Vid #196: “Is there
any information about
using Minwax with polymer
clay? I tried it on a sample
piece. It looks good now, but
will it stay good?” ~Claycass
In my opinion, nothing is prettier and more professional looking than a silky smooth glass finish, on smooth-surface, polymer clay beads. And the best way to achieve this is by sanding well and buffing… no finish coatings required.
But sanding and buffing is time consuming… especially with tiny round beads, or sculpted and molded ones.
An alternative to getting a nice sheen on your polymer clay beads, without having to do a ton of sanding, or finishing using heavy gloss coatings (i.e. Future Floor Polish, Varathane, Sculpey Glaze, etc.), is to use a paste wax such as Minwax
Is there any information about using Minwax with polymer clay? I found it at Home Depot. I liked the word “polyacrylic” on the label, so I purchased some. But I have not figured out how to speed up the time test of “does it get sticky several months later.” I tried it on a sample piece. It looks good now, but will it stay good? I would be interested in hearing other peoples’ experience with this particular product. ~Claycass
I have actually known about wax polishing for some time now, but didn’t want to talk too much about this finishing technique until I had a chance to do some testing for myself.
Those of you who have been around this site for awhile, know that I only pass along quality, trusted information. So if I am going to share or demonstrate a technique, I always try to test first hand, so that I know for sure it works.
When sharing ideas that I have not actually done myself, I will let you know that right up front. It is very important to me that you guys experience as much success as possible with your polymer clay journey… so being able to trust what you learn here, is key.
Well… awhile back I finally got the chance to use some paste wax as a way of polishing my polymer clay beads. Doug’s parents were downsizing and passed along some of their old cleaning supplies to me. In the box was a tin of Minwax Paste Finishing Wax. I took this as a sign that I should finally see if it would work as others have claimed, for polishing beads.
And since it is always good to give a fair amount of time for any finish you use with polymer, to react with the clay if it is going to, my “test” has been in progress for the last 6 months.
Now it is finally time to share my results and pass along some tips and tricks for getting a nice glossy finish, when wax polishing your polymer clay beads. So, coming up tomorrow (Friday, March 18th, 2011) in the Vol-034-3 video at the Polymer Clay Library, I will tell all.
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As a bit of an aside… I should point out that not everyone agrees when it comes to best practices, or preferred methods for finishing polymer clay beads… and that’s OK. Here are some comments that have been shared in previous posts…
Not everyone thinks shiny is beautiful. Of course if there are fingerprints and blemishes, then sanding probably is a good idea. ~Heha-M
I don’t use any wax or varnish or finish (I personally dislike such treatments, and few stand up to my stress tests anyway). I just buff them by Dremel or by hand depending on whether I want a glassy or satin finish. ~Sue-F
… not having to use a thick messy gloss coating is a bonus, and looks more natural I think. ~Elizabeth-K
I was pleased with applying Johnson’s Wax to my beads after tumbling. I applied the wax twice and buffed with a soft microfiber cloth from the Dollar Store. They had a nice shine on them when finished. ~Cassandra-W
I’ve had good luck creating clay sheets that mimic the appearance and feel of real Corinthian leather to cover altoid tins and pens. To finish, I threw on a sepia wash, wiped that down, baked again, then rubbed with Dutch floor Carnauba Wax, and buffed, buffed, buffed. ~Jocelyn-C
I love the finishing of the beads …how to make them all shiny and professional looking. Thank you for providing these awesome techniques. ~Rada-F
Can I ask if anyone has used wax to polish beads? I have been reading about Renaissance Wax and wondered if it is any good. ~Ritzs
Renaissance Wax smells horrible! And it only lasts for a short while. ~Koolbraider
Inevitably I have to write in defense of Renaissance Wax. For a start the smell is subjective – I love the smell! Secondly, it lasts. To quote one article about the wax “When thinly applied and rubbed out to full lustre, the wax film is (and remains) glass-clear, with no discoloration either of the wax or the underlying surface.” To quote the manufactures: “Renaissance wax polish was originally formulated in the British Museum research laboratories in the early 1950’s… The blend which emerged from (that) research was ‘designed’ for long term protection of all classes of museum exhibits. At last museum technicians and others caring for important collections could use wax polish that neither caused future conservation problems nor detracted from the intrinsic values of their treasures… The product was quickly accepted in the international museum world and has become a universally respected standard conservation material – probably the most widely specified – because of its almost unlimited uses.” And to quote another commentator: “It has a crystalline structure much finer than totally natural waxes, a property that confers a highly efficient moisture resistance. Countless statues and monuments in city streets are now protected by Renaissance wax from weathering corrosion.” (What you always wanted to know!) So, properties for us clayers? It provides a luster, easily (and the more coats you put on the more luster you get); it preserves if you want to use it for projects which will be outside (or indeed on windowsills and subject to light), it does not stain or darken (even white paper), and one uses such a small amount a small tin goes on forever. I love it! ~Penny-V
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Please Note: A general prerequisite for all of my weekly tutorials is that you have a good understanding of the polymer clay basics, including: conditioning clay, using a pasta machine, clay blade and other simple tools, making Skinner Blends or Teardrop Blends, baking clay, as well as sanding and finishing. If you need help in these areas, my Polymer Clay Beginners Course will get you up to speed quickly. There is also plenty of free information on this blog. Use the search box at the top of the page to find articles on specific topics.
