Comments on: 7 Tips To Avoid Leaving Finger Prints on Polymer Clay Beads

By: Natalie H

Natalie H — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:32:21 +0000

After watching the Beginner Course video #26 on how to prevent fingers prints, I thought that if gloves are too big you could cut off the finger tips and use them on your fingers. Then put them on the side to use them again later.

By: Tanya L

Tanya L — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:32:53 +0000

@Phaedrakat: Kat, thanks for bringing that to this page. It does sound promising. It’s funny, I was just thinking this morning I’d love to make a lot of small round beads – like 4 or 5 mm, for a project I have in mind, but the idea of sanding all of them made me throw that idea right out the window! Now I’m wondering if I use the Studio by Sculpey, because of the suede-like finish, and use this on them.. hhmm. This may take the suede-y texture away, too. But with cornstarch I may miss spots.. Guess I’ll have to experiment! Thanks Kat!

By: Jocelyn

Jocelyn — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:24:38 +0000

Kat, another classic. Thanks for bringing it back to the view finder. Those who dislike the gloves may find that just cutting off the fingers (they have to be tight to stick) lets your hand breath but still gives you that covering. Also, look in online or business supply for finger cots, which are the same thing only made to stay on, lol.

Acetone has also been mentioned here several times as a liquid application that removes finger prints. Hit the search box for specifics.

By: Phaedrakat

Phaedrakat — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:52:31 +0000

Jackie mentioned another way to get rid of fingerprints on the Blend and Switch Tutorial == intro-video page. Check out her comments using the link—there are several of them in that thread.

The technique is done using Sculpey Clay Softener (a diluent you can find at Michael’s and many other places where clay supplies are sold.) Paint it on your beads to smooth fingerprints, then bake. After baking, rinse off any excess softener, then sand or tumble as usual. This idea was also mentioned by a few other members, as well. Sounds really promising, and I can’t wait to try it myself! ~Kat

By: Cindy Lietz@Rubbing Alcohol, Polymer Clay

Cindy Lietz@Rubbing Alcohol, Polymer Clay — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:56:07 +0000

Yeah I hate wearing latex gloves too! The only way they work well is when they are super tight and then my hands always feel like they are suffocating! A brush with rubbing alcohol works really well, especially on sculpted items. Thanks so much for sharing your tip!

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:26:10 +0000

I thought latex gloves would help, but it turns out I hate the glove marks. When I want to get rid of fingerprints I brush a soft brush over the surface, or dip a paintbrush in rubbing alcohol and brush it over the surface.

By: Cindy Lietz@Polymer Clay Brands

Cindy Lietz@Polymer Clay Brands — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:47:05 +0000

Hi Debra, sorry to hear you are having trouble. It’s not you, it’s the clay!

I take it that you are using Sculpey III or Sculpey Original. Both those clays are so soft that they are very difficult to work with. Plus after being baking, they just are not that strong. Especially the Sculpey III.

Try a block of Premo Sculpey instead. It is an artist quality clay and is not only very strong when baked, but very easy to work with as well.

You can still use up your old stuff for bead cores, making molds and such. But you will find you are far less frustrated when you us a good clay.

Click the link by my name for more info on brands.

By: Debra Davis

Debra Davis — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:30:12 +0000

I am having a devil of a time with the white sculpey.I try to use bath oil or vaseline for conditional and water. Any way, what ever I do,no matter how long I knead it, it is full of wrinkles. and before I bake it is very hard to get the wrinkles out with any method. I am so frustrated. I don’t know if the clay is old or what. then one of my pendants cracked in the oven. any ideas?
.

By: Cindy Lietz@Pricing Focal Beads on Etsy

Cindy Lietz@Pricing Focal Beads on Etsy — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 21:52:07 +0000

@Linda: Thanks for the tip, its a good one! BTW I went to your Etsy Store and your work is wonderful! In my opinion you are way undercharging for it. People will pay what something is worth. When you charge too little like that, they think it must be not worth it. Bet your sales would go up (and your profit) if you doubled or tripled your prices. Go look at Heather Power’s store, Humble Beads, for ideas on pricing. I would hate to see you burn out because you were not making enough money for your time!

@MaryEllen: What a cute idea! Bet your friends would get a kick out of that!

By: Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 20:05:50 +0000

I’m glad you can use baby oil because I have a little bottle of Sculpty clay softener and lots of baby oil…..Yeah! Also reading Jill’s finger pendant idea I got a great idea for a funny extra to give friends of mine that are gardeners. Make a green thumb,drill and tie it to a garden tool gift.