I've been varnishing clay for many years now, and I just wanted to say nail varnish is a BAD idea! it might be ok to start with but ive found some brands get sticky over time, or never thoroughly dry in the first place, and all of them yellow and peel after four or five years.
Thanks for commenting, really appreciate that there is a lot of variation in brands, some I've had a couple of years are still good, time will tell. Thank you, have a great day
What do you use instead, to seal your air dry clay? I recently have gotten into this hobby and I bought a DAS varnish to seal my clay with, but sadly I have been getting cracks after it fully dries and I don’t know what else I should use :(
Hi @lydiaquqyle please share with us which your favorite sealing technique and brand is. I’m also new to air dry clay but want to make little jewelry trays and eventually sell them. So I need the clay to be sealed for many many years. Would highly appreciate your expertise
@@kingakielbasa612 do you mean cracks in the varnish after it's cured? If it's that, then I have no idea why varnish would crack unless the item was dropped or bumped hard by something I guess. Or did you mean cracks in the air dry clay you are using? If it's the clay that's cracking, I can explain why that happens. The clay shrinks as it starts to dry. It loses moisture and shinks by 20% I believe. If you find cracks in your air dry clay, then use a small amount of slip (slip is clay mixed with water to make a paste) put some of it on and into the crack. Then use a small amount of fresh clay and fill the hole with it, then smooth the wet clay into the dry clay to disguise the repair. Air dry clay pretty much always cracks, especially if it dries too quickly. Keep it away from heat while it's drying and allow it to dry naturally for up to 3 days if it's a large piece. If it feels cold to the touch, when it's been curing for 2-3 days, and a part of it is darker than the rest, then the darker part is probably still damp and not fully cured, and needs longer to dry. Once the clay is completely dry it feels room temperature to the touch Anyway, lesson over, good luck with your project!
You can buy poly-urethane in clear so it won't yellow. also, check out poly-acrylic as a brush-on or spray. It's essentially lacquer, except food safe and slightly less durable. finally, to avoid the bleeding with the lacquer or poly-acrylic, first spray on suuuuper thin coat or two, let them dry fully, then throw on your last coat a little thick. I use both for finishing wood, and the procedure there is to put down 2 thicker coats, lightly sand with very high grit sandpaper, and then put down one more very thin coat. This will get you the smoothest and most uniform finish, and, if you're using gloss, the shiniest.
Thanks, I now do more with resin, but yes needs to be thin, nail varnish isn’t everyone’s favourite but the brand I had seems to still be holding up . Enjoy 😊❤️
I really like how detailed the experiments were, as someone who takes a long time to make DIY's, it can be really challenging to find the right sealer without the risk of ruining a project. I've thought about switching to the lacquer spray, although I have a few questions about it. 1. How long should I leave the product to dry? 2. Is the result smooth/does it require sanding after drying? 3. Does the product produce bubbles?
Thanks, should be touch dry in a few hours, but leave longer to fully dry. I don’t sand mine and don’t get bubbles. I’m hopefully going to do a remake of this video soon as what I use gradually changes over time as I discover new products etc. thanks
Hi Thanks, Varathane sounds good, had a quick look and I can’t find the brand easily here in the uk 🇬🇧 Google says ‘Varathane is a water-based polyurethane sealer that adds shine’ that’s great you have something odourless, I’ll check it out next time we can travel, gutted we’ve missed our recent trips the the US, keep crafting, Sarah
I love them all, I’m going to try and make some. With the uv nail polish, you can wipe it with a little isopropyl alcohol or you can get a non wipe top coat, I have used it on polymer clay pendants and it works really well. Xx
Thank you, I really should have done that shouldn't I...ooops! Just a bit limiting for larger pieces, but i will give it a go again on some pins. Fab that you have got it to work on polymer clay too, I love experimenting with different things ♥️ thanks for watching
Yes, this, and the curing could be impacted by the brand of polish, too. UV gel takes a bit longer to cure than LED gel, so leaving it in the lamp for at least 2 minutes, making sure light gets to all surfaces and, if you want to avoid cleaning it at the end, buying a non-tacky gel polish type will all help get better results. I would seal the clay before adding the polish with a clear acrylic product of any kind to make sure it's not porous, and so that nothing in the polish reacts with what's under it.
Hi there, if you use a gel polish top coat it does the job and dries not sticky. gel polishes are always sticky but if you wipe them down after the curing process is finished with some Isopropyl alcohol then the sticky top comes straight off.
you can use lacquer hair spay as a substitute for lacquer spray finish from a craft store. I also use this for fixative over pastel or graphite drawings on paper and to seal my aqrylic paintings its cheap and easy to find while travelling if theres no art store around
A layer of white paper glue on top of the painting that dries transparent totally seals as well.Sometimes l put 2 layers on if there is alot of black pen work.
Thank You so much for this video I've been searching for a video like this for ages thats UK based so I can actually buy the products and today this got recommended and it ticked every box!! :D
Thank you, and all nail varnish is different too, so will last different lengths of time. I must get some resin, good you find it great to use, thanks 😊
Thanks for the tips...I do larger pieces and so the nail polish would not be a good choice for those but I also do a lot of small molded pieces that are a pain to spray with the glaze...so the nail polish would be perfect for those! :)
@@RedRockingBird gnome/fairy houses...adding wildlife to them, such as raccoons and opossums. Just started with the air dry clay and like it much better than the polymer. I think it's much easier to work with in many ways.
Hi Sarah I've just watched this video and noticed that you liked the uv lamp but was concerned because it kept coming out damp. You just need to wipe it your prep and finish solution or you can buy a no wipe top coat, that doesn't need wiping after curing. Keep up the good work, keep inspiring, thanks Deby x 💜🐾
Hi, why oh why I didn’t have my gel nails head on that day and think about that, like when I once in a blue moon 🌚 get to do my nails, that really would have helped wouldn’t it and works well for just a few very small items 😍 thank you
I use markers allot and spray varnish works great, no bleed but only if the markers are acrylic. Oil paint based markers would bleed at all times. Haven't tried any other markers.