Supplies & Tools: Video-034-3 Wax Polishing Your Beads:
- Unfinished polymer clay beads. Wax polishing is a particularly useful finishing technique for beads which are difficult or tedious to sand and buff properly, such as small round beads or molded / sculpted pieces. The beads you use for this tutorial can be sanded or unsanded, but should be blemish and fingerprint free. Please note, that that the “garbage in garbage out” principle applies. In other words, if you use polishing wax on a crappy looking bead, al tht you will end up with is a crappy looking bead that has a sheen to it :-)
- Minwax Paste Finishing Wax or equivalent. You can try other brands as well, including Carnauba Wax, Renaissance Wax, or other pastes which do not contain a cleaner in them. I have only worked with the Minwax brand, so you will need to do your own testing if you want to use an alternative. If should you decide to try other products, please let everyone know how things worked out. It is always helpful and appreciated here, when you share information about your own experiences. As far as where to buy the Minwax, I was able to find it online at the Home Depot website, so it is readily available. And if you like purchasing through Amazon, here is the link to where they sell this product: Minwax
- Soft cotton cloth.
- Dremel tool with felt buffing wheel (optional).
- Larger Sculpey Etch and Pearl Tool or fine knitting needle (optional).
The full version of the Vid-034-3 Wax Polishing video will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday March 18th, 2011. But if you would like to see a sneak peek intro clip right now, scroll down the page a bit to the video player below.
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Here’s That “Link Below” Referred To at End of the Video
>> Polymer Clay Tutorials <<
The full version of the “Wax Polishing” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Volume-034 Back Issue Package.
Customer Feedback About Membership Value:
Cindy – I think what I enjoy the most – and what keeps your tutorials fresh – is the sense of curiosity and detail you share with us. With your own twists you create such beautiful techniques… as we preview the next lesson we can just hear the enthusiasm in your voice, AND it’s simple too!!? Can’t ask for more than that, a treasure trove of inspiration at such a reasonable cost. ~DJ
Wow, Cindy… I can’t believe anyone would email you about ripping them off! I still think the best thing we can do is spread the word. I know when I first came upon this site, and saw the preview videos… I wanted “more”, but was afraid to join. I didn’t know if the site was “legit” or worthwhile at first. I was ignorant of online tutorials at the time, and hadn’t purchased one before. There are people out there who just want to hear someone they know or trust, say it’s OK, and that you really DO get “all that” for under $10. I think Cindy has kept the price low because it’s easier for someone to commit $9.95 to something “unknown.” It worked for me, and now I try to tell everyone about it! ~Phaedrakat
Cindy, this is money well spent so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!!! ~Wendy-B
The following topics are included in this week’s Polymer Clay Tutor Library, Wax Polishing Your Polymer Clay Beads video tutorial:
- See examples of several beads polished using this Minwax product.
- Discussion of the tools and materials needed to create your own beautifully polished and professional looking polymer clay beads and jewelry.
- Learn about how to get that perfect finish on those difficult or tedious beads to sand and buff.
- And of course, tips on how to use this technique to get exactly the look you want!
The full version of the “Wax Polishing” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Volume-034 Back Issue Package.
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Happy St. Patty’s Day to those celebrating and a great day to everyone!
