How To Test Which Plastics Are Safe With Polymer Clay
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- Опубліковано 27 лис 2024
- Some types of plastics will react badly when coming into contact with polymer clay, while others will be just fine. But how can you tell which is which? In this video I will whow you how to know for sure, even if their are no identifying reference numbers on the plastic containers you are wondering about. You'll have to do a small test, but this important step will save you a whole lot of grief in the long run.
For more info and related resources about polymer compaticle plastics, please visit our PcT blog (Video #765)... www.beadsandbea...
Polymer Clay Tutor, Cindy Lietz & Doug Lietz
"Love What You make... Make what You make."
Awesome! thanks i always run into this problem! also i wouldn't throw out the leached clay,,it makes a neat shattered effect when placed over another clay.
Thank you so much for this video! I'm looking for a new way to store my clay and didn't know where to start plastic wise.
I have a bunch of aluminum tins that were sold in a set as wedding party favor containers. They're perfect for liquid clay mixtures.
I had an old plastic picture frame that broke and what was left was a nice flat see through almost plate. Well I was mixing colors, only a small pinch of each colors because my project was pretty small. Anyway I'm pretty mobile with my stuff because I don't always like being alone down in my craft room. Anyway I put these colors, probably 10 different colors and left it for a couple days. I've left my clay out on glass and other thicker plastics before but when I went back it was like sticky, like I spilled sugar water all over it. I didn't know it was the clay doing it. I've been using polymer clay for 25 years and yet this just happened about 3 months ago. Thanks for explaining what probably happened. And yes, almost like a cd case.
The main thing I've found to cover my portable surfaces is them plastic folders. The real cheap ones, like 4 for a dollar, and they only come in one solid color. I cut out the pockets and tape them to my surfaces. I still keep parchment paper around but those are great for moving projects
Thank you Cindy. Your videos are very helpful. I recently purchased a plastic compartmental hardware box and was happy to find it is compatible with my clays. I was fortunate, but now I am aware of what not to purchase to store my clays. Thank you again!
Thank you, this info is very helpful! About a year ago I had a bad experience with clay eating plastic. I had mixed some liquid clay (both TLS and Bake&Bond) with powdered chalk pastel to make faux icing for a project. I used one of those little plastic sauce containers like you get with takeaway (sweet and sour, tartar sauce, etc). After my project I had some of the faux icing left over, so I covered the container and put it away to use later. A few weeks later I picked it up and the entire bottom of the container was coming off! What was left was soft and weird. I think it was a number six plastic. After that I found an old glass ashtray, which I knew would be safe and non-reactive for my liquid clay mixes. Since then I always make sure to test plastics before using them, like you did here. Knowing the safe numbers is very helpful. This is a great resource for polymer clay enthusiasts!
Thank you; this is useful information for us as a plastic jar manufacturer. We've recently begun working with young entrepreneurs in the slime-making industry. Some slimers use polymer clay sprinkles to decorate their slimes, as well as polypropylene sprinkles. They are storing these slimes and supplies in various containers (deli-type, styrene, polypropylene). It's good to know the pp jars are a better option for storage for the polymer clay sprinkles than the styrene, although the polypropylene sprinkles hold up better as they don't disintegrate after a short while of play.
You make some excellent points Parkway Plastics! I forgot that slimers were adding polymer clay to slime... of course storage in the wrong plastics would be an issue for them as well!
This is a very helpful video. I teach polymer clay jewelry/sculpture classes and The first thing I tell people when they ask me about using polymer clay is to be careful how they store it, because it will bond with many of the plastics out there. However I could not tell them why not. Now I can tell them a real answer :) I have been going by sight and feel from my past experiments. Of course I learned about hard plastics the hard way. 10 years ago when I first started using polymer clay . I stored it in a hard inflexible bead box which was probably a #6. There must of been at least 12 separate containers and clay bars ruined.