With the gel lamp, it’s very common to have a ‘tacky layer.’ All you need is some alcohol on a cotton pad to remove it from nails, but I’m not sure how the alcohol would interact with clay. I’m new to this wonderful world of clay, and I’m fascinated!! 🇺🇸♥️🇬🇧
Hi, thank you so much for watching, I love air dry clay too. I should have used that alcohol shouldn't I, I think by that point i realised I liked the way the normal nail varnish top coat looked, and worked, without having to get the LED lamp out etc, plus I have lots of that to use up!!! Give it a whirl. Lots of other air dry clay videos on my channel and more to come for Christmas too, keep watching : ) 🇬🇧♥️🇺🇸
@@RedRockingBird thank you SO MUCH for answering. What I haven’t been able to ascertain so far is whether air clay items should not get wet, and their level of fragility. I appreciate the ‘handle-with-care’ aspect that most pottery naturally has, but let’s say 1-10 scale, the GORGEOUS torn edge bowl ... is it as delicate as it looks? I’d be afraid to use it!! Have a wonderful day, and thanks again!
@@deniselovesglitter the clay is not food safe and you can't get it wet, but if you apply acrylic and then varnish I would say it becomes showerproof, so I can put the pins on my backpack without them damaging in the rain. But air dry clay left on it's own, if it were to get wet would absorb moisture and soften again. If you roll not too thin and tear the edges of a bowl I would not be afraid to use it no, I should do one and video it as I've been asked this a few times already : ) Robust scale I'd give it a 7 ... not been asked that one before : ) Hope that helps : )
The LED polish does need to be wiped with rubbing alcohol or tje soultion that comes with the top coat. The best option is a no wipe top coat LED Polish. It's my favorite one but it doesn't last long... but my earring pieces did very well ..things that aren't touched too much like maybe a planter pot... but jewelery pieces need a permanent seal and top coat
@@mariacarter6954 glad you managed to order some, I need another can too, so will see what i find, enjoy your project, I'm like that too, need to do these things straight away!
this is exactly the video i’ve been looking for!!! thank you so much😭😭 i would like to ask though! if i use the laquer, will it make the clay waterproof??
Hi, thank you ❤️ The lacquer i use is a craft lacquer so I wouldn't say it was fully waterproof, I have another video that is all about waterproofing the clay for outdoors: th-cam.com/video/91EVMXFMgUQ/w-d-xo.html What do you like to make? ❤️
@@RedRockingBird I may not the be person you wanted to answer, but unless the gel says that it's not tacky/don't have that film, then you ''need'' to wipe it with some alcohol/acetone :)
@@marialouise3450 I sure did need to try that didn't I, to be honest i think i'd already decided it wasn't worth the effort with the UV as the regular nail polish worked so well, without the extra steps. Have you tried this before? Thanks
@@RedRockingBird No worries, I probably would've thought the same haha I'm actually looking up different ways of varnishing so that I cn start making some trickets! (that's how I found your video)
I think with the gel polish you have to wipe it with an alcohol wipe after curing just as you do when you do your nails. It’s not that the gel hasn’t cured it’s just a film left on top
Can the lacquer be sprayed on the clay without acrylic layer? I like the natural colour of the clay & I want it to have glossy finish but I'm afraid that it will affect the clay. Tq so muchh
The lacquer that I have soaks in to the bare clay, different brands might be different though, a thin layer of something like mod podge first seals it and then the gloss lacquer gives a nice sheen to the top, otherwise just more layers of lacquer, it will make it stronger too. I too love the look of the bare clay. Thank you
I am glad to find you and wach your videos .your voice is so beautiful. Plus you are in the uk and i can see exactly what you use and find in the shops around and not need to try to find a Usa brand. Thx you
@@RedRockingBird it will be my firt time using clay .before i use to paint i painted on glass and canvas but I become a mum so no time to paint and is a bit messy .so I start to do handmade bracelet from nylon cords but i will like to add a bit more to it and to be different to others so i will like to make jwellery from clay to be added in the middle of my bracelet and mabey earrings...alos i love diferent tray .or leaf 🍃 trays
@@ivpaulaivy3592 wonderful, I totally understand about not having time when being a Mum, my 2 are getting a bit older now so I do my crafts with them too and they love it, especially painting, so you have that to look forward to. Enjoy your projects, I have lots more on here, including jewellery and clay dishes, and lots more to come ❤️ th-cam.com/video/R7oJI3alI7g/w-d-xo.html
@@RedRockingBird saw 👀 it already. I will keep looking at your videos and thx you for sharing. You make it sound very easy..by the way this is not toxic or so ..o see kids they used too ?
have you tried water based varnish? I have just ordered some air dry clay and am intending to use it...polyurethane will tend to yellow after time...I used to make wooden name blocks, and the water based varnishes last SO long. thank you so much for all of the products you tried!!!
There is liquid glass in polyurethane but there is only so much, so once you open Polly urethane the glass begins to evaporate and that's where the yellowing comes in. All of the liquid glass has evaporated that is why you need to do your crafts and DIYs and then polyurethane them all at once. Once you open polyurethane and replace the lid, the liquid glass in the polyurethane steel evaporates in a very short span of time.
for the gel polish, did you check if you have a no wipe polish? cuz if you dont, you have to wipe off the sticky layer (with acetone i believe) after you have dried it under the lamp.
I do don't I, I have no idea why I missed this step, when I do do it on my nails, I'm happier to use other options though, rather than use up my nail gel, thank you ❤
I have problem with the glaze. ive been using acrylic for the clay and everytime i glaze it using the resin, my color will bleed . I didnt use the uv lamp btw
Thank you, glad you enjoyed, I’m really not sure with not having sensitive skin, so it’s never been something I’ve thought about, depends what the allergies are etc I guess, sorry
Hello! Thank you for your videos! Does mod-podge give a good shiny glazed look if I apply it after coats of white acryllic have dried - or should I use anything else afterwards to increase the glossiness and finish? Thank you very much! Edit - After watching your videos I think I know what to do. First, i will use slip to smooth out the air dry clay and remove any finger prints. Then I will give a few coats of white acryllic. Then a few coats of mod podge gloss. And then finnally a few coats of spray laqeur to finish. Does that sound reasonable?
