updated June 3, 2016
I have had a lot of emails asking me about how I seal my polymer clay beads.
I paint my polymer beads, so I seal them to make them last. I will share my personal experience, and some of the things I learned while searching and reading and experimenting.
I paint my polymer beads, so I seal them to make them last. I will share my personal experience, and some of the things I learned while searching and reading and experimenting.
In forums and through reading, I have heard answers such as Modge Podge or Pledge Furniture polish. I do not use either of these, nor have I ever.
First, lets talk Modge Podge. It's glue, and it's sticky. It is not made for long term wear and tear. I have a feeling it gets sticky with humitdity and such (from what I have read it does, and from my kids little art projects they use it on, it seems to).
While furniture polish may give it a nice fnish, who wants to wear furniture polish against their skin? And just like on your furniture, it will wear off eventually.
Before I tell you what I prefer, let me tell you what I did not.
I did not like the Sculpey glazes. Tried satin and gloss.
First of all, they look cheap to me after they dry, they make your polymer look very plastic. (and even though it IS plastic, it doesn't have to look that way). It also feels like it may get gummy down the road. AND its not cheap either. So thumbs down, I don't trust it. Does not seem long term durable.
I used Liquitex for awhile, but have found that people who live in more humid climates report it stays sticky or tacky, and that NOT GOOD.
I used Liquitex for awhile, but have found that people who live in more humid climates report it stays sticky or tacky, and that NOT GOOD.
My go to sealers NOW- after years of making beads are:
Water Based Varathane
http://www.polymerclayexpress.com/products/embellishments/Glazes/flecto-varathane-4oz-satin
and PYMii (preserve your memories II)
http://www.pymii.com/
If you are new to polymer clay, or always looking to learn more, I highly reccomend The Blue Bottle Tree. Ginger does research and runs experiments to bring you the most up to date and accurate information on things such as baking and sealing polymer, what is the most translucent brand, ect......
https://thebluebottletree.com/
Using a proper sealer is NOT something to skip, especially when making painted beads. (if there is no paint, polymer doesn't need to be sealed).
I always use 2-3 coats, sometimes more. I allow proper drying time in between coats, and a couple days for the sealer to set up.
I hope this information helps!!!!