Thank you, I am just starting out, so have been researching EVERYTHING, including the safe plastics. Your information, will have just saved me many $$$$$ for not buying a whole pile of wrong containers. However, getting the press and seal wrap is not going to be easy here in Australia, top end. I have heard that the plain glad cling and wrap will work. I am going to test it out, now that I know what to look for.... Thank you so so much
Great, thanks! I've noticed this problem when I first started with polymer clay, but I was very young and didn't think to go about testing it. (I had left some polymer clay, a Sculpey bake and bend clay, near some plastic pony beads, and they had to all be thrown out. They were melted to a soft liquid-y consistency.)
this is a great video! i put my white, translucent, and opal clay in plastic wrap and the plastic wrap tinted purple!
I'm a newbie to this polymer clay wonderfulness and your video has helped me find the right containers to use. Thank you for all you do to help us learn more.
Thanks ... I am just getting started with Polymer Clay and wondered what was compatible and what was not.
Brilliant, just what I wanted to know, the information was clear and understandable. Thank you
You are so welcome Deana! Thanks for popping by! 💖
@@PolymerClayTutorthanks for a great video. I wanted to start working with polymer literally just to learn how to make earrings but got nervous after hearing about caution while using. In addition to storing what do yo recommend for safe heating of clay? And what’s your safest option for sealing it? I hear people say ugly resin but I’ve heard bad things about that too? What’s safest, varnish? Thank you!
The first container I picked up was No 7 ! I'm testing it now. Thanks for the help - it's a question I have been wondering about. Great help.
So helpful, thanks. I use cellophane bags to store scrap clay and and present finished items as I heard it is safe. No problems so far! I don't know which number it comes under.
so i was putting my clay away, it was a present for my mom (don't worry it wasn't TOO bad) and i put it in a little plastic box on my desk, i opened it so i could cook it, and the places where the clay as touching the clay, were covered in this, clear, sticky residue, i was able to cook it and it was fine, but it was still strange, can you tell me why that happened?
Thank you for doing these. I'm going to be starting with this whole happy polymer world soon, and these are things I need to know. I've been delighting in all of your videos so much. You're clear, fun to listen to, and real. THANK YOU. :)
Great info! Now I know why the CD case I used to flatten the clay stuck to it. Into the rubbish bin it goes. Thank you so much
Brilliant, brilliant...just all the things a newbie needs to know. Thanks so much, Cindy.
Good things to know. I haven't had any issues yet with anything I am storing my clay in but there have been times a tiny bit of scrap clay has landed on some plastic and then I noticed days later it had eaten away the plastic. Next time I go to the store I will look at the numbers. I also have several saved plastic containers (like from Parmesan Cheese) so I will check the numbers on those as well.
I have recently bought a lot of those little glad containers but I am using them for food - gelatin. :) They are wonderful for adding liquid Jello to so they can cool in the fridge. Eating some of the gelatin daily to help with my health (HGH production) and so far it is working pretty well. My hair is softer for one thing I noticed. Also my 'brain fog' is almost gone. :P I have greater clarity in my thinking now. I plan to add other foods to my diet daily that are supposed to naturally boost HGH production.
- Heidi
Thank you. Really helpful. I learnt this the hard way preparing sheets.it took less than a day to react with the surface I'd left them on!
Thanks Cindy for this valuable information, I have been using press and seal every since you did a video on it and now I was glad to hear number 1 - food containers, which I store my press and seal sheets, canes and scraps. In the building where I work is a restaurant, I was blessed to get as many as I needed. Thanks again!!! I do have a question about different things to bake your clay on especially to keep it's shape, is their a video on the subject?
So glad I ran across this. I had heard this before but couldn't remember where. I've saved it so now I can find it again! Thank you!!
Impresionante video ...muchas gracias por compartir sus conocimientos con nosotros. Awesome video ... thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with us.
I love this video. I am new to Polymer Clay and am looking forward to my first project. Your videos are great for beginners. I appreciate all the help.
I'm absolutely loving all the great info on your website and videos! I am looking to buy some organizing drawers for my clay (like what you have on your table) How do I know which ones are safe to use for storage? Do you have some brands? Or keywords to look for? Thanks again for all you share!