Yes I use it like this, if i don't undercoat with acrylic paint then I tend to paint a design, then mod podge, then spray lacquer, the spray is my favourite, just make sure you leave to dry fully between steps otherwise the acrylic paint may peel, takes longer to dry than you think, so i tend to work on more than one item at a time too.
@@RedRockingBird Thank you very much! Hopefully my project will turn out great! If i may ask another question, how would you deal with making a masqurade mask out of air dry clay. So that the clay isnt touching my skin i'm going attach cotton to the surface. And im planing on making holes in the mask to attach elastic that will keep it attached to my face. Do you have any tips or thoughts?
Nice - loving your videos! What do you think of Duraclear? I'm looking to create both matt and high gloss pieces and see it comes in both as a brush-on type. I'd prefer to stay clear of strong solvents
Thank you, I’d give it a go, sounds like it could leave a yellow tinge as some varnishes do but some people like that effect. Do a test piece on something non precious and see what you think, varnish drying times tend to be longer ❤️
Hi, it sure does, I did a waterproof video and used this same polyurethane, just need to make sure it’s not permanently wet and you check it each year as might need a recoat over time ❤️
Thanks Jason, I've only just started to use resin and finding that I really do like using it, not for everyone, which is why I made this video with no resin. I've been using this UV resin: amzn.to/3SRHLeM marine epoxy sounds good
You can get a matt spray. You can add a thinned down acrylic medium or thinned white glue or thinned acrylic on the bare clay. Then 'glaze'/varnish after, with matt or gloss. So many products out there.
Thanks for the tutorial. I've been using something called "Acrylic Gloss" when sealing my clays. Does that qualify as Gloss Medium/Varnish? It sorta looks/acts like mod podge/glue-water.
Acrylic gloss is designed to be mixed in with acrylic paints while painting to give a sheen etc, but I too have used it as a top coat for air dry clay, it won’t be as durable as a varnish or resin but if it’s what you have and you like the finish then I’d go with it, it’s all crafting at the end of the day. I must do a new video on varnishes, thanks
I did the exact same thing on a white birdhouse I wanted to varnish; I used a couple of years old, water based garage varathane. It also went yellow, which I attributed to the age of it. I had used it when 1st bought, and do not remember any yellowing! I was curious about resin, which I do have...
@@RedRockingBird the reason why I was asking; is because I watched another person's video who said they tried resin, which they said was just a goopey mess. I have a feeling that it was possibly clay not fully dried, resin not completely mixed, or resin not dried long enough. I love your little designs, very cute! I have to ask, i also use a sharpie for fine detail and lines; were u using a permanent sharpie ink? I wonder if that would stop the bleeding, or do I have to pull out the extra fine paint brush, and steel my nerves....lol 😂
I’ve seen people use resin well, I guess it one of those things that takes a bit of practice. 😊 I have successfully used a permanent sharpie and varnished, but then done similar with the same pen and a different top coat made the ink bleed, so I now always say do a test piece on a scrap piece with what you’ll use. ❤️
In another video someone used the UV method and then leaves her pins in the sun to get rid of the tackiness. But we're in the UK so now much sun here lol
Those nail lamp paints have to be buffed after they set under the lamp. They are tacky on the nail too after it sets and then you buff the tacky bit off with a cotton pad.
I sure did need to try that didn't I, to be honest i think i'd already decided it wasn't worth the effort with the UV as the regular nail polish worked so well, without the extra steps. Have you tried this before? Thanks
If that’s all you have no problem, do a small test piece and see what you think. I have a nail varnish that’s fast drying and works perfectly well and never gone sticky, but each one may be different, best of luck
At the end of the video you have a dark blue toned necklace. I’m looking into how to do glaze like that with air dry clay... more natural organic finishes... is that possible? Thank you
What about the white or transoarent glue? Or glossy mod podge. It also works fine. we can use acrylic glossy varnish on it too? Thanks alot for ur vids.
Can i paint over polyurethane varnish? So i can get the durable waterproof sealing without the yellow tinge? After few layers of PU varnish i will lightly sand then coat with white primer then use acrylic paint and final coat of spray varnish. Do you think this would work 😅??
I use a clear lacquer, so yes try it, as long as you do 2+ very thin coats to build up, rather than one very heavy spray, test it on an off cut if you are unsure
Another video said Mod Podge would be best, may I ask why it wasnt featured or why it may not be best? Thank you sm :) also would resin be the best option then?
Does the spray lacquer dry tacky? I would like to try and make coasters, and after using mod podge in the past, not only does it dry tacky, it also eventually melts especially if you love hot drinks and tea as much as I do! 😂 any suggestions for coasters? Thanks (:
I'd use something like a polyurethane varnish, you just have to make sure it's 100% dry which mine takes quite a while as oil based, and don't let it touch anything while coating or drying, then turn over and repeat, you can use little pyramids like it did when spraying this: th-cam.com/video/5bIyv6bmqMs/w-d-xo.html (but you'd apply with a brush
I don't like Mod Podge. Tried it with half a dozen different kinds of paper beads, and they're still tacky. That was several years ago. Also it kind of yellowed, so Mod Podge and nail varnish are off my list permanently for any kind of finish.
Quick tip: seal with all marker work with m-podge before adding resin or else it will smear/bleed.
good tip will experiment with markers and mod podge again, thanks 💕 🎨
I found out the hard way 🙈
@@RedRockingBird try alcohol markers with various sealers as well. In theory nothing that is water-based should make them bleed.
