Resin Alternatives for Polymer Clay - The Blue Bottle Tree

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.

[paulinemounier]

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

[msashlynnleona]

I love using minwax polycrylic on my peices. Super shiny

[lizrichardson]

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!

[Hobbyrian]

Sanding and buffing is my favorite option!

[diannamarie]

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 YouTube 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!

[murphchris]

Hi Ginger, can I use Turtle wax polishing compound to polish poymer clay like sculpey premo?

[tjones]

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

[moniesn]

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

[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.

[annagore]

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

[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!

[nataliech]

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

[psparrow]

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?

[thewholenessshop]

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

[rosedolch]

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

[georgiec]

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....

[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.

[keelygreen]

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.