Polymer Clay Techniques
Polymer is a chemical compound that is used by sculptors, artisans and craftsmen to create articles and items, which enhance the beauty of our homes and offices. This is wonderful substance because of its features like elasticity, durability and flexibility. Polymers are neither brittle nor hard, polymer in its original form is very soft, but it can be made hard as and when the need arises. While some types of polymers are found naturally in the rubber trees or Aloe Vera shrubs, while some are manmade polymers. Some e.g. that could be cited are plastic cans, plastic bottles and wall paints.
As some polymers are manmade, some steps and precautions should be adhered to, since it’s a chemical and every chemical could prove fatal to the human body. While preparing them one should always make sure that there ample of space and room available while you prepare it. Borax is an important ingredient that is use in the preparation of Polymer Clay. Since it could be fatal to the human body sufficient care should be taken when handling it.
Always wash off your hands with a good detergent so as to remove its effects. Never touch Borax with plain hands, do not try rubbing your eyes without washing your hands, since Borax has the potential to be an eye irritant. Always have some glares or eye glasses to protect your eye.
Here are some ways and suggestions as to make polymer clay. First of all take about 25 milliliters of water in a glass jar and add 30 ml of Elmer glue and then keep stirring. After the mixture is stirred, add 2 teaspoons of talcum powder and again keep stirring for another 5 minutes, till all the compounds are stirred thoroughly.
Then add five drops of food coloring to this mixture and see that you don’t add more that what’s required, since this could mess up your efforts. Students should be cautioned and made aware of the harmful effects of Borax. Care should be taken that they don’t splash Borax on themselves. Students should always be wearing an eye wear. After adding the Borax one should then remove the Polymer in to a different glass bowl and allow it to cool.
Since the preparation of Polymer is a scientific process, all the measurements should be made accurately, every direction and step should be followed as required, or this could make you land up with something else.
This entry was posted on Saturday, June 28th, 2008 at 12:10 pm and is filed under Polymer Clay. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.