The BEST Beginner Friendly Painting Techniques for Polymer Clay Sculptures!

Cyber Month Deal! Go to nordvpn.com/clay to get a 2-year plan plus 1 additional month with a huge discount. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring this video.
HOLIDAY MERCH HERE: bit.ly/3oQt12I
**JUMP TO A LESSON**
0:40 - Paints & Brushes
3:12 - Priming
4:14 - Washes
6:01 - Antiquing
7:35 - Dry Brushing
9:33 - Top Coats & Finishing
13:07 - Painting with Metallics
16:03 - My Eye Painting Technique
**EVERYTHING I USED IN THIS VIDEO**
PAINT & BRUSHES---
FolkArt Paints 18 pack: amzn.to/3EdU12w
FolkArt Paints 18 pack 2: amzn.to/3lpm33F
Treasure Gold Metallics: amzn.to/32Mf5PU
Brushes (similar to mine): amzn.to/3o5lcqK
More Brushes (similar to mine): amzn.to/31d8Wve
Large Handle Brushes (my exact set-great price): amzn.to/3G27sDm
CLAY ---
Super Sculpey 1lb: amzn.to/31SGRET
Super Sculpey 3lb 3 pack: amzn.to/3DaMYX3
I used Super Sculpey Gray which is only available at sculpey.com
VARNISHES ---
Saman Dead-Flat Matte: amzn.to/3phAzM7
Liquitex Satin (can probably find cheaper elsewhere): amzn.to/3xDXyoa
Americana Triple Thick Glossy Jar: amzn.to/3E8eJks
Americana Triple Thick Glossy Bottle: amzn.to/3xDGqiw
Amazing Clear Cast Resin: amzn.to/3lozPDH
To apply resin use disposable glue brushes: amzn.to/32BTt8C
OTHER ---
Acrylic Extender: amzn.to/31gw78n
Acrylic Glazing Medium: amzn.to/3oacrvD
Gesso: amzn.to/3roxgWe
PYM II: (not available on Amazon)
Helmar Clear Kote: (not available on Amazon)
#aceofclay #polymerclay #painting
INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/2TMap2J
TIKTOK: @aceofclayofficial
FACEBOOK: bit.ly/2H4OvWQ
TWITTER: @aceofclay
TWITTER: bit.ly/2Cj4cE8
WEBSITE: aceofclay.com

[@aceofclay]

Cyber Month Deal! Go to nordvpn.com/clay to get a 2-year plan plus 1 additional month with a huge discount.

[@summerpulizzottosaveukrain9252]

Ok thank you sooo much ace of clay you are the best I love your sculptures

[@gcsskyrim]

Can you do a video about how you bake your sculptures?

[@gigiones3671]

@aceofclay Can the same process be used with Aves resin clay?

[@gigiones3671]

Can the same process be used with Aves resin clay?

[@AlbertFisk]

Just wanted to shine some light on acrylic paints. Acrylics have smal pores when it's dry that can collect dust over time. This will make the paint greyish and look more dull so it's always a good idea to use a varnish to lock in the pores. This way you also make the piece easy to clean if it gets dusty on the shelf. Be sure to wait a few days up to a week after painting before adding the varnish, you want all moisture to evaporate from the paint so you don't lock it in under the varnish. Hope this helps a bit =)

[@MISTYEASLER]

Thank you for this what kind of varnish?

