Making Liquid Polymer Clay Paint
Liquid polymer clay can be used in a wide variety of projects. However, it usually comes in a transparent form. Making your own liquid polymer clay can let you create more colorful projects using this form of clay. These paints can be created in your home with very little work involved.
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Materials
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There are very few materials involved in making these paints. You will need transparent liquid polymer clay and several oil-based paints. Buy these materials at your local craft shop. You will also need a few small, plastic cups in which you can create your polymer paints. (These are the type of cups you receive to place ketchup and other condiments in at restaurants.) Purchase small wooden stirring sticks to stir each cup of polymer paint after you are done mixing.
Ratios
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The ratios for your paint can vary depending on your needs. The basic ratio is 80 percent polymer clay to 20 percent paints. However, you can add more or less clay or paint to create a denser paint. For example, adding more clay will create a paint that is very thick and textured but hard to spread. Adding more paint will create an easier-to-spread paint that has less textured thickness.
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Process
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Place your polymer clay and your paints in the small plastic cups. Mix them together with the small wooden sticks. Continue to mix them until the clay and paints are fully blended. It should have a liquid consistency similar to that of slightly dried gelatin. Apply the paints to your craft project and wait for them to dry. Bake pottery items in an oven at about 250 degrees. Bake the paint to give it a more natural and "realistic" look on your clay.
Uses
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Liquid polymer clay can be used on a variety of different crafts. One way is to decorate miniature clay foods for dollhouses or models. The texture and consistency of the paint makes it useful to create bright colored jellies, treats, candy, ice cream, drinks and even soups. However, you can also use this paint to color your jewelry, especially beaded or clay jewelry. Coloring a projection lens with liquid polymer clay paint will create a semi-translucent filter. This filter will color the light that shines. Use this effect at Halloween parties or haunted houses.
Storage
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Make sure that you properly store your liquid clay polymer paints after using them. Place each color in a separate small plastic container with a lid, even a small film canister. Seal the container with the lid and store somewhere safe from children.
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References
Resources
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