i freakin LOVE how your work area looks. every time its one of the first things i notice about your videos. it inspires me to get clean and organized lol!
I use 50%. Im soo glad i found out about this several months ago i feel more comfortable with using white clay since i can easily clean the clay and my tools with it.
Hi Cindy, I ve just started with polymer clay to make faces for may dolls and I am not able to make it smooth! Do you think the polymer clay I ve been using is too soft? My problem is not the fingerprints but my doll's head has cellulitis!! LOL HELP ME PLEEASE! xxx
Hey Cindy, i've seen on some other videos that it can be also used to transfer image on unbacked polymer clay.. do u know if it can be done on backed polymer clay as well?
Hi Cindy...I found that using Alcohol under the roller of my Pasta machine cleaners all the stuff the get stuck on the rollers. I use to get little black marks along the edges of the clay I put thru but with doing it underneath while cranking the machine it takes it all off.
Great Info, Cindy. Does your studio really look that neat, clean and organized? LOL I'm thrilled to watch your videos and learn this fascinating art form. I'm a metal and wire worker mostly and looking forward to incorporating polymer clay into my jewelry.
PolymerClayTutor Great suggestions Cindy. I have used it to remove dried paint from both carpet and clothing and for removing the sticky residue from stickers but never thought to use it on clay.
Hi Cindy, you didn't mention one of the best things it can do.you can remove dust and fingerprints from your unbaked clay projects. I also use acetone for the same reason and for many of the things you mentioned using alcohol for. You just have to be careful about how much you use because it does melt polymer clay. Take care, Dee
Hi ***** I did mention that when I was cleaning off the raw cane. You are right about needing to be careful with the acetone. It will melt your clay, so you definitely would not want to soak your pieces in that. Thanks for commenting!
You can also use it to make alcohol inks. :) I always have at least 2 bottles around of the 90% or higher. 99% is a bit hard to find in my area but I did find 91% and it works just fine. In a pinch I just use the regular as I always have some of that in the bathroom cabinet. - Heidi
I work with fabrics in my craft area so, to clean it up to work with polymer clay I burn some alcohol in a pot (in a safe area away from anything that can catch fire), it burns away lint, animal hair, dust, even ugly smells!! :) and after having a flu is the best way to kill any leftover germs in your room ;)
I know it's seven years later (hah!) and I'm sure you've figured this out by now but the rubbing alcohol will evaporate quickly afterwards as long as it's thin enough. So yes, it's safe to go in the oven. I would make sure to use it in a well ventilated area and it does smell pretty bad. Hope this helps! 😅
Thank you Cindy for the reminder, it was just in time, I just finished a bunch of SpongeBob pendants and they cleaned up so nice! I'd love to share my picture but don't see how!
Yes probably. Start with 99% Isopropyl alcohol. If that doesn't work try Acetone or Paint thinner. You should be able to remove it and hopefully save your piece!
Also clean your polymer clay tiles before you paint them with acrylic paint. It allows the paint to stick and clay not to reject paint at first like it does if you don't use alcohol to clean.
Hi Cindy, I just bought a litre of 99% Isopropyl yesterday from an electronics store here in the UK (Maplins), I could only get 70% in only 600ml for about the same price from a chemists (Pharmacy) (the litre was only 2 quid more). I bought it for use with alcohol inks. Now you say dilute with water for this, but you don't say if tap water is okay or if distilled should be used - plus I'd like to know the proportions of water and alcohol to mix. I already use alcohol wipes for most everything else. This video of yours is just in time for me! Thanks.
Fran OnTheEdge Tap water is fine and you can play with the proportions. I have used about 50/50 with good results but it really isn't all that precise. Glad you found a souse in the UK for the Rubbing Alcohol. Thanks for your comment!
Fran OnTheEdge That's great to know, ThanQ. I have not found any in Scotland and ended up using Blue Smirnoff Vodka instead. It's about 60%. As I don't drink though, it doesn't bother me using it for my clay, lol!
Jennifer A Shepherd The one I got at Maplins is listed as a cleaning solvent for electronics, so if you don't have a Maplins in Scotland try searching under "electronics", "cleaning" and "solvent" - you might have better luck that way.