[@MISTYEASLER]

And can you use metallic acrylic paint

[@AlbertFisk]

@@MISTYEASLER It depends on the clay really. I've used Winsor and Newtons varnish for oils and some water based varnish. I suggest making a a small sculpture, nothing fancy, and use that as a test piece for trying varnish. Some varnish can stay sticky depending on clay and paint so it's all about experimenting to see what works for you =)

[@AlbertFisk]

@@MISTYEASLER Should work just fine, just try it out on that test sculpt first =)

[@thatlovelydancerIlao]

​@@AlbertFiskok,uch appreciation❤

[@danikaclark7297]

2 Hot tips with brushes when it comes to acrylic paint! 1) You can fix the crazy tips of synthetic brushes and make them smooth and flat in the right direction again by diping them in boiling water and carefully smoothing the tip into the point. You can then use a teeniest bit of vaseline or something to hold the shape in place when you're not using it. So it will save you having to buy new brushes constantly. 2) You can use rubbing alcohol/some hand sanitizers to dissolve the acrylic build up on paintbrushes... If you've left a paint brush without washing it and the bristles have gone stiff? Gently massage alcohol into the bristles. Also works with *some* glues as well. Then use brush cleaner or a bit of dish soap to clean out the brush and boiling water to reshape the brush. Hope this saves some brushes and money for you guys

[@smhucks1991]

I use hand sanitizer for paint and the oven bake adhesive too when I need to clean out the brush.

[@starsofgold1506]

Thanks I will try this

[@mymai5859]

Thanks for tips...very helpful

[@mistiwjordan3268]

Also Acetone works great to remove dried acrylic paint on brushes as well leave them soaking in it rinse with some water a little reshaping of the brush maybe lay flat or hang dry food Togo

[@zambiis]

I love love that everything is relatively budget friendly

[@thisisside01]

I was literally planning to start painting a sculpture as soon as my cat got up off my lap! Thank you so much for all your videos and pointers, I recently had some really expensive car troubles and the skills I’ve learned from this channel have made it possible for me to sculpt gifts for my loved ones this year 🐍

[@craftyarts7431]

You know, for years I never painted my clay, I just bought colored clay and mixed what I needed, but I recently decided I wanted to try painting my stuff and I remembered your videos, gotta say I may never go back to using a ton of different colors of clay, painting my sculptures is great! So thanks, never would have thought of painting my stuff if it wasn’t for you

[@goblincavecrafting]

Loved seeing this! Thank you for sharing. A tip I learned from a professional gilder is to use a red base (or ‘size’) for gold and a dark green base for silver. Obviously do what works for your project, but gilders use that when applying gold/silver leaf to objects, so I thought I’d share it here. The more you know?

[@mymai5859]

Ooooh great tip TQ 👍

[@Soaches]

Perfect timing. Been looking for guides on this literally just like a few days ago.

[@aetolius]

you have no idea how much this tutorial was needed, thanks! also, I love that you put little Santa hats on most of your sculptures there 😁

[@mistiwjordan3268]

Let me just say right off, to anyone starting out with polymer clay PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO THIS CHNL! I’m a bit upset youtube did not put this chnl on my searches on clay sculptures sooner than now! The info he has so beautifully portrayed in this video could have saved me at least a month of mistakes trying to sculpt a life size witch headlong with sculpting hands and forearms, better late than never, thank you so much for your knowledge and sharing these essential tips and tricks to sculpting with polymer clay! I look fwd to your videos n now that I finally have found you! Brilliant work incredible talent you are blessed with and hopefully me too soon…

[@Minecraftathop]

This couldn’t of been better timing, I just got clay and tools delivered yesterday, and today I have a sculpture I’ve been trying to paint but I’ve been struggling, so damn thanks universe for sending this video.

[@wesleyshockley2227]

Always glad to see you do these "How To" vids from time to time. Ever thought about using UV resins in the future? Being winter and all ice crystals and other shiny things can be made with it very easy. Some cool affects.

