How to paint polymer clay, the 5 best formulations and rules of application
Polymer clay is used to create compact jewelry and figurines. However, thermoplastic is not rich in color. In this regard, the question arises of how to paint polymer clay. When choosing a suitable composition, you need to take into account the requirements that thermoplastic imposes on these materials, as well as the scope of the finished product.
Requirements for the coloring composition
The following compositions are used for coloring polymer clay products:
- oil;
- ink;
- acrylic;
- powder;
- aerosol.
Dyes used for processing thermoplastics must meet light fastness requirements. This parameter is presented on the packaging in the form of stars. For polymer clay, paints with two or three stars are suitable. There are other types of markings that can be used in the manufacture of thermoplastic products:
- Black or semi-shaded square - helps to get rid of the transparency of the base.
- White square - allows you to achieve the effect of "cold" porcelain.
- White crossed out square - creates a translucent effect.
Acrylic paints are considered optimal paints for polymer clay. This composition penetrates well into the base, creating a strong and durable coating. However, other dyes can also be used.
Suitable types of paint and instructions
When working with polymer clay, it should be borne in mind that the base absorbs the applied dyes well. This circumstance directly affects both the color of the finished product and the consumption of materials. If it is necessary to obtain pastel colors, the paint should be applied in a minimum amount. By increasing the amount of material used, you can make the hue more saturated.
Also, if the product is painted in several shades, it is recommended to purchase materials from one manufacturer with the same characteristics. In this case, each composition will have a similar density and color.
Acrylic
As already noted, acrylic dyes are considered optimal for processing polymer clay products.
This composition has the following characteristics:
- can be applied to clay that does not require firing;
- characterized by a wide palette of shades;
- fits well on the base;
- dries quickly.
The disadvantages of acrylic paint are:
- darkens after cooking;
- when exposed to temperature, it begins to bubble;
- before applying the next layer, you need to wait until the previous one is dry.
A drying retarder makes it possible to neutralize these disadvantages. At the same time, thanks to a wide color palette, it is possible to obtain original shades by mixing the main colors. Considering the above characteristics, when working with acrylic dye, you should adhere to the following rules:
- Add a drying retarder to prevent bubbles and other imperfections.
- Mix dyes of different shades in small jars or directly on the palette.
- Apply paint to the product using brushes with spongy ends.
- The support must be polished before being applied to the thermoplastic after curing.
You can paint polymer clay with acrylic, like products from other materials. However, in this case it is recommended to wait until the first layer is completely dry. This approach makes it possible to achieve the desired shade.
Oil
Oil painting, compared to acrylic, has the following advantages:
- does not change color after drying;
- resists mechanical and other influences;
- has a wide palette of shades;
- you can mix colors to achieve your desired tone;
- does not stick after application.
2 disadvantages are attributed to oil paints. Firstly, such compositions dry for a long time. If the product to be painted is large and several layers are applied to the base, oil paints can harden in six months.
The second point is related to unscrupulous manufacturers. Before buying oil paint, you should pay attention to the composition, reviews and test results.
When working with such materials, the following recommendations should be considered:
- Use oil-based dyes. Compositions based on petroleum products dry longer.
- Please note that a number of oil colors require additional firing.
- To give the product a pastel and delicate tone, you need to apply a small amount of paint.
- To create an antique effect, you should apply paint and then use a sponge or rag to remove most of the material.
- To achieve the marbled effect, the clay must be mixed with oil paint before firing.
For painting the product, you can take standard brushes. When processing large areas, it is recommended to use sponges.
Ink
The popularity of using ink to color thermoplastic is due to the following characteristics of this product:
- wide palette of shades;
- you can get a translucent and transparent tint;
- detail the product, highlighting the individual parts;
- you can get the effect of marble or stained product.
Polymer clay ink is a concentrated alcohol-based dye. Due to this feature, the material acquires moisture resistance after drying. At the same time, the presence of alcohol in the ink composition limits the field of application, since:
- after drying, the color remains translucent;
- products become sticky due to excessive application of ink;
- light spots may appear on the treated substrate after the ink has been applied.
When using ink, you need to consider both material properties and feedback. This product, depending on the brand and a number of other circumstances, interacts differently with thermal grease. These features can be found in the instructions for use. The drying time depends on the composition of the ink.
Aerosol
Aerosols are used if it is necessary to achieve uniform coloring of the entire surface of the created product. Such compositions allow you to paint clay in different shades, making smooth transitions between individual parts.
The stated advantages of aerosols are partly offset by several disadvantages:
- working with aerosols requires some skill;
- aerosols are applied only to a previously prepared (sanded and primed) acrylic painted surface;
- you must work with aerosols in a respirator and in a well-ventilated area;
- the optimum temperature for spray paint is + 10-20 degrees.
It is recommended to spray the aerosols at a distance of 25-30 centimeters from the surface to be treated, making smooth movements from top to bottom. You can apply no more than three layers, each time waiting at least an hour so that the material has time to dry.
For the processing of polymer clay, thermoplastic spray cans must be purchased. Car paints will damage the product.
Powder, pencils and crayons
Some of the benefits of powders, crayons and crayons designed to color thermoplastics include:
- help create a metallic effect;
- with the help of pearl powder you can give shine and shine;
- powder can be mixed with oil or acrylic paint;
- low material consumption.
Pencils should be powdered before each use. Otherwise, the material will not adhere to the surface. As for thermoplastics, pencils are used only to create drawings, outline contours or make other decorative elements.
Secrets of the masters
When making products from polymer clay, you need to take into account many nuances. Some thermoplastics can be cured without curing, which limits the choice of suitable colorants. The latter is also influenced by the type of decoration or figure made.
If initially the master sculpts a product for painting, then you need to purchase clay of light shades. To create a mosaic, it is recommended to purchase Premo brand thermoplastic. This material does not crumble during operation.