Cindy, this looks like a very interesting tute and another informative Friday.
Off topic: Wayne is having another round of chemo as the lymph nodes are back, appearing at the 3 cm size. Anyone wishing to join in thoughts/prayers/positive energy are welcome and we are grateful in advance. This is a four week cycle times 3 before another PET scan. Stay well and happy claying…
@Joyce M:
Joyce,
My love and prayers go with you and Wayne on this difficult journey.
Elizabeth
@Joyce M:I pray for much kinder days for you and your husband Joyce, my love to you both. Looking forward to tomorrow
@Ritzs: Love it! Love it—-can’t tell you how much it means to us to have you back, Ritzs. Give us an update on how you are doing when you get a minute.
@Ritzs: Ritz it is a miracle in its own that you are back here with us and to be praying for someone else shows how strong your faith is and how it helped you get where you are now and even further tomorrow. Your prayer for Joyce and her husband brings loving tears to my eyes. If only there were more people like you in this world. Including myself. Welcome Home Ritz!!!
God Bless you and yours.
Love and Uuuuggggs, Peggy
@Joyce M: You and your hubby will be in my thoughts and prayers daily!
@Joyce M: So Sorry Your hubby is having to go through this. Coming from one that has a cancer survivor in the family, I know what you are going through.It is hard on everyone.. Just know God is good. I will keep your husband on my prayer list.
@Joyce M: Hi sorry I am so late with this note and even more sorry to hear of Wayne’s news. Well I am here now to
tell you I wish to join in thoughts, prayers, positive energy and I am grateful to do this for you I just wish I was helping you for another reason. We all want the best for Wayne and you. You will both be in my prayers every morning and every night. God Bless you both.
Many Uuuuugggggs, Peggy
@Joyce M: Hi Joyce, I’m so sorry I didn’t notice your comment before this. Please know that you’re both in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully the next scan will show miraculous progress — we want Wayne well! Hugs to you, and stay well yourself! :-)
This is another “can’t wait” week. I do a lot of smallish round beads and trying to sand them is really really hard, I almost always end up with flat spots developing, (I haven’t yet tried my tumbler as I seem to have misplaced it in what passes as the disaster area of my work/storage space) my only concern/question is how the wax holds up on the beads in the warmer climates, but I know we’ll find out tomorrow.
Oh, I will be interested in this very much. I, too, am not a huge fan of the very glossy finish such as that provided by Future, so I mainly buff my clay items on my electric car wax buffer and this gives a very satisfactory shine. I am eager to see if the wax might give a little more high shine without the glossiness. Thanks, Cindy, in advance for your research trials!
Another enlightening tute coming up…..my mind is like a sponge or is that sieve?
Joyce….will put your hubby on my prayer list….best wishes.
Is this going to be the answer to my angst over having to look at the kabillion (cool word, huh-I’m sure it will be in the dictionary soon) itty bitty unsanded beads that could be really pretty in pieces but they are itty bitty and the thought of sanding them makes my hands hurt in anticipation and I don’t even want to put them in the tumbler because there would still be the need to do something to them to make them shiny and smooth and so I don’t do anything and the pile just keeps growing and then my angst at having to look at the kabillion(cool word) itty bitty unsanded beads just starts all over again and I’m old and angst is not good for me cause it makes me wrinkly and grumpy and then when I’m walking down the street people say “look at that wrinkly grumpy old lady” and that makes me do stupid stuff like this morning I’m making a shaded rose cane and decided to mix Primo and Sculpy III ’cause I wanted to use the last remnant of light pink pearl and I know you want to say “Elizabeth, what were you thinking?” ’cause Sculpy III doesn’t reduce-it just oozes and then I end up with oozy roses and that makes me sad and then I STILL have this stupid bunch of itty bitty beads that aren’t sanded ——-(SIGH). Cindy, no pressure here-really and I know I am a tad off topic and I apologize to anyone whom I have offended and— no, that’s not true ’cause I know you all have stories as sad and pathetic as mine and you are so relieved to know you have a kindred spirit who suffers the angst of the itty bitty beads that aren’t sanded syndrome. Guess the bottom line is that I’m praying that you are going to teach us how to make wax work! CAN’T WAIT!!!!