This is such an informative video (like all your videos). I have made so many notes and now I am checking all the platics in my studio.
Thank you so much for this video! Now I'll know the numbers to look for when buying new containers for clay!
Hi thanks for this info. Can I use an acrylic disc to mount a polymer clay figure on? Should I do this after baking or can it be baked safely. Which glue would you recommend if it is possible? Thank you.
Hi Cindy thanks for this tutorial, I'm still learning about polymer clay so your videos are a big help. 😊💕
Do you store the polymer clay in the organizers unwrapped or wrapped a ziplock bag or other material? Thank you
Thank you for doing this. I'm just wondering, how long do you need to leave the clay to test a container? I have left clay for 1 day so far, it want to store my canes in there & really don't want them ruined. Thanks again!
Thank you Cindy that was really useful information.
Great information, thanks, Cindy!
Thanks for this! One thing I haven't been able to find out is whether or not acrylic can be covered and baked safely. For instance, I have some acrylic business card holders. Do you know if they will hold up?
Very interesting! Pretty cool to see how it reacted with the clay.
This was fantastic information handed out in a manner we can understand :)
Thank you so much for most complete teste on plastic compatibility!
Thanks for the great information! As usual, you are very clear and thorough with your tests and reviews. I'm always inspired by your work and reviews, and your tests make me want to test little squares of clay also. Thanks for the specificity of the numbers of compatible plastic. That's exactly what I needed!--Leslie
Thank you for doing this. I knew a #5 was safe but I didn't know about others!
Love the info! I usually wrap mine in was paper. Anyone had a bad experience with that?
Thank you Cindy, I needed a reminder.
Hi Cindy!!! Love your tutorials, thanks for doing them!
I have a question, which you probably have already answered before (can you let me know the name of that tutorial if so) if you can add glitter to the polimer clay? I tried once but the clay became hard to work with and break easy after cooked... maybe there's a magic measurement? thanks and have a great day!!!!
Claudia
I get the small containers from the dollar store. They are perfect for storing the raw clay. No reaction from the clay.
They are called Sure Fresh Mini Storage Containers with Lids, 10-ct. Packs
I'm letting you know that I like this video ;P Wall, all of your videos, really. Been a fan for several years :)
Can you use the safe plastics for a work station for working with polymer clay
I have a question that might be a tutorial idea. found a nice rock, an ordinary rock from the ground that is 1.5" long and 1" across. It's roughly shaped like an egg. I want to put it into a pendant. Have you ever done such a thing? I don't want to wrap it in a belt or something obvious like that. I want it to be nestled securely in the polyclay but with the pretty front showing completely as the decoration. How? Sorry if you have covered this already. I didn't know how to search for it on your list. Thanks!
Awesome video! :). I have a question. Can this problem happen with already baked polymer clay? If I do some accessories from polymer clay for an action figure?
Thank you!
Thank you for the kind words and excellent question btw! Once polymer clay is baked it is safe to be in contact with other plastics. That is assuming you have baked your piece long enough that ALL the polymer particles have cured and there is no uncured clay inside that can leach out over time and cause a delayed reaction. Watch my baking videos about baking longer than the recommended time on the package and you will have no problems making accessories for your action figures! (I'd love to see what you're making. I bet it is awesome!)
Somewhat not related to your video BUT can you bake Fimo soft on a plastic switch plate cover? I don’t see a number on the back so I’m not sure.
Can self healing mats be used as a surface to work on or no? TIA
thanks for sharing I always wondered why my plastic wrap would fall apart after being wrapped around clay
excellent! thks Cindy!
you can use the clay that looks like it's not usable anymore because I've done that also I just now recently found out from you that there are Plastics that are compatible with polymer clay anyway so yeah I ruined sounds like lay but it looks like it's ruined but it's really not all you have to do is roll it up and it you can use it still so don't throw it away
Thank you Cine, that is really helpful, I appreciate your videos. Blessings
Will cane slices affect plastic?