Thank You. I'll try that if I get stuck. I have a few relatives 'Down South', which is handy when I need anything, not available here. They can check out their local craft stores etc. I return the favour by getting them Scottish goods like 'Tattie Scones'. We have a good system going :-)
Thanks for another great tip, Cindy. This is a most useful supply in the polymer clay studio, for sure. In Western Australia we pay $12.00 for a small bottle at our local chemist (pharmacy) so we use it with less abandon than those of you who can buy it cheaply at Costco :-)
Sue Smith Holey cow! I knew it was expensive there but I didn't realize how expensive. Hope you guys get paid more there... your cost of living sounds horrendous! I guess you will need to be more careful with how much Rubbing Alcohol you use. A beautiful place though. I hope to travel to Australia some day.
PolymerClayTutor Might be cheaper to use vodka LOL. Cost of living is around 30% higher here than in the USA (not sure about Canada) and I think our average earnings are a little higher but that's diminished by the higher cost of living. Swings and roundabouts :-) It's mostly supply and demand that causes the higher costs. Our population is miniscule compared to North America and if you factor in the cost of freight on imported supplies you can see why things cost so much more here. Consider one of life's essentials - polymer clay! It's around $3.95 plus postage or $4.96 in a local shop for a 2 oz block. Even so Australia is a brilliant place to live. Maybe put it on your bucket list for one of your PCT road trips :-) You'd be welcomed with open arms... no worries :-)
I can’t seem to find exactly what I am looking for….I am doing a set of 20 bracelets for a memorial but I need to find a way to make my polymer beads shinny on the outside….I have tried doing it in my resin bead makers but to me they just don’t like as beautiful….anyone have any ideas on that final step….I tried the uv resin and when I wiped the sticky off it just made it look so much worse…..anyone, someone…..please help….I need to get these orders out like in the next two and a half weeks
Hi Cindy, do you mix your rubbing alcohol with water before using it to remove dust on clay? I've tried rubbing (pure 99% alcohol) using q-tips before i bake my clay. however. after i bake it i found obvious strokes on my baked clay. Could you please help me.0
No I don't mix with water. You can try using the rubbing alcohol on a fine art brush instead, that may help you with the lines you are getting. Also if you want another product to try, I would use Sculpey Clay Softener or baby oil on an art brush instead. That will smooth out lines and marks quite nicely.
*_Thanks for the information your videos are very helpful.can you tell me please which camera do you use for recording your videos because your video quality is great. it is very helpful if you tell the name and model no. of camera thanks again_*
Wizard of the Nights It is my husband Doug that takes care of camera stuff, so I’m not up on all of the make and model details that you are asking for. He actually uses several different cameras depending on what or where we are filming. One thing I can tell you, because I hear Doug saying it all the time, is that good quality production has much more to do with the operator than the equipment. Camera technology has come so far these days. Some producers have even made Hollywood films using an iPhone… just because you can.
Made a mistake with painting eyes on tuts face. Have already glazed with sculpy gloss glaze. Can I use rubbing alcohol to remove glaze and paint from his face?
Yes, I would think so. I clean my silicone tips with Rubbing Alcohol. But it wouldn't hurt to test it first on your least favorite tool, just in case your particular soft tip, reacts to it.
***** I did mention how... soak in in a dish of alcohol, then scrub into the crevices withe an old toothbrush if you need to. But I could add a video to the list, if that's what people need.
No, I don't believe they would be the same. Rubbing alcohol is also called Isopropyl Alcohol or Surgical Spirits. I haven't heard it called alcohol solvent before.
Oh, that's too bad to hear. Yeah wax paper is not a good thing to bake polymer clay on. The wax melts and then bonds with the clay. You could try soaking in water or rubbing alcohol to remove it.
Now you know why I have natural nails! Never seem to be able to keep my nail polish from getting wrecked. Some clay artists do tho... they must be magical! 🌟
It's not cheap. Checked 4 different pharnacies and 91% is the highest any one of them carried. Was told to order on line. Cheapest was $12.00 for 2 16 oz. bottles.
HOW ARE YOU DOING A PUBLIC TUTORIAL WHILE NOT WEARING GLOVES?? This is incredibly irresponsible. 99% Isopropyl Alcohol is intensely toxic and can lead to severe poisoning or coma if ingested, fumes inhaled or ABSORBED INTO SKIN. It is highly recommended to use gloves and an organic fumes respirator mask whenever working with this substance. Risk your own personal safety, I don't care, but making a professional-seeming tutorial without these disclaimers should be criminal.