@Elizabeth S.: I can’t stop laughing at your post……lol. not laughing at your angst though…..:(. that would be very poor manners,indeed. So, hoping Cindy can cure your anguish with this tute tomorrow/
Looking forward to this tute. More to learn -this is a GOOD thing.
Joyce, My prayers and positive thoughts, for you both, as you go thru this process, hugs…….Patt
@ Joyce – My thoughts and prayers for healing and strength will be with you and Wayne. My sister just had round 4 of the chemo today.
@ Joyce – My thoughts and prayers for healing and strength will be with you and Wayne. My sister just had round 4 of the chemo today.
Elizabeth you’re not alone – I dislike sanding tiny beads. I don’t have too many unsanded, I just did them but my poor arm and fingertips!!! I find sanding round beads and keeping them round a challenge.
I’m looking forward to this tutorial, I love a nice finish on my beads but the thought of having to sand and buff 30 small beads to complete a necklace makes me nuts!! and I tend to put the project on hold till I figure out there isn’t a clay fairy in my project closet to finish them for me! LOL So I can’t wait to try to the Minwax. :)
I’ve been thinking about Renaissance Wax for a while now, and will definitely get some when I next make a clay order. Judging by how quickly I get things done recently, I guess that will be some time in 2012… ;) I only got round to ordering Micromesh sanding pads last night!
Oh and that reminds me – my friend is going to Orlando, Florida at Easter and offered to get some hard-to-source-in-the-UK stuff for me. Any thoughts on what to ask him to get, and where to get it from? I was thinking Weldbond glue and the new Premo colours if he can find them…
@Silverleaf: Weldbond can be bought at Michaels, just about any craft store and hardware stores. The only place I’ve found to buy the new Premo colors right now is on line. I’m wondering is it possible for you to order the clay and have it delivered to Florida where your friend is going and he could bring it back for you that would make shipping so much cheaper for you. I went on your Etsy site and I really like your work, love the colors you use. :)
@Jeanne C.: Supposedly “SUPPOSEDLY” AC Moore is to get the new colors at the end of the month, but I’ll believe it when I see it, considering what their clay section looked like the last time I went in there about a week ago. It looked like it hadn’t been touched in months, none of the colors I needed to start a project, looking like a bomb went off, empty pegs and spaces on the shelves, deplorable is the only word I can come up with and that really doesn’t describe it. I emailed them to let them know the state of their PC Aisle and that’s when they said about the “changes” coming.
Our AC Moore could care less about clay
@Elly Moore: That is the feeling I got from mine, notwithstanding the reply I got back from AC Moore after I complained about the condition of my local store and the clay aisle spefically (about the new colors arriving by months end).
@Silverleaf: I just came across this hope this helps. :)
Polyform Products
There’s exciting news for UK clay users. premo! Sculpey and premo! Sculpey Accents along with a full line of Sculpey clays, molds, tools and accessories are now available at HobbyCraft (hobbycraft.co.uk/) and all leading independent art & craft shops.
@Silverleaf: I live in the Orlando area and can confirm what others are saying. Only place to find the new Premo colors at present is the Polymerclay Superstore, which I have ordered from and received in record time. If you want to use my address to place an order, which I could then pass along to your friend when he/she arrives, let me know.
@Jeanne C.: Thanks for the compliments Jeanne! I love bright colours… that’s why I’m excited about the new Premo ones. :) Thanks for letting me know about Hobbycraft, that’s fantastic news because I have one fairly locally and when I went to their website I realised I could order from them, yay!
I ordered one block of each of the new “plain” colours and the metallics/pearls. I don’t want the glitter ones, but I may try the granite and coloured trans clays next time I’m in the store – I’d want to have a look at them in person.
I usually get all my clay from Penny at Clayaround, but I really medically NEED those new colours ASAP! ;)
@Marlene C: Thanks, if I hadn’t been able to order from Hobbycraft that would have been really helpful. :)
I’m really surprised that all the new colours are available in “real” stores in the UK earlier than in the US. How weird, but I’m not going to complain!
@Silverleaf: I’ve had the feeling from the start of this “new” color mess that Polyform wanted/wants to get out of selling in brick and mortar stores, hence the limited availabilty of the cobalt and zinc yellow only online.
P.S.
I am going to Michaels THIS weekend, so I’ll let everyone know what I find there.