@@rocki_bb good point, so many options, thank you for sharing
@@RedRockingBird you're welcome! I'm going to try it myself soon. I'll let you know if the alcohol markers bleed
I've been varnishing clay for many years now, and I just wanted to say nail varnish is a BAD idea! it might be ok to start with but ive found some brands get sticky over time, or never thoroughly dry in the first place, and all of them yellow and peel after four or five years.
Thanks for commenting, really appreciate that there is a lot of variation in brands, some I've had a couple of years are still good, time will tell. Thank you, have a great day
What do you use instead, to seal your air dry clay? I recently have gotten into this hobby and I bought a DAS varnish to seal my clay with, but sadly I have been getting cracks after it fully dries and I don’t know what else I should use :(
Hi @lydiaquqyle please share with us which your favorite sealing technique and brand is. I’m also new to air dry clay but want to make little jewelry trays and eventually sell them. So I need the clay to be sealed for many many years. Would highly appreciate your expertise
@@kingakielbasa612 do you mean cracks in the varnish after it's cured? If it's that, then I have no idea why varnish would crack unless the item was dropped or bumped hard by something I guess.
Or did you mean cracks in the air dry clay you are using? If it's the clay that's cracking, I can explain why that happens. The clay shrinks as it starts to dry. It loses moisture and shinks by 20% I believe. If you find cracks in your air dry clay, then use a small amount of slip (slip is clay mixed with water to make a paste) put some of it on and into the crack. Then use a small amount of fresh clay and fill the hole with it, then smooth the wet clay into the dry clay to disguise the repair. Air dry clay pretty much always cracks, especially if it dries too quickly. Keep it away from heat while it's drying and allow it to dry naturally for up to 3 days if it's a large piece. If it feels cold to the touch, when it's been curing for 2-3 days, and a part of it is darker than the rest, then the darker part is probably still damp and not fully cured, and needs longer to dry. Once the clay is completely dry it feels room temperature to the touch Anyway, lesson over, good luck with your project!
@@lindaschauble1820 I would love to get the recommendation as well!
This is SO helpful! Thanks so much for making this
Thank you for watching, enjoy your projects
You can buy poly-urethane in clear so it won't yellow. also, check out poly-acrylic as a brush-on or spray. It's essentially lacquer, except food safe and slightly less durable. finally, to avoid the bleeding with the lacquer or poly-acrylic, first spray on suuuuper thin coat or two, let them dry fully, then throw on your last coat a little thick.
I use both for finishing wood, and the procedure there is to put down 2 thicker coats, lightly sand with very high grit sandpaper, and then put down one more very thin coat. This will get you the smoothest and most uniform finish, and, if you're using gloss, the shiniest.
Great tips thank you for sharing with us all 😊
Hi. I've been having problems with rodents and insects with my ADC. Is the Polyurethane ok? Thank you ❤
Resin works well but on larger items it can run and pool if layered thickly. Thanks for sharing clear nail polish great idea for smaller items.
Thanks, I now do more with resin, but yes needs to be thin, nail varnish isn’t everyone’s favourite but the brand I had seems to still be holding up . Enjoy 😊❤️
@RedRockingBird which nail varnish did you use. Thanks
I really like how detailed the experiments were, as someone who takes a long time to make DIY's, it can be really challenging to find the right sealer without the risk of ruining a project. I've thought about switching to the lacquer spray, although I have a few questions about it.
1. How long should I leave the product to dry?
2. Is the result smooth/does it require sanding after drying?
3. Does the product produce bubbles?
Thanks, should be touch dry in a few hours, but leave longer to fully dry. I don’t sand mine and don’t get bubbles. I’m hopefully going to do a remake of this video soon as what I use gradually changes over time as I discover new products etc. thanks
UV nail gel has a sticky residue layer that you need to wipe off with isopropyl alcohol. Or you can buy ‘no wipe’ top coat.
Thanks, I really should have done that at the time 🤦🏻♀️ as I obviously do when I get round to doing my nails, do you use this on clay?
Instead of the poly varnish, here in the US we we have water based Varathane that is odorless but gives you the same glossy affect.
Hi Thanks, Varathane sounds good, had a quick look and I can’t find the brand easily here in the uk 🇬🇧
Google says ‘Varathane is a water-based polyurethane sealer that adds shine’ that’s great you have something odourless, I’ll check it out next time we can travel, gutted we’ve missed our recent trips the the US, keep crafting, Sarah
I love them all, I’m going to try and make some. With the uv nail polish, you can wipe it with a little isopropyl alcohol or you can get a non wipe top coat, I have used it on polymer clay pendants and it works really well. Xx
Thank you, I really should have done that shouldn't I...ooops! Just a bit limiting for larger pieces, but i will give it a go again on some pins. Fab that you have got it to work on polymer clay too, I love experimenting with different things ♥️ thanks for watching
Yes, this, and the curing could be impacted by the brand of polish, too. UV gel takes a bit longer to cure than LED gel, so leaving it in the lamp for at least 2 minutes, making sure light gets to all surfaces and, if you want to avoid cleaning it at the end, buying a non-tacky gel polish type will all help get better results. I would seal the clay before adding the polish with a clear acrylic product of any kind to make sure it's not porous, and so that nothing in the polish reacts with what's under it.
Hi there, if you use a gel polish top coat it does the job and dries not sticky. gel polishes are always sticky but if you wipe them down after the curing process is finished with some Isopropyl alcohol then the sticky top comes straight off.