I just love your videos, just found your channel and just getting my business started
i freakin LOVE how your work area looks. every time its one of the first things i notice about your videos. it inspires me to get clean and organized lol!
I use 50%. Im soo glad i found out about this several months ago i feel more comfortable with using white clay since i can easily clean the clay and my tools with it.
Thank you so much for the info on alcohol. You saved a much cherished project.
Fingerprints! It removes fingerprints excellent! Thanks for all your tips!
Thank you so much for all the reasons why wed need to use it for polymer clay 💙 😊. Exactly what I needed to know 😊
Hi Cindy, I ve just started with polymer clay to make faces for may dolls and I am not able to make it smooth! Do you think the polymer clay I ve been using is too soft? My problem is not the fingerprints but my doll's head has cellulitis!! LOL HELP ME PLEEASE! xxx
I found it to be a good cleaner for my hands. Use it in between color changes too.
Hey Cindy, i've seen on some other videos that it can be also used to transfer image on unbacked polymer clay.. do u know if it can be done on backed polymer clay as well?
Hi Cindy...I found that using Alcohol under the roller of my Pasta machine cleaners all the stuff the get stuck on the rollers. I use to get little black marks along the edges of the clay I put thru but with doing it underneath while cranking the machine it takes it all off.
Great Info, Cindy. Does your studio really look that neat, clean and organized? LOL
I'm thrilled to watch your videos and learn this fascinating art form. I'm a metal and wire worker mostly and looking forward to incorporating polymer clay into my jewelry.
Thanks for ALL your videos. I learn something useful every time I watch you.
Thank for all the helpful tips I have 2 more I splashed acrylic paint on my good jeans a got it all out using alcohol. I was amazed
PolymerClayTutor Great suggestions Cindy. I have used it to remove dried paint from both carpet and clothing and for removing the sticky residue from stickers but never thought to use it on clay.
redhotsweetpotatoe That sounds excellent! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Cindy, you didn't mention one of the best things it can do.you can remove dust and fingerprints from your unbaked clay projects. I also use acetone for the same reason and for many of the things you mentioned using alcohol for. You just have to be careful about how much you use because it does melt polymer clay. Take care, Dee
Hi ***** I did mention that when I was cleaning off the raw cane. You are right about needing to be careful with the acetone. It will melt your clay, so you definitely would not want to soak your pieces in that. Thanks for commenting!
Its also a perfect cleaner for white boards- takes off the old "ghost" dry erase pen inks! Makes the white board look fantastic!
You can also use it to make alcohol inks. :) I always have at least 2 bottles around of the 90% or higher. 99% is a bit hard to find in my area but I did find 91% and it works just fine. In a pinch I just use the regular as I always have some of that in the bathroom cabinet.
- Heidi
I just found your channel, and I love your videos! Thank you for the wonderful tips and advice!
I work with fabrics in my craft area so, to clean it up to work with polymer clay I burn some alcohol in a pot (in a safe area away from anything that can catch fire), it burns away lint, animal hair, dust, even ugly smells!! :) and after having a flu is the best way to kill any leftover germs in your room ;)
***** Interesting. Never heard of that tip!
Great tips! Is it safe (like no harmful fumes or anything) to bake clay after rubbing the alcohol on it?
I know it's seven years later (hah!) and I'm sure you've figured this out by now but the rubbing alcohol will evaporate quickly afterwards as long as it's thin enough. So yes, it's safe to go in the oven. I would make sure to use it in a well ventilated area and it does smell pretty bad. Hope this helps! 😅
@@camliona thanks!
@@KT_83 Yea, no problem!
Thank you Cindy for the reminder, it was just in time, I just finished a bunch of SpongeBob pendants and they cleaned up so nice! I'd love to share my picture but don't see how!
Thanks for these helpful tutorials. You really do live up to your name - a great tutor!
Thank you so much Carol for the kind words! It is very much appreciated!
It also helps remove finger prints on your pieces!!!
Thanks for your timely help
I was recently told that you can also remove PearlEx from unwanted areas with alcohol on a small paint brush. I haven't tried it yet, though!