@Ken H: The 2 Michaels in Tucson have nothing for clay! It’s terrible, Like your AC Moore the slots where the clay would be are mostly empty. I just saw this article posted by Polyform on their blog:
“Polyform Products, Michaels will reset their clay section in late spring.”
I hope this is true!! It’s frustrating when you want to make something and you have to wait for your clay order to come in so you’ll have the color you wants!! It’ll be interesting to see what you find out this weekend. Thanks Ken.
@Jeanne C.: The thing that “gets” me is paying the S & H, thats money I could use for more clay, although I did discover that we have a Dick Blick’s store in Philadelphia, not as convenient as my local Michaels and AC Moore but Polyform did say they have the new colors already, so if Michaels doesn’t pan out next week after work, I’ll stop at DB’s
@Ken H: You’re lucky you have a Dick Blick store so close, I have a $146. order I’m waiting for from them. The Premo is $1.99 each and $1.63 for the Sculpey and their shipping is under $8. up to a $200. order. The nice thing is they have the new colors!! :)
@Jeanne C.: Don’t get me wrong, I was truly surprised and pleased, but for someone who doesn’t drive it’s just a little out of the way (read longer public transit ride and multiple routes to get there, But I am thankful)
@Jeanne C.: Hi fellow Tusconian ! You can get some of the new Premo at -wholelottawhimsey.com. They have a warehouse off Ina. E-mail me if you want more info………..;D
@pattw: Hi Patt, contacting you via facebook. Talk soon. :)
oops, I meen tomorrows Tut
Sounds like a good to come tomorrow! I keep spilling my little jar of Future on my desk! So, this wax tute should help me be less messy. Right? Knock on wood!!
@Joyce M, I hope and pray for a quick recovery for Wayne.
@Ken, Micheals won’t have the new colors for a while. They are only online now. Shipping wasn’t too bad at Polymerclaysuperstore. I already put two orders in so far!
Guess I could get my friend to grab some of this wax too, if he can find it.
Oh and I’ve just found out that I can get Weldbond from Amazon.
Thanks everyone, love you all.
@Joyce M: Joyce, my prayers are added for your husband as well. God bless.
@silverleaf – it is true that Hobbycraft – and many smaller craft stores too can now access Premo – not good for me! I am promised that I get my supply of the new colours in two weeks time.
Now this will appear to be (is!) unashamed advertising, but you were looking for Resin – well I have bitten the bullet and some Pavelka Magic Gloss arrives this week. I was not gong to go down this route because I know so very little about resin: I will have to do more research on Cindy’s website!
And whilst I am at it I have just sourced the most wonderful stainless steel extruder which is much much cheaper than the Makins one and even has a handle and a box for the extruder and discs.
And of course I have Rennaisance wax available (grin)!
@Penny Vingoe: Oh Penny, I feel so guilty that I ordered clay from somewhere else! ;) Like I’m cheating on you, lol. But I just couldn’t resist the pretty colours…
Hobbycraft’s selling Premo at £2.20 for the 2oz blocks, so you’re much cheaper, if it makes you feel better.
Do you mean the Walnut Hollow extruder? I’ve heard good things about that!
Good morning Cindy,
My tute doesn’t want to load. Not having any problems with others so thinking it must be on your end. I will check back later, thanks
Ugh…. I am having trouble again :( The video won’t load to the page. I have a little wheel turning. :(….. Help Doug!!!!!
no video thia am either
I don’t have any video for this posting.
I don’t even have the image for the video, just a white space where the video image should be.
@Ken H: IE8 here at work
@Ken H: I’m on IE8 as well.
The video played fine for me. (I’m using Firefox 3.6.15.)
I just ordered all the new Premo clays from Boston Craft Works. They are really fresh and his service is excellent.
I can’t open today’s video, I’m frustrated.
Joyce, you and your husband will be in my prayers. Keep him laughing, that heals.
Oh, no! I can’t see the video either :(
@Joyce M: You and your husband are in my prayers.
me too IE8
To chime in, I couldn’t access the video in IE, either. So, solved problem by installing Firefox and everything is fine. Hmmm.
the video won’t load – all the others do fine, just not this one. anyone else having problems? thanks!
No luck here either–however, I tried using Firefox and it fired right up.
