To shine polymer clay, one of the most effective methods is a process of sanding followed by buffing. This technique helps create a natural, durable shine on the clay surface without relying solely on liquid coatings.
Creating a glossy finish on cured polymer clay items like earrings or beads can be achieved by meticulously smoothing the surface and then bringing out its natural sheen through friction.
The Sanding Process
Sanding is the crucial first step in achieving a smooth surface, which is necessary before buffing can produce a shine. Using wet and dry sandpaper grits is recommended for making items shiny without coating them.
Here's how sanding typically works:
- Initial Dry Sanding: Begin with a medium-fine grit sandpaper, such as 400- or 600-grit. As noted in the reference, dry sanding with these grits helps to efficiently remove any larger clay chunks, tool marks, and other surface imperfections.
- Progressing Through Grits: To achieve a truly smooth surface, you need to move to progressively finer grits. After the initial dry sanding, switch to higher grits (e.g., 800, 1000, 1500, 2000, or even higher). Often, wet sanding is performed with these finer grits. Wetting the sandpaper and clay surface helps to reduce dust, keep the paper from clogging, and provides a smoother finish.
- Thorough Cleaning: After sanding with each grit, thoroughly clean the piece to remove all sanding dust before moving to the next finer grit.
The goal of sanding is to eliminate all surface scratches and create a perfectly smooth foundation.
The Buffing Process
Once the clay piece is smooth from sanding through the highest grits, buffing is the final step that transforms the smooth, matte surface into a glossy, shiny one.
Buffing works by using friction to bring the polymers in the clay to the surface, creating a reflective shine.
- Manual Buffing: You can buff manually using a soft cloth (like denim or microfiber). Rub the piece vigorously against the cloth.
- Mechanical Buffing: For a faster and more intense shine, a rotary tool fitted with a buffing pad can be used on a low to medium speed. Be careful not to overheat the clay.
Buffing generates friction and heat, which brings out the inherent shine of the cured polymer clay.
By carefully following the steps of sanding with increasing grits (including the recommended dry sanding with 400- or 600-grit) and then buffing, you can achieve a beautiful, natural shine on your polymer clay pieces.