I tried it. It works a little but won't get it all off just some.
Good tip, thanks.
I sprayed my clay dishes with alenes varnish
They are super sticky now
Do you think alcohol would take it off
Yes probably. Start with 99% Isopropyl alcohol. If that doesn't work try Acetone or Paint thinner. You should be able to remove it and hopefully save your piece!
Hi I tried to use this on baked polymer Clay to clear up bead but it didn't seam to do anything?
What am I doing wrong?
Also clean your polymer clay tiles before you paint them with acrylic paint. It allows the paint to stick and clay not to reject paint at first like it does if you don't use alcohol to clean.
Hi Cindy,
I just bought a litre of 99% Isopropyl yesterday from an electronics store here in the UK (Maplins), I could only get 70% in only 600ml for about the same price from a chemists (Pharmacy) (the litre was only 2 quid more).
I bought it for use with alcohol inks. Now you say dilute with water for this, but you don't say if tap water is okay or if distilled should be used - plus I'd like to know the proportions of water and alcohol to mix.
I already use alcohol wipes for most everything else.
This video of yours is just in time for me! Thanks.
Fran OnTheEdge Tap water is fine and you can play with the proportions. I have used about 50/50 with good results but it really isn't all that precise. Glad you found a souse in the UK for the Rubbing Alcohol. Thanks for your comment!
Fran OnTheEdge That's great to know, ThanQ.
I have not found any in Scotland and ended up using Blue Smirnoff Vodka instead. It's about 60%. As I don't drink though, it doesn't bother me using it for my clay, lol!
Jennifer A Shepherd The one I got at Maplins is listed as a cleaning solvent for electronics, so if you don't have a Maplins in Scotland try searching under "electronics", "cleaning" and "solvent" - you might have better luck that way.
Thank You. I'll try that if I get stuck.
I have a few relatives 'Down South', which is handy when I need anything, not available here. They can check out their local craft stores etc. I return the favour by getting them Scottish goods like 'Tattie Scones'. We have a good system going :-)
Thanks for another great tip, Cindy. This is a most useful supply in the polymer clay studio, for sure. In Western Australia we pay $12.00 for a small bottle at our local chemist (pharmacy) so we use it with less abandon than those of you who can buy it cheaply at Costco :-)
Sue Smith Holey cow! I knew it was expensive there but I didn't realize how expensive. Hope you guys get paid more there... your cost of living sounds horrendous! I guess you will need to be more careful with how much Rubbing Alcohol you use. A beautiful place though. I hope to travel to Australia some day.
PolymerClayTutor
Might be cheaper to use vodka LOL. Cost of living is around 30% higher here than in the USA (not sure about Canada) and I think our average earnings are a little higher but that's diminished by the higher cost of living. Swings and roundabouts :-) It's mostly supply and demand that causes the higher costs. Our population is miniscule compared to North America and if you factor in the cost of freight on imported supplies you can see why things cost so much more here. Consider one of life's essentials - polymer clay! It's around $3.95 plus postage or $4.96 in a local shop for a 2 oz block. Even so Australia is a brilliant place to live. Maybe put it on your bucket list for one of your PCT road trips :-) You'd be welcomed with open arms... no worries :-)
Sue Smith I Would absolutely love to visit you in Australia Sue! Maybe we should get some pontoons for the trailer? LOL
Never thought of using it to remove a crappy glaze! Great idea.
I can’t seem to find exactly what I am looking for….I am doing a set of 20 bracelets for a memorial but I need to find a way to make my polymer beads shinny on the outside….I have tried doing it in my resin bead makers but to me they just don’t like as beautiful….anyone have any ideas on that final step….I tried the uv resin and when I wiped the sticky off it just made it look so much worse…..anyone, someone…..please help….I need to get these orders out like in the next two and a half weeks
Rubbing out permanet pen is Awesome!!
Hi Cindy, do you mix your rubbing alcohol with water before using it to remove dust on clay? I've tried rubbing (pure 99% alcohol) using q-tips before i bake my clay. however. after i bake it i found obvious strokes on my baked clay. Could you please help me.0
No I don't mix with water. You can try using the rubbing alcohol on a fine art brush instead, that may help you with the lines you are getting. Also if you want another product to try, I would use Sculpey Clay Softener or baby oil on an art brush instead. That will smooth out lines and marks quite nicely.