@@RedRockingBird You're very welcome. 😊
you can use lacquer hair spay as a substitute for lacquer spray finish from a craft store. I also use this for fixative over pastel or graphite drawings on paper and to seal my aqrylic paintings its cheap and easy to find while travelling if theres no art store around
Thanks for your tip, I always used to do this with pastels etc 👍 also for fixing the pen before varnishing sometimes, thanks
I do have Resin, and working with different types. I’m going to try using resin as part of my clay projects & coating. 🤞🏻
I sure hope it goes well, I’ll be doing more resin videos soon too 😊
Great video, thank you. Love the items you've made and your decoration of them - your drawing skills 😀
Thank you, so kind of you 😃
If you use a nail "no wipe" topcoat with the uv / led lamp, it comes out without the tackiness 😊
Cool, not seen the no wipe one, thank you ⭐️
A layer of white paper glue on top of the painting that dries transparent totally seals as well.Sometimes l put 2 layers on if there is alot of black pen work.
Thank you for sharing, I will have to try this
There is also a varnish from Liquitex that is just varnish without being a medium with varnish, that might work better
Super, thanks for that, sure it will work great, so many options 😀
If you do the gel polish with the UV light, do the base coat first and then like 3 layers of the top coat and cure it 5 times for each layer
Sounds like that would give a gorgeous glossy finish, thanks for your tip ❤️
Thank You so much for this video I've been searching for a video like this for ages thats UK based so I can actually buy the products and today this got recommended and it ticked every box!! :D
Thank you, that's so kind of you to say, thanks for watching, have a great day :D
Thank you a lot for providing great info
Glad you think so, thank you 😊
Beautiful pieces-lovely creations💖💖💖
Thank you, a fun experiment ♥️
Very helpful thank you. I've found the nail gloss with time, wears off 🥺 I have resin, it's brilliant 👏🏼 Thank you for sharing this
Thank you, and all nail varnish is different too, so will last different lengths of time. I must get some resin, good you find it great to use, thanks 😊
So helpful! Thanks a bunch
Super, thank you 😊
Thanks for the tips...I do larger pieces and so the nail polish would not be a good choice for those but I also do a lot of small molded pieces that are a pain to spray with the glaze...so the nail polish would be perfect for those! :)
Nice, what kind of larger pieces do you make? I love working with air dry clay, so many possibilities, new video where i make angel wings ☺️
@@RedRockingBird gnome/fairy houses...adding wildlife to them, such as raccoons and opossums. Just started with the air dry clay and like it much better than the polymer. I think it's much easier to work with in many ways.
Very helpful video. Many thanks!
Thank you, glad it helped you 😊
these pins are so cute ima cry🥺
Thanks, you can check out the full tutorial for the pins here: th-cam.com/video/QpoLhnAvA3w/w-d-xo.html Will you be making some?
Hi Sarah I've just watched this video and noticed that you liked the uv lamp but was concerned because it kept coming out damp. You just need to wipe it your prep and finish solution or you can buy a no wipe top coat, that doesn't need wiping after curing.
Keep up the good work, keep inspiring, thanks Deby x 💜🐾
Hi, why oh why I didn’t have my gel nails head on that day and think about that, like when I once in a blue moon 🌚 get to do my nails, that really would have helped wouldn’t it and works well for just a few very small items 😍 thank you
@@RedRockingBird You're very welcome, love your videos watched more last night. Xxx 💜🐾
👍❤️
I use markers allot and spray varnish works great, no bleed but only if the markers are acrylic. Oil paint based markers would bleed at all times. Haven't tried any other markers.
yes acrylic markers are great, thanks ❤️
With the gel lamp, it’s very common to have a ‘tacky layer.’ All you need is some
alcohol on a cotton pad to remove it from nails, but I’m not sure how the alcohol would interact with clay.
I’m new to this wonderful world of clay, and I’m fascinated!!
🇺🇸♥️🇬🇧
Hi, thank you so much for watching, I love air dry clay too. I should have used that alcohol shouldn't I, I think by that point i realised I liked the way the normal nail varnish top coat looked, and worked, without having to get the LED lamp out etc, plus I have lots of that to use up!!! Give it a whirl. Lots of other air dry clay videos on my channel and more to come for Christmas too, keep watching : )
🇬🇧♥️🇺🇸
@@RedRockingBird thank you SO MUCH for answering. What I haven’t been able to ascertain so far is whether air clay items should not get wet, and their level of fragility. I appreciate the ‘handle-with-care’ aspect that most pottery naturally has, but let’s say 1-10 scale, the GORGEOUS torn edge bowl ... is it as delicate as it looks? I’d be afraid to use it!!
Have a wonderful day, and thanks again!
@@deniselovesglitter the clay is not food safe and you can't get it wet, but if you apply acrylic and then varnish I would say it becomes showerproof, so I can put the pins on my backpack without them damaging in the rain. But air dry clay left on it's own, if it were to get wet would absorb moisture and soften again.
If you roll not too thin and tear the edges of a bowl I would not be afraid to use it no, I should do one and video it as I've been asked this a few times already : )
Robust scale I'd give it a 7 ... not been asked that one before : )
Hope that helps : )
@@RedRockingBird yes, you’ve been most helpful!! Thanks so much 🎈
@@deniselovesglitter It's a pleasure, enjoy your projects 💖
The LED polish does need to be wiped with rubbing alcohol or tje soultion that comes with the top coat. The best option is a no wipe top coat LED Polish. It's my favorite one but it doesn't last long... but my earring pieces did very well ..things that aren't touched too much like maybe a planter pot... but jewelery pieces need a permanent seal and top coat
Yes. I now use resin a bit too.
very very helpful THANK YOU !!!!!
Glad you think so, thank you
thank you so much for this video, everything's so well explained! ❤️❤️ helped a ton!!! imma go make something out of air dry clay now haha! xx
Super, thank you, yes do x
Thank you. So very useful.
Glad it was helpful, thank you ❤️
Thank you for this great video!
Thank you.lot more coming soon too, keep watching : )
This was really helpful
I’m glad, thank you
Excellent, off to Wilko in the morning 😉😄 Cheers 😚
😄 Love Wilko's 😄
@@RedRockingBird didn't have either so ordered.... no patience 😄 Thank for great idea 😚😎
@@mariacarter6954 glad you managed to order some, I need another can too, so will see what i find, enjoy your project, I'm like that too, need to do these things straight away!