Quick question on tumbling the rose petal inclusion beads– did you tumble dry or with water? Wondering if the petal inclusions absorb the water or if they are protected enough with residual clay. Can’t wait to try the wax polishing!
@sarahwww: I’ve tumbled inclusion beads with water and had no problems – I guess any tiny bits on the surface that get waterlogged will just get sanded off.
If you’re worried, try just a couple of test beads and see how it goes…
@Silverleaf:
Thanks for the info!!
I have to add my “me too” as far as not being able to view the video. Will check back later.
Thanks again, everyone.
Love it! Wax buying will be the first order of business today. Thanks, Cindy & doug.
I also cannot view the video. alll the other videos work just fine, just not this one :-(
No video here either, Thought it was just my tempermental computer.
New colors available @ shipwreck beads, Lacey WA. they added 21 new colors to the ones they already sell. Shipping is $5.00 no limit in US.
Joyce , we will put you folks on the prayer roles.
having trouble logging in today to new tutorial. Have tried 2 different computers so it must be something on your end.
Help! I can’t access this week’s (March 17, 2011) member video. I can go to the page on which it is located but there is just a blank where the video should be.
OMG… not again! Darn that Internet Explorer browser. Doug thought he had got all this stuff fixed up last week… but IE strikes again :-(
All is fixed now… hopefully for good this time (knock on wood). With IE bugs happening two weeks in a row now, you are probably starting to understand why I recommend using the Firefox browser. It is much less problematic than Internet Explorer… especially when it comes to online video streaming.
And if you did not know, you can have both IE and Firefox installed on your computer at the same time. Having two browsers installed on your computer is always a good thing. Because when something goes wrong in one, you can always load up the other one… hardly missing a beat.
Anywho… back to polymer clay… wax on!
Hooray, I have the video!
Me too….it was worth the wait! Will have to go get a small can and try it on some of my small beads. Wonder if I can get the grandkids to do them since it isn’t as messy……lol.
Cancel that! Now, for some reason, I am able to access this week’s video. Keep ’em coming!
Sooooo…. do I throw out the Future now? or do you still see a use for that, too? I guess Future gives a glossier texture, vs. the wax, correct?
@Maria: I would think that there are uses for each, I’ve never had a problem with applying Future too thick, I use my finger to apply the finish, it does take me three coats to get a nice shine though, I have one question to anybody who’s used the wax as a fininsh for longer than Cindy’s six month trial, how does the wax hold up to summer heat and humidity?
I agree, it was worth the wait!
I’m viewing mine on Chrome browser. Worked just fine.
Thanks for more interesting information. I will be getting some wax to try. I don’t imagine this would be a good finish for buttons for all the washing it would have to go through, am I right?
Love the tute. Wax on my buy list. Being in Florida Ken’s question is relative so will tune in for that reply. Sounds like more fun ahead.
I’m with Cindy in recommending Firefox over IE. It’s much more reliable, and I like how you can install add-ons (I love Cookie Monster, Chromatabs, Flashblock, and Adblock Plus especially) and I’ve installed some stuff using Greasemonkey as well.
I tried Chrome for a while and I like how fast it is, but I uninstalled it because it doesn’t have the fine control over cookies that I have with Firefox + Cookie Monster – I want to be able to easily accept or reject cookie requests from each site I visit, and change my mind without wading through the Options menu every time.
Back to clay, those beads do look pretty with the wax. I’m almost exclusively making flat pendants and earrings with a coat of resin at the moment, but the wax will be great for the hundreds (maybe thousands!) of beads I have lying around that I can’t be bothered to hand sand. Tumbler, wax, buff, done.
IE has been giving a lot of problems not only with videos but loading pages. I have had Firefox for some time now so I have no problem with the videos. I recommend you install Firefox, its great for downloading videos.
Michaels did not have the new colors out here either so Im going to order them from Shipwreck or Polymer clay superstore. My only problem ordering stuff online is the S& H outside the US.
This is a great Tutorial! The Future wax wasn’t the easiest to apply cleanly, but this minwax looks like it’s pretty much fool proof. I would be interested in hearing how it holds up in the heat since it can and will reach 100+ here in Tucson. :)
Ken: Forgot about the transportation for you. My order came in yesterday :)
Love it……can’t wait to wax!