[@HeyHey_ItsAndy]

I’ve done a few sculptures that I’ve been too anxious to paint because I didn’t want to ruin them, so this video has helped massively! 🙌🏻

[@TeaCup987]

I love your "how to" videos, you explain everything so well! It always helps me with my projects 😊 I didn't know nail polish stayed tacky on polymer clay (I've never tried it, and now I won't have to try it thanks to you 🤭) Thank you for yet another awesome video, stay safe 🤗

[@TheInovacane]

Thank you for sharing your techniques Anthony, you saved me from making quite a few mistakes. I almost bought mod podge matte to finish all the sculptures I’ve done since I started sculpting in October (after watching your videos) so glad you advised not to use else would have ruined them. Thank you for your videos my 14yr old niece has been watching me watch your videos and now has started sculpting along with me and has finally found a hobby that she really focuses on instead of playing on phone and turns out she’s quite creative so we thank you 🙏

[@SherryTheAFVet]

Thank you for explaining everything so well in every video, whether it's video like this or your regular sculpture videos! I plan to start sculpting! Thanks for the inspiration! 💜

[@taekode]

Nothing but concise information from an expert. Thanks for not wasting time and knowing your stuff!

[@kenzdoesart]

I was having so much trouble dry brushing until I watched this video, tried your method and saw immediately better results. Thank you for this!!

[@saracenstormcoast9938]

Dude you rock! You have a natural knack of explaining things in just the right way! Thank you for everything you do and share!

[@richardcoleman1018]

Anthony, thank you for this video. Your how-to videos are incredibly helpful.

[@deeval832]

Love these how to videos. You always explain things in simple terms and very clearly . I really appreciate your channel! Thank you .

[@anu1956]

What a treat to watch your video ! Watched many videos to get these tips but no one really explained the way you did with so much of honesty and skill. Keep up the good work !

[@clairem7304]

This was very informative. I've been wanting to give sculpting a try for awhile, but I know that I wouldn't even know where to start with the painting side of things, this video really covered a lot and makes the painting side of things feel a lot less daunting. Thank you.

[@gostowl]

Very grateful for the paint info. I appreciate your suggestions for sealing pieces.

[@speedmcfeed570]

Thank you so much!!! This tutorial really helped me when I was painting my sculptures and I speaking of sculptures… YOUR SCULPTURES R BETTER THAN AMAZING!!!

[@carlycharlesworth1497]

That was brilliant Ace! So much useful information in one video. I am so very grateful to you for this. It has saved me time, money and I am sure, plenty of heartache and frustration! You make the best POLYMER clay videos, did you know that? I am about to take my very first steps this Christmas with my first small sculpture. I have my tools, and my wire, foil etc amassed. Now all I need is the clay to arrive, and I'll be off. I have an idea what I want to create and will be using as many of your methods as I can renember. I am so excited. And terrified. But mostly excited. I have been dying to do this all year and now it's within my grasp! Thank you for giving me the inspiration and the knowledge that has brought me to this point, your calm videos have been so much fun to watch that I am always looking out for new ones. You are the only polymer clay sculptor that I watch. No one else is half as good! I can't wait to see what your next project will be. From a UK Ace of Clay fan

[@debbralehrman5957]

Thanks I watch when you paint your sculptures. But all the extra information you gave is helpful. Especially about what to use and not use when you want to put glaze

[@vanessaanderson7066]

Love when you do these videos. They are so helpful! Please do more.

[@lechatbotte.]

Christmas came early?? ACE is on and it’s not Friday!!! woo hoo.

[@gab.z847]

that’s exactly what I said😭

[@cdtwitcher]

This talked to me on so much levels! Thank you for the tips and reminders.

[@LtFreak]

This video was very helpful. I've been trying to seal everything and now I know to be very careful. Thanks for that. Dry brushing is so much fun to add to projects. I would love to see you sculpt the Empty Child from Doctor Who. Your version would be fantastic

[@jimyoung4959]

Consistently the BEST polymer clay instructions on the web

[@gingerpanda4707]

You are so talented! I’ve only just recently started my journey with polymer clay and it’s been a struggle to say the least. Watching your videos really helps me get back on the horse when I feel like giving up. Thank you for sharing your creations with us ❤️ If you could (and only if you want to, no pressure) could please sculpt a nuckelavee?