Thanks - so useful !
Glad it was helpful! Thank you
Thank you , bless you :)
Thank you ❤️
this is exactly the video i’ve been looking for!!! thank you so much😭😭 i would like to ask though! if i use the laquer, will it make the clay waterproof??
Hi, thank you ❤️ The lacquer i use is a craft lacquer so I wouldn't say it was fully waterproof,
I have another video that is all about waterproofing the clay for outdoors: th-cam.com/video/91EVMXFMgUQ/w-d-xo.html
What do you like to make? ❤️
just like when you do gel nails, lightly brush an alcohol swab to remove tackiness
Thanks, I really should have done this at the time shouldn't I! Do you do it this way? Thanks for watching, Sarah
@@RedRockingBird I may not the be person you wanted to answer, but unless the gel says that it's not tacky/don't have that film, then you ''need'' to wipe it with some alcohol/acetone :)
@@marialouise3450 I sure did need to try that didn't I, to be honest i think i'd already decided it wasn't worth the effort with the UV as the regular nail polish worked so well, without the extra steps.
Have you tried this before? Thanks
@@RedRockingBird No worries, I probably would've thought the same haha I'm actually looking up different ways of varnishing so that I cn start making some trickets! (that's how I found your video)
@@marialouise3450 so many options, just preference really, these were just my thoughts : )
I figure easy varnish by powertex would do the trick, or josephine varnish.
Anything fron the powertex or paverpol lines.
Sounds good, I don’t have these but sure 😊
With the nail lamp, use rubbing alcohol after it drys.... should work.
Thanks… Why oh why I didn’t reach for the nail wipe after 🙈 😆
Thank you
Thank you 😊
As a nail tech you need to wipe the tacky layer off with cleanser or rubbing alcohol xx
I really did need to do this didn't I, I completely forgot about this step, goes to show how little I get to do my nails! : ) Thank you
I think with the gel polish you have to wipe it with an alcohol wipe after curing just as you do when you do your nails. It’s not that the gel hasn’t cured it’s just a film left on top
I don’t know how I missed doing this 🙈 when that’s what I do in my nails, thanks 😊
@@RedRockingBird happens to the best of us!! It’s a really good idea though :)
@@Incrediblugh thank you for your kindness 😊❤️ happy crafting
Can the lacquer be sprayed on the clay without acrylic layer? I like the natural colour of the clay & I want it to have glossy finish but I'm afraid that it will affect the clay. Tq so muchh
The lacquer that I have soaks in to the bare clay, different brands might be different though, a thin layer of something like mod podge first seals it and then the gloss lacquer gives a nice sheen to the top, otherwise just more layers of lacquer, it will make it stronger too. I too love the look of the bare clay. Thank you
Thank you 🌹
Glad you liked, lots more air dry clay projects coming soon along with other creative projects
How about styrofoam dissolved in xylene or gasoline. It makes a durable shiny waterproof hard coating.
I would love to try, I have seen this method or similar and looks so intriguing, thanks
I am glad to find you and wach your videos .your voice is so beautiful. Plus you are in the uk and i can see exactly what you use and find in the shops around and not need to try to find a Usa brand. Thx you
Thank you so much, so glad they can help, what do you like to create? Have a great day, Sarah
@@RedRockingBird it will be my firt time using clay .before i use to paint i painted on glass and canvas but I become a mum so no time to paint and is a bit messy .so I start to do handmade bracelet from nylon cords but i will like to add a bit more to it and to be different to others so i will like to make jwellery from clay to be added in the middle of my bracelet and mabey earrings...alos i love diferent tray .or leaf 🍃 trays
@@ivpaulaivy3592 wonderful, I totally understand about not having time when being a Mum, my 2 are getting a bit older now so I do my crafts with them too and they love it, especially painting, so you have that to look forward to. Enjoy your projects, I have lots more on here, including jewellery and clay dishes, and lots more to come ❤️ th-cam.com/video/R7oJI3alI7g/w-d-xo.html
@@RedRockingBird saw 👀 it already. I will keep looking at your videos and thx you for sharing. You make it sound very easy..by the way this is not toxic or so ..o see kids they used too ?
have you tried water based varnish? I have just ordered some air dry clay and am intending to use it...polyurethane will tend to yellow after time...I used to make wooden name blocks, and the water based varnishes last SO long. thank you so much for all of the products you tried!!!
yes like this amzn.to/3pEJJGj thank you : )
There is liquid glass in polyurethane but there is only so much, so once you open Polly urethane the glass begins to evaporate and that's where the yellowing comes in. All of the liquid glass has evaporated that is why you need to do your crafts and DIYs and then polyurethane them all at once. Once you open polyurethane and replace the lid, the liquid glass in the polyurethane steel evaporates in a very short span of time.
Oh wow, thank you for this information and sharing with us all, very interesting
@@RedRockingBird You are very welcome. My brother has been a carpenter for over 40 years and he shares these tips with me.
This was really helpful thank you!Also I would ask can you glaze your air dry clay again after a few days if you want it to be be more shiny?
Thank you, and yes you can
UVresin is the best !
I now use uv resin too, but it’s not for everyone
Can I use clear nail polish? Is it good in the long term?
for the gel polish, did you check if you have a no wipe polish? cuz if you dont, you have to wipe off the sticky layer (with acetone i believe) after you have dried it under the lamp.
I totally forgot this step for some reason 🤦🏻♀️ as yes when we wipe off the sticky layer they are fab ❤️ thanks
Your meant to wipe it with a normal nail varnish remover to remove that tackiness x
I completely forgot that bit for some reason, thanks ❤️
Using clear nail polish mixing it with Elmer's glue and a tad of water highly been suggested with dry air clay..
Did you try it?
Coo-Vac varnish says eggshell on your can, probably why its coming up yellowish, maybe a clear would work better
Thanks, eggshell is the finish, if you are not keen on the yellow then a waterbased one would be better, not the varnish.