I've always wanted this video, thank you very much
Does anyone know how long you should wait at minimum to determine whether or not a plastic is safe? I have a little plastic tub I bought to (hopefully) store my clay in, but I don't want to wait a month to find out if I can use it or not.
And also, I'm assuming that baked clay is okay stored in any plastic?
I like the 'by the numbers' approach to storage in plastic. Easier to remember the numbers than to guess and ruin your clay.
Hi Cindy! Thanx so much for your “ plastics safe for polymer clay” video. I was wondering.... am I the only one whose plastic clay roller is all cloudy, rough and yukky from my clay? I wipe it with alcohol n wash it with dish sternest but it’s awful. Is there’s way to keep my plastic roller newlooking? Thank you for helping us.
It could be the rubbing alcohol that is affecting your roller. Some of the acrylics don't like rubbing alcohol very much. It also may be the type of clay you are using.There won't be much you can do about it now but if you get a new roller sometime, try using a baby wipe or damp paper towel instead to clean your roller.
Thank you
very helpful , thank you
Hi! Do you know if number nine is safe?
I have experienced this with gumpaste sculpting tools. the part where we hold the tool gets a bit nasty if we forget to wipe off the residue
Hello I want to cover the pen casing with polymer clay, but one part of the pen has a bit of plastic on it near the end part of the casing from the bio point, is it safe for the oven ,? And what temp should I use thanks,,,. thankyou for your comment!! But What Temperature would I need to set my oven on,, when covering a pen with polymer clay Fimo.
If you want to cover a plastic pen with polymer clay, you will first need to remove the ink cartridge and the test bake the barrel in the oven to see if it can handle the heat. If it melts or warps, it's not going to work. That way you don't waste all that time and clay on a piece that won't work.
Question....Is it ok to keep clay wrapped with/in wax paper? (sculpy III, is currently what I have, as a beginner, who knew it wasn't a good kind to start out with, lol.... making it work, for now😊......) Thank you 😊
It kinda depends on the waxed paper. Some brands seem to leach out the oils from the clay (check for oil spots on the waxed paper). I have some little deli sheets that are for putting between hamburger patties and those ones seem fine. Just use little ZipLoc bags or Glad Wrap or Glad Press 'N Seal instead. Those won't ruin your clay.
@@PolymerClayTutor thank you 😊
🙋🏼Hi Cindy, This was a great video. I've been testing different plastics for a long time now and I already knew which ones were safe but I'm glad you made this video so I can send it to my students and clay friends as a reference.
I have a question about a product that someone just mentioned to me. They said they use it on polymer clay as a coating for their finished jewelry. I was wondering if you had ever used it or know anything about it. It's called Pro-Tec powdered paint. It comes in different colors including clear and it is generally used to make jigs for fishing. From what I can see it looks like some kind of powdered enamel product because you have to use a heat gun to apply it. Do you know of it or have you ever used it? If so I was wondering if you could tell me anything about it. I just bought some to try out so if you don't know about it I'll be happy to try it out and let you know how it does. Anyway, love the video, take care, Dee😊👍
I have recently seen someone who used that product and I would like to do some testing of it myself. Don't know if the person has done any long term testing on polymer clay, so I can't say whether or not to use it... yet. Will have to get me some! :)
Hi Cindy, what if the clay is a new package and is still in its wrapper? Could it be stored in the #6 plastic container ? I understand that it only incompatible when it is stored in its raw state( without the wrapper ) Thanks in advance !
Yes, clay still wrapped in their package is fine. Just don't let the raw clay touch an incompatible container.
PolymerClayTutor ...Thank you so much Cindy!
what about the number 5 plastic? it's safe?
Very helpfull, grazie
You're welcome!
Thank You, absolutely importent info👏🥰
Great to know!!! Many thanks!!!!
Love an Light
Vivian
this was really helpful thank you very much! :D
Would lil glass jars work best to store clay?
Yes, glass is excellent for storing polymer clay!
thank you for this useful video!
What about liquid polymer clay and plastic?
Question I wanted to modify my Xbox One controller what I need to take apart the controller and the wires so whatever I add on to it doesn't melt the wires also would it even work with an Xbox One controller?