[@polythenepam3236]

Yay midweek vid 👏🏼👏🏼 Thanks for the tips uve taught me things I didn’t know and have even taught my husband a few little tricks for his miniatures

[@summerpulizzottosaveukrain9252]

WhAt

[@sundaymoon000]

This was thr first video I found needing info on painting only clay. And I am extremely happy I found this. Wow

[@dawnthegoblin]

I love that the ad is placed after 90% of the tips. I appreciate that.

[@HonorexXx]

Thank you Ace of clay! Very good painting tips.

[@olivialoder492]

Nice tip on the mod podge. That explains some things 🙃

[@MandaPanda254]

Ive been waiting for this video for so long! 🙌🙌 Thank you! 😀

[@deanalovessewn6117]

Thanks for taking your time to explain everything in your how to videos.. This really helps & there’s no guessing what to do…. 💜💙❤️💚💛🧡

[@TurtleOfObservation]

I always wonder when I see videos like that - who on earth are the handful of people who dislike these?

[@Duder_abides]

Thanks so much for this one! Painting is pretty difficult and these tips will be helpful.

[@techprojm]

Awesome! Thank you! Been wanting to see this video for a long time, so excited!

[@annagettings4675]

THANK YOU!!! I'm a total newbie, and this is the best tutorial of all. Finally! Wish me luck!

[@fralinsandfriends]

I was glad to see you use foil for a pallet. I've used it from the start. I don't feel quite as cheap knowing you use it too. I can vouch for the use of spray varnish. I made some plates and had my husband spray them with varnish and they are still tacky. I may have to refer back to this for techniques so I'm glad you made this one. I'm glad for all the ones you make. I didn't mean to make it sound like I don't. 😁😁👋👋💖💖

[@jess032293]

Thank you thank you thank you for putting this video out💙 I need to paint my first sculpture and had no idea what I was doing! I wrote everything down like I was in school 😂

[@samanthaobrien5564]

you never disappoint. These tips are so great.. Thank you!

[@ericj2575]

This is still a really useful video. Also great pacing and editing. Thanks!

[@kath-gt6wr]

Thank you so much for this, I have always wanted to use resin but thought it was hard to mix etc. After this video I am going to buy the one you recommended and give it a go.

[@TheeGreyCee]

I really need to know more about painting techniques thanks for sharing this video

[@angelsandfaes]

Great info. Thank you. Keep up the awesome sculpts

[@Sydneyann2323]

I like how you put little Christmas hats on all your sculptures in the background😊

[@tracydycer7274]

THANK YOU!!!! I really needed this video, I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us.

[@debby-debby8071]

This video was very helpful. Thank you for sharing your techniques

[@ASWilshire1]

Very informative! Thank you, Anthony.

[@nathanking4234]

You should do an episode where you show your oven and baking process!! Please?

[@summerpulizzottosaveukrain9252]

Me too hope he does it. You rock nathan

[@nathanking4234]

@@summerpulizzottosaveukrain9252 i ask him almost every episode.

[@summerpulizzottosaveukrain9252]

@@nathanking4234 oh wow Nathan

[@summerpulizzottosaveukrain9252]

But hopefully he does it

[@missbrensmythethefam7003]

I am really loving the more frequent videos! I live for new videos on Friday lol

[@fenistry]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, it's extremely useful!!

[@nickpeezy1443]

Bro. This was so helpful. I'm fairly new to the clay world but I love it! Lol. I'll try these techniques asap. Thank you!

[@renemarquez7947]

Thank-You for the crash course it really helps🙏🏽

[@missyb5255]

Love these tips, tricks and techniques ... You are always awesome ❤

[@ramblinreckgirl]

I loved this tutorial. I'm sharing it with others.