Finally! Great tutorial.. I would like to ad that I have been using IE since being a member back in 09, and have never had any problems since these last two video’s. I am just glad that I wasn’t the only one having them.
love this video!!!! thank you Cindy :) This will cut the process time of shining beads in half :)
My Daughter is going to Chicago on Monday and is going to look for the wax for me, I don’t no if I will manage with one and a half hands but I will sure try, and it will be good therapy anyway. My body dose not work to well but I am beginning to look forward to the Friday tuts once more so that must be a good sign
@Ritzs: It is so good to see you on the blog again, I always enjoy reading your comments and have thought of you often. I agree with you, playing with clay is very therapeutic for both the body and soul. Glad you’re back. XXXX
@Ritzs: Bet your body will respond -your mind will control it. The body is a wonderful thing -just give it time. SOOOOOO glad you feel up to claying ;D
Cindy – I have firefox and never have had a problem. Glad others are choosing it too.
The tute is another eye-opener. Don’t you just hate those pesky little dull beads. Now they will shine. Thanks for the info
I used some Renaissance wax today and I’m very pleased with the results. It dried instantly and I buffed my items with the Dremel on the lowest setting. I thought the odor was barely noticeable and not at all unpleasant to me. It says it won’t discolor even white paper so I tested that out and found that to be true. I coated both sides and dipped it in water and the water just beaded up on it. I also tried it on some wrapping paper and some other decorative papers that I use. No problems on any of them. I give it a thumbs up so far.
Hello! Thank you for a wonderful idea and a great tutorial!
My Q is do I need to use polish in edition to wax or it is instead of a polish? Do you know how this wax react with a skin and sweat, does it stain white fabric, does it make light or white beads yellow?
Thank you again.
Natalie.
@Natalie B: Those are good questions, Natalie! I am interested to know those answers, too.
Cindy: Love this idea to use wax for shinin my beads. You are so awesome for all of ur amazing video. I believe you probally tested ur beads for rubbin on light cloths n such. Also, I don’t know about Cindys’ brand but everybody sais Renaisance (?) Wax is musem archive quality. Wont yellow or discolor. Suposed to be the good stuff. even on are clay.
Ooops, didn’t mean to send the above comment yet…what a mess! Anyway, I enjoyed this video…can’t wait to try waxing some of my pesky smaller beads, or other hard-to-sand/buff-to-a-shine creations. Cindy, you’re so awesome for bringing cool things to us, week after week.
I’m curious, too about some of the questions above…like how the wax stands up to heat, humidity, sweat, etc. If the Minwax paste is as good as Renaissance wax, I feel confident it will not yellow or discolor light clay or fabric. I researched it awhile back after seeing a comment here at the blog…and it seems to be quite the high quality product! I know it’s safest to test a product yourself, but I really love getting recommendations from fellow members who’ve tried these products. (I trust their tests, too, LOL!) Anyway, can’t wait to see what others have tried and used successfully — thanks again for a great video, and another technique to add to our bag of polymer clay finishing tricks!!! ~Kat :)
PS: I’ve also read about Renaissance wax being used on metals…supposed to be awesome for preserving finishes or acting as a shield for sensitive skins (so they can wear metals like copper or even nickel!) Also supposed to keep tarnish away, or you can “freeze” the look you want after adding a patina or using liver of sulfur on your jewelry. I wonder if Minwax can be used the same way? Or maybe it’s better to pay the extra $ for the Renaissance…? Hmmm, more testing, I guess… ;)
@Phaedrakat: That’s another reason why I wanted to try wax – I’ve made a couple of leaf pendants in silver art clay (you know, the stuff that fires to make fine silver) and applied a patina and I’d like to keep it exactly how it is if I can. Silver clay is fun!
Hi guys, sorry to take so long to respond in here. This weekend was more than its usual busy. The kids and Doug were sick, and the washing machine died. Plus Willow had a huge art project due today, making a mixed media art purse out of a reclaimed T-shirt. Anyway, today’s filming is done, and most of the dust has settled, so I am catching up on comments and post writing.
Hopefully I don’t miss anyone’s question… if I do, just let me know.
@Joyce M: Please know that although I did not respond right away, I did read your comment when you posted it and have had you and Wayne in my thoughts and prayers since you posted about his treatments. Sending you all my love and positive energy to you two, during this difficult time.
