Using water transfers on polymer clay allows you to add detailed images and designs to your creations. While there are different methods, one approach involves applying the transfer after the clay has been baked.
Here's a general outline based on the process where baking happens first:
Start by shaping your polymer clay into your desired form. Cut out the pieces you intend to decorate with water transfers.
Baking Your Polymer Clay Pieces
As part of the process involving water-soluble transfer sheets, the provided reference snippet highlights the crucial step of baking cut out the shapes. And then follow the baking guidelines provided on the polymer. This means that before applying the transfer, you must properly bake your polymer clay pieces according to the temperature and time specified by the clay manufacturer. Baking cures the clay, creating a stable surface for the transfer.
Applying Water Transfers to Baked Clay
Once your polymer clay shapes have been baked and cooled completely according to the baking guidelines mentioned, you can proceed with applying the water-soluble transfer sheets. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on the specific transfer paper used, but typically involve:
- Cutting the Design: Carefully cut out the image or pattern you want to transfer from the sheet. Cut as close to the edge of the design as possible for a cleaner look.
- Soaking: Submerge the cut-out transfer in a shallow dish of water for the duration recommended by the transfer paper instructions (usually 30 seconds to a minute). This allows the design layer to loosen from the backing paper.
- Positioning: Once the transfer is ready (you can usually feel the design layer starting to slide on the backing), gently slide it onto the surface of your baked polymer clay piece.
- Removing Backing: Hold the design in place on the clay and carefully slide the paper backing out from underneath.
- Smoothing: Using a soft cloth, tissue, or your finger, gently smooth out the applied transfer to remove any water bubbles or wrinkles and ensure good adhesion to the clay surface.
- Drying: Allow the transfer to air dry completely on the baked clay piece. This can take several hours or overnight, depending on humidity.
Finishing and Sealing
After the water transfer has fully dried, it's often recommended to seal your piece to protect the design from scratches and moisture. Use a sealant compatible with polymer clay, such as a polycrylic, epoxy resin, or a specialized polymer clay varnish. Apply thin coats and allow them to dry thoroughly between applications according to the sealant product's instructions.
By following these steps, you can successfully apply water transfers to add unique and detailed visuals to your baked polymer clay creations, leveraging the technique demonstrated in the provided reference that involves baking the clay first.
