Polymer clay is plastic material on the basis of PVC particles, it is intended for molding of small sculptures, jewelry and other products. During the work with material it is required to put on rubber gloves and also to conform to elementary safety instructions.
Polymer clay conditionally is divided into two big categories: one stiffens by drying on air, the second demands roasting at big temperature (for example, in oven). And that, and other type of clay can be painted, but there are some nuances.
The baked polymer clay
Various producers offer the baked polymer clay in huge color range. In addition it is possible to paint it if it is necessary. For this purpose approach: - acrylic paints;
- gouache; - pastel; - the wax crayons and pencils; - chalk.
After the product from clay has been baked in oven, it needs to be cooled. It is not recommended to paint on hot polymer clay as it can become the cause of burns. And paint will not begin to keep at all. The only exception – pastel. Paint with it product which was baked in oven yet. For painting it is recommended to use soft brushes from natural hair not to break integrity of composition.
The self-hardening polymer clay
This type of clay is provided in very poor palette: white, gray and terracotta shades. Some producers have expanded color range of polymer clay which hardens on air in the natural way. For example, Fimo is offered not only by standard colors, but also bright shades which can be implicated in basic color, having made it original and unique. To paint the self-hardening polymer clay, there are two options. The first – to add paint to basic plastic weight during batch. Only water-based acrylic paints are suitable for this purpose. Add a little paint to weight, knead clay. If there is not enough brightness, it is possible to add a little more paint. For receiving unusual shade it is possible to mix several flowers. If to promeshat clay unevenly, very original and unique coloring at product can turn out. The second – to paint the subject which is already molded from clay. For this purpose not only acrylic paints, but also oil, pastel and gouache approach. It is necessary to apply paint on already hardened ready subject. After paint dries, it can be fixed by means of transparent lacquer. It will give also additional durability to product from polymer clay. It is noted that some paints change color after drying. That it did not occur, it is necessary to apply them in several dense layers, each of which has to be dried up.