@sarahwww: Yeah, I agree with Silverleaf on this one. I do use water when tumbling beads, even with rose petals. Any inclusions that would be damaged by the water when tumbling, would just fall out anyway. That is one of the reasons I now grind the flowers, so at least those bits are quite small.
@Maria: No you don’t need to throw out your future. There is always a place for using a shiny liquid finish. It is nice to have as many options as possible.
@Ken H: That is a good question. My guess is it should hold up fine to heat. The Dremel produces some heat as it polishes and it doesn’t seem to bother it. I do use a very thin coat though. You could always pop a bead or two in the oven or hit it with a blow dryer to see. That doesn’t effect the humidity though. How does furniture that has been waxed, hold up to the whether where you’re at?
@Loretta Carstensen: I don’t know how it would handle being put through the washer with detergent, but cool water just beads up on it, so it may still work for buttons if washed gently. This would be a good thing to test and let us know about.
@Natalie B: I would only use one finish on your beads at a time. Finishes won’t stick to the wax anyway. I haven’t seen any reactions to skin or sweat with this wax, but it would be a good thing to test for yourself. As far as discoloring, it doesn’t yellow or change the look of white or light colored beads at all. I have seen no visible differences between waxed and unwaxed beads except for the shine. Hope I covered all your questions.
@Phaedrakat: What’s wrong with your first comment? It looks perfect to me. lol Great Tips! You bring up a good point. Waxing would be a great way to seal in a patina on metal. I would think that the Minwax would work the same way as the Renaissance wax, but again, that would need to be tested to know for sure.
@Cindy Lietz from Polymer Clay Color Recipes – Mushroom Palette: I don’t know as we use pledge spray polish, but we’re heading into prime testing season here in Philadelphia, we can have summers like Florida soupy hot and humid. I also want to try the Renaissance Wax.
I just got my new Premo colours, and they look pretty good. Off now to make more magnetic chips!
Ok, so I will admit, I’m a bit slow – if I understood this video correctly, I can tumble and then wax and that’s it? I get a pretty shine – no pain, blood, sweat or tears. Am I clear on that – it seems too easy? I must be missing something!
If that’s the case why would I ever do the buffing and sanding and all the other aggravating stuff? Yes, I’m a bit new to clay so this may be a novice’s error and if so I apologize. But I really do hate the sanding and buffing (and it doesn’t even matter what size the bead is – I just hate the extra work).
@Desiree: You got that right Desiree! Of course nothing quite beats the look and feel of a beautifully sanded and buffed bead, but a tumbled and waxed bead looks not too shabby, with a lot less work! Just make sure the bead is as flawless as possible before baking. A rough looking, fingerprinted bead won’t look good, no matter how much tumbling and waxing you do.
This is just a thought!! Years ago my sister used to buy a hand controlled spray (like a plant mister)and the hair laquer in a refil tube. You cut off the end, poured the laquer into the mister and squeezed. This was before it was sold in pressurized cans.If PYM II could be marketed in refil tubes I could use one of my plant misters and experiment with it?? I also collect antique perfume atomisers, which are great to spray water on texture sheets etc.
I buy most of my tools etc. from the USA but with import duty and a clearance fee it works out really expensive. I get a little impatient when Cindy talks about a product that we cannot get here in the UK as I am a (want it now sort of person) So a big thank you to Penny at Clayaround, I love my Walnut Hollow clay Extruder (I cross threaded my Makins and had to tape up the end every time I used it.) Am now on my second pasta machine,(wore the first one out) and melted my favourite clear plastic ruler by storing it with my raw polymer clay. (I am a bit of a walking disaster area.) Now going to get some of the paste wax that I think Penny has in stock. Great, as have a lotta lotta beads just waiting for a wax jacket!!
Home Depot doesn’t sell Minwax anymore they comparable is Behr wax decorative finish , so question is what the difference between renaissance wax and Behr wax ?
Hi Jeannie, I have not tried Behr Wax so I can not tell you the difference between it and Minwax or Renaissance Wax, but I have used Ren Wax a lot and it is my favorite wax. I know it seems expensive, but a little goes a very, very long way and the quality is very high. The lovely thing about Ren Wax is that if you put on very thin layers, it dries hard and polishes up beautifully. Some of the other waxes out there will remain soft and can get dirty if handled a lot.