Hello do u have any recomendition glaze for safe food? like using it for a mug to drink
Hi, air dry clay is not food safe so I can’t recommend anything sorry, best use stoneware you fire in a kiln.
You have to cure the gel top with alcohol after coming out of the lamp
I do don't I, I have no idea why I missed this step, when I do do it on my nails, I'm happier to use other options though, rather than use up my nail gel, thank you ❤
I have problem with the glaze. ive been using acrylic for the clay and everytime i glaze it using the resin, my color will bleed . I didnt use the uv lamp btw
Acrylic should stay put once dry, make sure it’s fully dry and I’d try a different top coat as yours seems to be reactivating the paint 🎨
What about a can of spray glue ???? I have this but Leary of trying it until I ask you .??
I personally wouldn't use a glue as it may stay sticky, is there anything else you can get your hands on? See what friends may lend you?
Thanks for such a nice video. Can I ask you please do you know which glazing is the best for jewellery for sensitive skin?
Thank you, glad you enjoyed, I’m really not sure with not having sensitive skin, so it’s never been something I’ve thought about, depends what the allergies are etc I guess, sorry
Thanks for your reply. Happy New Year!
@@lmeger Happy New Year
Hello! Thank you for your videos! Does mod-podge give a good shiny glazed look if I apply it after coats of white acryllic have dried - or should I use anything else afterwards to increase the glossiness and finish? Thank you very much!
Edit - After watching your videos I think I know what to do. First, i will use slip to smooth out the air dry clay and remove any finger prints. Then I will give a few coats of white acryllic. Then a few coats of mod podge gloss. And then finnally a few coats of spray laqeur to finish. Does that sound reasonable?
Yes I use it like this, if i don't undercoat with acrylic paint then I tend to paint a design, then mod podge, then spray lacquer, the spray is my favourite, just make sure you leave to dry fully between steps otherwise the acrylic paint may peel, takes longer to dry than you think, so i tend to work on more than one item at a time too.
@@RedRockingBird Thank you very much! Hopefully my project will turn out great! If i may ask another question, how would you deal with making a masqurade mask out of air dry clay. So that the clay isnt touching my skin i'm going attach cotton to the surface. And im planing on making holes in the mask to attach elastic that will keep it attached to my face. Do you have any tips or thoughts?
It could end up quite heavy, I would tend to use papier-mâché, or ho
Or how about putting on a stick as well?
Hope it turns out well ❤️
@@RedRockingBird is it ok to just use a layer of modge podge if it's not going to be outside?
Nice - loving your videos! What do you think of Duraclear? I'm looking to create both matt and high gloss pieces and see it comes in both as a brush-on type. I'd prefer to stay clear of strong solvents
I’ve just ordered some more to try and do a comparison, I like to have a Matt variation on hand too
Interesting experiments. I have a Gamvar glossy picture varnish for paintings - I wonder how well that would work? 🤔
Thank you, I’d give it a go, sounds like it could leave a yellow tinge as some varnishes do but some people like that effect. Do a test piece on something non precious and see what you think, varnish drying times tend to be longer ❤️
@@RedRockingBird Anytime. Ahh ok, thanks for the tip. I'm hoping that since it's for paintings that it won't yellow. I'm going to give it a try. 🤞
@@EveInTheMachine super best of luck ❤️
Did you try it please tell me the results as well
Which one is safety for food?
air dry clay is not food safe sorry
Hello! thanks for sharing this video. Wondering if the polyurethane varnish does the job of both glazing and waterproofing the clay?
Hi, it sure does, I did a waterproof video and used this same polyurethane, just need to make sure it’s not permanently wet and you check it each year as might need a recoat over time ❤️
2 part marine epoxy, it's clear and absolutely waterproof
Thanks Jason, I've only just started to use resin and finding that I really do like using it, not for everyone, which is why I made this video with no resin. I've been using this UV resin: amzn.to/3SRHLeM marine epoxy sounds good
Hi can you show us how to give air dry clay matte look? And also show how to seal it?
You can get a matt spray. You can add a thinned down acrylic medium or thinned white glue or thinned acrylic on the bare clay. Then 'glaze'/varnish after, with matt or gloss. So many products out there.
@@RedRockingBird Can you tell me which brands of matte spray will be good?
Can you please recomend a clear waterproof gloss
in my waterproof air dry clay video th-cam.com/video/91EVMXFMgUQ/w-d-xo.html I use the polyurethane
Thank you so much for this. Can you recommend pens that don’t smudge?
Permanent pens should not smudge, best doing a few test with the pen and whatever Varna/lacquer
Thanks for the tutorial. I've been using something called "Acrylic Gloss" when sealing my clays. Does that qualify as Gloss Medium/Varnish? It sorta looks/acts like mod podge/glue-water.
Acrylic gloss is designed to be mixed in with acrylic paints while painting to give a sheen etc, but I too have used it as a top coat for air dry clay, it won’t be as durable as a varnish or resin but if it’s what you have and you like the finish then I’d go with it, it’s all crafting at the end of the day. I must do a new video on varnishes, thanks
Brilliant video , so helpful thanks. Have yo used gilding polish on your air dry clay ?
Thanks, not actual gilding polish but something very similar, would work well
Water-based polyurethane does not turn yellow and it leaves a wonderful glass.
Yep some are super glossy
Hi! If I use mid podge will it be waterproof?
I did the exact same thing on a white birdhouse I wanted to varnish; I used a couple of years old, water based garage varathane. It also went yellow, which I attributed to the age of it. I had used it when 1st bought, and do not remember any yellowing! I was curious about resin, which I do have...