[@taramariatravis2486]

Breathtakingly amazing details and the designs of all your creation's are exquisitely beautiful 🥰❤️🥰 Congratulations on all your creation's love to watch your videos on KZbin this is how I spend my days and nights repeating them all over and over as I'm bed boune these are keeping me going so thank you ❤️❤️

[@ntheno3974]

Anthony, thank you I love love love this painting tips video, as painting is my weak spot, now I have some tools and tips to make my sculptures look amazing!! :)

[@maryamrushdy6921]

Thank you so much for your time !

[@summerpulizzottosaveukrain9252]

He probably would have said your welcome

[@aspen1713]

That wash is such a great tip! Thanks for this video :)

[@christiankomodo]

Some great tips! Thanks for the great video!

[@jenXlee]

Oh my gosh! I’ve never been more excited to watch a video! Had to wait for my son to go to bed so I could watch in peace 😂😂

[@samjones1751]

Great tips Anthony thank you

[@r.g.nerdcraft2716]

The mosy likely mistake i made with painting my first 2 polymer sculptures is that treated them like very oversized minitaures, most of techniques of miniture painting are perfectly fine but i used spray primer that made paint look far to thicc, i wanted to try painting my 3th piece with no primer and you encouraged me to do this :D

[@serenaprendergast8750]

Thank you, that was so helpful! Great video!

[@jsamuelson10144]

Really great vid! Thank you!

[@Just_Javier]

Great video mate.

[@lushpaw1]

Excellent advice.. very helpful.

[@smo1165]

Thank you so much for this video 😍

[@randyinvancouver]

I thought I was the only one who asked for a painting tutorial 😬. Thanks so much for this amazing information!

[@ll548]

I love your videos, you're a great source of inspiration! Keep up the good work

[@nataliecruz1280]

@8:33 when my mind went 🤯. Dry brushing is so cool! Thank you! 🙌

[@yvonnephillion4676]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@metalviki]

Fabulous. Thank you. ❤️

[@janetcarrier313]

Thank you! This is great!

[@reneeallen3569]

Great tutorial!

[@juguetesdiyenporcelanayarc4328]

Very useful. I loved it

[@mizzuzie3338]

Super handy and comprehensive! Just one thing, as far as I know they unfortunatly stopped making PYM II a few years ago.

[@paolaavenick6347]

This video is amazing!! I learned a lot!!

[@darlenegreenhalgh3126]

Helpful and informative. Go ace 👍

[@maddieadams75]

Excellent tutorials ♥️

[@shivagoddess333]

So helpful...thank you so so much

[@chriscoleman5242]

I will have to try them techniques that you explained you are good at what you do.

[@zethcrownett2946]

This was extremely helpful, tha k you!!!

[@martinm3474]

I think your closet of creatures are cutely Christmasy.

[@dreamrabbits5072]

This is amazing thank you. I didn't know I needed this before beginning with painting, I never painted my pieces before I used colored polymer clay, but now I definitely want to I love the painted look! Your antiquing tutorial in the beginning got me hooked, I am a sucker for vintage! I had one question, instead of glazing medium, I have this stuff called floating medium by folkart, it's usually used for one stroke painting to make the paint flow better... I don't know what it's made out of but I have used it to thin paint before and it's worked, but not on polymer clay yet.

[@colleengarland8977]

Fabulous!

[@gio7066]

Thank you so much i need this video!

[@SuperMizune]

I was about to paint my first polymer clay thingy with gel nail polish... I paused and decided to do some research instead. Thanks for this video! lol

[@brikhouse22]

I'd add that when using a round brush, when loading the paint onto the brush, to roll the brush on the surface of your pallet as you pull it out of the paint, it will give you a point and make detail work easier.

[@msbscreations4645]

I was so surprised and delighted to see a video today!!! Whoo hoo! Wait does that mean no video Friday?😳

[@matthewthomasjames]

Krylon is a great spay on varnish that doesn’t stay sticky. The matte Krypton is completely matte as well.

[@mjbailey18]

I wish I saw this channel so long ago. Would have saved so much tiiime.

[@lvtflooringstore7687]

very detailed video