more of a water-proofing (which clay doesn't need) and a "moistener". It's very similar to putting lotion on your hands...it keeps them from drying out and makes the colors a bit richer and more shiny. But it wears off very easily.

[@psparrow1779]

I agree about sanding and buffing being best however, what about silkscreened or painted surfaces? I would like a satin finish. Would a product like Sculpey satin glaze work best?

[@thebluebottletree]

No, you can't sand when there have been surface treatments. As mentioned in the article, varnishes are great for protecting them and making a glossy finish. Sculpey Glaze is a brand name of varnish.

[@downtime86stars17]

Varathane comes in either a glossy or satin finish. I love the satin. After I coat a piece with Varathane, I let it thoroughly dry, then bake it at 210° F (100° C) for about 20 minutes.

[@rosedolch8637]

I was really hoping you would show polycrylic.. I just bought it but havent use it yet.

[@thebluebottletree]

It would look identical to the Varathane. It's just another varnish.

[@georgiec2612]

I didn't know you could clear all types of liquid clay with a heat gun! Do they all turn out clearer using a heat gun? I heard that was the case for Kato, but I've been using sculpey clear on a few pieces and they don't turn out quite as shiny and clear as your example....

[@thebluebottletree]

Did I say that? I didn't mean to say that. There are only three brands that will clear. More info in the article!

[@farrenrohana]

I guess I'm going to have to sand and buff whether I like it or not, lol. I recently started using uv resin and it has its place but I absolutely hate it on polymer clay. It makes my pieces look plasticy, like they're for children. But will sanding and buffing work on uneven surfaces? I've made pieces that have lots of really deep texture. Would using a dremel or rotary tool be a good way of doing something like that? Thank you.

[@thebluebottletree]

Sanding will remove texture. But you can buff to make things shiny.

[@keelygreen6455]

NO DOUBT the best finish; BUT - what if perfume was accidently sprayed on your piece when you wore it. Unsealed pieces of this nature actually do desinergrate a bit.

[@thebluebottletree]

Perfume will not degrade polymer clay, but it will mar varnish and possibly resin. The MOST durable treatment for polymer clay is nothing at all. If you're seeing your projects disintegrate or crumble, that suggests a baking problem. Polymer clay is incredibly durable.

[@keelygreen6455]

@@thebluebottletree thank you. There is so much left out or disinformation. I saw your website and I am really appreciative of what you do. Going to order your sand and polish tutorial.