Give resin a try, I will get some in the future
@@RedRockingBird the reason why I was asking; is because I watched another person's video who said they tried resin, which they said was just a goopey mess. I have a feeling that it was possibly clay not fully dried, resin not completely mixed, or resin not dried long enough. I love your little designs, very cute! I have to ask, i also use a sharpie for fine detail and lines; were u using a permanent sharpie ink? I wonder if that would stop the bleeding, or do I have to pull out the extra fine paint brush, and steel my nerves....lol 😂
I’ve seen people use resin well, I guess it one of those things that takes a bit of practice. 😊
I have successfully used a permanent sharpie and varnished, but then done similar with the same pen and a different top coat made the ink bleed, so I now always say do a test piece on a scrap piece with what you’ll use. ❤️
In another video someone used the UV method and then leaves her pins in the sun to get rid of the tackiness. But we're in the UK so now much sun here lol
Interesting, yes right now I don’t like our chances for enough sun light 🤣 but must try it too and see, thank you and thanks for watching
Those nail lamp paints have to be buffed after they set under the lamp. They are tacky on the nail too after it sets and then you buff the tacky bit off with a cotton pad.
I sure did need to try that didn't I, to be honest i think i'd already decided it wasn't worth the effort with the UV as the regular nail polish worked so well, without the extra steps.
Have you tried this before? Thanks
Does nail polish really went that bad? I read some comments saying dont use nail polish.. but thats the only affordable choice for me right now..
If that’s all you have no problem, do a small test piece and see what you think. I have a nail varnish that’s fast drying and works perfectly well and never gone sticky, but each one may be different, best of luck
Might be dumb question but Does lacquer make it weatherproof?
I used the polyurethane in this video th-cam.com/video/91EVMXFMgUQ/w-d-xo.html to make weatherproof
Not at all a dumb question. Means you care. 🙏🥀
At the end of the video you have a dark blue toned necklace. I’m looking into how to do glaze like that with air dry clay... more natural organic finishes... is that possible? Thank you
Hi, thank you, did you see this video th-cam.com/video/R7oJI3alI7g/w-d-xo.html
How to avoid porosity in dry clay? I mean o one side it is perfectly fine but on the other side it is very porous.
you need to coat all surfaces
What about the white or transoarent glue? Or glossy mod podge. It also works fine. we can use acrylic glossy varnish on it too? Thanks alot for ur vids.
Yes all work, use what you have and go from there is always what i say, thank you
Can I use varnish on clay pot, clay cup plate,bowl?
Air dry clay is not food safe though, these are for decorative purposes
Can i paint over polyurethane varnish? So i can get the durable waterproof sealing without the yellow tinge? After few layers of PU varnish i will lightly sand then coat with white primer then use acrylic paint and final coat of spray varnish.
Do you think this would work 😅??
I haven’t before, but most definitely try, I’d give anything a go, but not on something I’d spent hours making, best of luck 😊
@@RedRockingBird i definitely will 😁 thanks a lot ❤️
@@RedRose4evr 😊
Can i use clear spray paint? Would it be works? Would it be making cracks on them?
I use a clear lacquer, so yes try it, as long as you do 2+ very thin coats to build up, rather than one very heavy spray, test it on an off cut if you are unsure
mam thanks for this usefull tutorial but i have question
can i use clear spray ????????
Thank you and yes sure 💛
@@RedRockingBird thanks mam
@@gulbano935 enjoy your projects, thanks
I used a varnish on my air dry clay but it cracked under my little characters. Pls help. 😢
Do you mean where there are joins?
Thank you so so much!! I need this a lot!! Are these products water proof tho?
Thank you, I used the polyurethane in this waterproof video th-cam.com/video/91EVMXFMgUQ/w-d-xo.html
You recommend the spray but which one do you really use? Thanks
Just about to get a new batch so will add as links, I use the wilko one currently but most people can’t get hold of it
Is the lacquer food-safe?
No and air dry clay is not food safe
Do you think Foto transfer potch could be use as a las layer? thank you
You could sure try, I would, thanks for watching ❤️
Hello,these glanz are safe food?
Hi, no sorry and air dry clay is not food safe, thanks watching
Does the lacquer spray make it waterproof then?
Splash proof yes, waterproof no, the polyurethane can as in my waterproof air dry clay video 😊
Another video said Mod Podge would be best, may I ask why it wasnt featured or why it may not be best? Thank you sm :) also would resin be the best option then?
You can use mod podge yes and i do in other videos of mine. If you like using resin then yes that is good too.
@@RedRockingBird ah awesome thank you so much! Will give them both a try 😊 thanks for the video its been really helpful:)
Does the spray lacquer dry tacky? I would like to try and make coasters, and after using mod podge in the past, not only does it dry tacky, it also eventually melts especially if you love hot drinks and tea as much as I do! 😂 any suggestions for coasters? Thanks (:
I'd use something like a polyurethane varnish, you just have to make sure it's 100% dry which mine takes quite a while as oil based, and don't let it touch anything while coating or drying, then turn over and repeat, you can use little pyramids like it did when spraying this: th-cam.com/video/5bIyv6bmqMs/w-d-xo.html (but you'd apply with a brush
@@RedRockingBird thank you so much! (:
Enjoy your projects ❤️
I don't like Mod Podge. Tried it with half a dozen different kinds of paper beads, and they're still tacky. That was several years ago. Also it kind of yellowed, so Mod Podge and nail varnish are off my list permanently for any kind of finish.
Is it okay if I use an acrylic sealer? Maybe a brand like mod podge?
Yes sure and enjoy your projects
when it dries is it toxic i use it on a mug to drink from?
Air dry clay is not food safe
I bought a clear glass spray at the paint shop. Hope this wil work. I could not find a laquer locally. Any help?
Hope so, should do
Just give it a try on a test piece
Hi, I'm looking for something to glaze cold porcelain flowers. Would lacquer discolour over time leaving a yellowish tinge?
Hi, most lacquers and varnishes yellow over time
@@RedRockingBird Hi, what about water based polyurethane? I've just started using it recently... don't know how it works out in the long run.
Can i use one layer of lacquer instead of 2 or 3 layer on my air dry clay? Will it protect my clay?
I prefer 2-3 light layers rather than one thick layer