April 27, 2008
To Make Beads, You will Need a Wet-dry Sanding Kit
Tip #17: Bet You Never Thought That Making Beads Would Have You Looking Forward To Visiting the Auto Supply Store:
OK… so the next time your husband says he's heading out to pick up brake parts or an oil filter for the car, really surprise him by saying you would love to tag along.
That's because some of the best sandpaper for sanding polymer clay beads is to be found in the auto body section of any automotive supply shop. You'll likely have success finding these specialty sandpapers at your local Walmart or other big box stores as well.
Look for wet-dry sandpaper ranging in grits from 120 (coarse) up to 1200 (fine). It's usually black or grey but sometimes is a very dark green as well.
It's called "wet-dry" because you actually get this sandpaper wet before using it on your polymer clay beads. Please note that the orangey or brown colored sandpaper used in woodworking and furniture refinishing, is a much different product that is NOT a good choice for polymer clay bead making projects.
>> Make Beads <<
"Sanding Kit Essentials" Video Description: The full version of this tutorial is available in my Beads and Beading Membership Club. In it I explain when to use 120 grit vs when to use 1200 grit, along with all of the grits in between these 2 extremes. I discuss where to get the ideal plastic container for using in your sanding kit and why dish soap is important. Finally, I explain the types of materials you can use for buffing your beads. Before you know it, you'll be making beads with the best of them.
Spread the Word!
Filed under 02: Tools, 03: Supplies, 10: Finishing by Cindy Lietz
Comments on To Make Beads, You will Need a Wet-dry Sanding Kit »
If you haven't yet read my rant about why sanding is such an important part of bead making, then be sure to read this post: Sand Your Polymer Clay Beads Or Else
Cindy Lietz's last blog post..Condition Polymer Clay Properly, Using A Pasta Machine
I am looking forward to going to the auto parats store, buying some sand paper and getting to work on some beads I made! With 8mm beads, would you use your hands to roll them on the sand paper? (I haven't seen your videos yet!) They seem really small for sanding and polishing.
You can sand beads that small by hand, if you like. You may find it easier to sand them when they're still on their piercing pins. The up side to the small beads is that you don't have to be as particular with the sanding because it is harder to see.
There are some methods for using a rock tumbler to sand small beads but we'll have to go into that another day.
Cindy Lietz's last blog post..Slicing Fimo Nail Art Canes | Sculpey Polymer Clay Cake Toppers
Interesting that you mention a rock tumbler. My husband suggested that just the other day! I'd love to hear more about it! Thanks!
Yeah a rock tumbler can be real handy for polishing polymer clay beads! You can't use the regular grit though, too hard on the clay. You actually use cut up pieces of sandpaper instead. I am not that thrilled with my results so far though. Not quite as good as hand sanding. When I perfect it, I'll share it with you all!
Cindy Lietz's last blog post..Millefiori Beads by Polymer Clay Cane Artist Iris Mishly [Israel]