That I do not know. You would have to test it yourself... but that would risk wrecking it. If you can afford buying a new one and are adventurous, then try it and see what happens. If you are not... then don't. Sounds like a cool idea tho
Great info👍🏻
Is baked polymer clay safe compatible with polystyrene? Plz reply asap
Yes, once it's baked it is fine to store in pretty much anything.
THANK YOU!!
What about wax paper?
Thank you very much, very helpfull!!!
I'm subscribed to this channel, but haven't received any notifications of new videos. Is it still active?
Hi there, thanks so much for your interest! Although we haven't been active here on UA-cam for quite awhile now, we do have intentions of returning sometime in the hopefully near future. we do have a weekly LIVE Q&A Broadcast on Facebook though if you want to join us there. It's every Wednesday at 12:00 Noon Pacific Time at facebook.com/polymerclay Hope to see you there! You can also check out out website at www.polymerclaytutorcom
I have some containers that look, and I believe feel like number 6. My clays stuck to it. Luckily I got up what I could, and there was only a fraction of it in those containers. However the container I keep the majority of clay in, I believe is the same or extremely similar to YOU wall of drawers. That was funny to see. Lol
TX so so much 💓
this is so helpful bc now I can ship for the right ones
I had the same problem with some of the small containers I had used with my liquid clay when I first started out 2 years ago I came across some of them when cleaning up my area and sorting out my supplies the small containers had been eaten all the way through but I was lucky in that it stayed contained where they were sat until I picked them up that is 😹😹 once I picked them up that put pressure on the plastics and it went all yucky in my hands 😹 was lucky that I was right next to the bin when doing my clean up so it could be placed right into the bin, the lids were fine just the canisters that I used were not. I have since gone through all of my supplies and placed them all into the bin it's a shame as it was a lot of my liquid and clay mixes I use for bonding or colouring my book covers with 😹 oh well back to the drawing board again this time I have been using the old pill bottles which are compatible 😹😹😹 but with a baked colour disk on the lid so I know which is which at just a glance 😹 thank you for such a in depth tutorial as now I can make a better choice of items from the bargain store from now on 😹😹😹 but I have also kept the empty liquid clay bottles so that I can reuse them to make future colour mixes decided I could not go wrong with them at least 😹😹
As for the PVC pipes I found that because they are the same make for great bangle blanks and saves me on a lot of wasted clay in building up the bangles and keeps them really light weight. I use to use aluminium foil but that gets expensive and with the metal detectors at the airports I thought it best not to use for items that I am going to sell in the future 🙀😹
I just wish I had known about this before 😹 but it was nice to know about the other plastics that I can use for storage I did not know about the other numbers I only knew about the pill bottle because I found some clay stuck to the bottle and it had not eaten into to it, a happy accident 🙃🙃
I use Tupperware and some package from Haribo :) works just fine!
When I discovered that my polymer clay melted the handle of paintbrush left next to it, I felt like it was something McGyver would use haha
Okay but play got stuck to my childhood doll house and I'm giving it away and I cannot get the leached residue off. Please help
Clay not play
@@nyreem.7884 Try covering the oil stains with cornstarch or baking soda and leave it there for as long as possible to try and pull the oils out.
One reason it never comes out of the carpet is carpet is often made from blended PVC
That makes perfect sense! Also the same reason why it bonds to some vinyl floors.
How to make polymer clay
I found out about plastic storage the hard way. LoL
Wonderfully informative! I have just always just stuck with the plastics that I knew worked. But it's seems they were always a 1 2 or 4 lol. Guess I got lucky. Thank you so much Cindy for this info. Now I have a question for you. Have you ever tried the "sandwich" Skinner blend I guess you can call it that anyway. I would love to hear your thoughts or even see a video on it. And I have seen your other Skinner blend video as well but I jus discovered this and plan to try it. here is a link to the page I found it on
paroledepate.canalblog.com/archives/2013/09/12/27999637.html
It would cooler if you told what the plastic was in the clay so we can make it ourselves!!!
:3