@@PolymerClayTutor thanks a lot for replying me 😍 should i use baby oil before or after bake?
@@awny95 before
can this help smooth out clay figures/ charms?
can we use a 70% pure one
what about "stamping" (or similar)your glass mat and transferring it to the clay. do you think something like that would work?
eturnald I don't know? It sounds like something that might work though. Why don't you try it and let us know how it goes?
i would but dont have a blass mat YET :) but it is on my wishlist
*_Thanks for the information your videos are very helpful.can you tell me please which camera do you use for recording your videos because your video quality is great. it is very helpful if you tell the name and model no. of camera thanks again_*
Wizard of the Nights It
is my husband Doug that takes care of camera stuff, so I’m not up on all of the
make and model details that you are asking for. He actually uses several
different cameras depending on what or where we are filming. One thing I can
tell you, because I hear Doug saying it all the time, is that good quality
production has much more to do with the operator than the equipment. Camera
technology has come so far these days. Some producers have even made Hollywood
films using an iPhone… just because you can.
_Thank you very much for the information.Once again your videos are very helpful._
I agree.. rubbing alcohol is very very useful....
I wonder if I can clean my paint brush with rubbing alcohol after using liquid clay. Thanks. And how do I thin liquid clay?
Yes you can clean your brush with liquid clay in it, with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol (aka Rubbing Alcohol).
@@PolymerClayTutor thanks. And how do I thin the liquid clay?
Made a mistake with painting eyes on tuts face. Have already glazed with sculpy gloss glaze. Can I use rubbing alcohol to remove glaze and paint from his face?
Isopropyl Alcohol 99% works really well for removing acrylic paints and glazes.
can i safely use rubbing alcahol to clean my silicone soft tip sculpting tools?
Yes, I would think so. I clean my silicone tips with Rubbing Alcohol. But it wouldn't hurt to test it first on your least favorite tool, just in case your particular soft tip, reacts to it.
@@PolymerClayTutor thankyou
Can u make a video showing how to remove glaze from polymer clay pieces with the rubbing alcohol?
***** I did mention how... soak in in a dish of alcohol, then scrub into the crevices withe an old toothbrush if you need to. But I could add a video to the list, if that's what people need.
Thank you.
does it removes rust
The rubbing alcohol I found says it's flammable so if I use it on my pre made clay creation,would if go in flames when I bake it?
Is rubbing alcohol the same as alcohol solvent?
No, I don't believe they would be the same. Rubbing alcohol is also called Isopropyl Alcohol or Surgical Spirits. I haven't heard it called alcohol solvent before.
Is it possible to use Acetone?
How can I remove wax paper off of polymer clay? I think it burnt
Oh, that's too bad to hear. Yeah wax paper is not a good thing to bake polymer clay on. The wax melts and then bonds with the clay. You could try soaking in water or rubbing alcohol to remove it.
Now I know why it ruined my gel manicure! 😆 Thanks. 😁
Now you know why I have natural nails! Never seem to be able to keep my nail polish from getting wrecked. Some clay artists do tho... they must be magical! 🌟
12!
I feel like if I use it to clean my clay piece before baking its gonna get set on fire because it's flammable ;-;
The alcahol evaporates quickly, so it isn't a problem
It's not cheap. Checked 4 different pharnacies and 91% is the highest any one of them carried. Was told to order on line. Cheapest was $12.00 for 2 16 oz. bottles.
Linnea Beckman I bought mine at Costco for like $10 or $12 for 4 bottles (500ml)
HOW ARE YOU DOING A PUBLIC TUTORIAL WHILE NOT WEARING GLOVES?? This is incredibly irresponsible. 99% Isopropyl Alcohol is intensely toxic and can lead to severe poisoning or coma if ingested, fumes inhaled or ABSORBED INTO SKIN. It is highly recommended to use gloves and an organic fumes respirator mask whenever working with this substance. Risk your own personal safety, I don't care, but making a professional-seeming tutorial without these disclaimers should be criminal.
Bullshit I have used it on skin before
not to be rude but you always involve polymer clay in mostly anything
+Mario Garibay I am the Polymer Clay Tutor so that is my job description.
mario garibay what do you mean by that? it's a polymer clay tip...