November 26, 2022

Wrapping Paper Polymer Clay Transfer

I tried out this wrapping paper transfer method!


My results are below. I am pretty happy with this method, it even transferred the silver paper. Some of the edges aren't perfect, but I think I could have rubbed them in more to get better results. I love the cute little owls! It is such a great way to play around with different patterns. I went around to nearly every thrift store in the area looking for wrapping paper, so it adds a bit of treasure hunting to the fun. They are brightest when wet, or covered in a sealant and fade slightly as they dry.

Supplies:
(Amazon links below are affiliate links)
  • Wrapping Paper
    • Not shinny
    • Paper texture
    • Thrift stores are the cheapest, even dollar stores can be expensive nowadays
    • Look for tiny prints that would fit inside something the size of a loonie
  • Hand Sanitizer
    • Alcohol-based, avoid aloe
    • Rubbing alcohol also works
    • Do not use nail polish remover
  • Cotton Pads/Paper Towel
    • Anything that can be used to apply the sanitizer
  • For the cutter shape:
  • Ceramic Tile - 6x6" White Gloss Tile Home Depot  
  • Polymer Clay - Any brand, bake with normal directions
  • Fine Blade Cartridge
  • Baby Wipes - For wiping surfaces and hands to remove dust
  • Sand Paper & 100% Acetone
  • Optional: A sealant or UV resin & UV lamp
  • Optional: Drill for hole


Steps:
  1. Clean your hands & surfaces before handling the clay with baby wipes to keep as much dust out as possible.
  2. Cut out a shape on the tile, leaving space around each cut or you can try to transfer it after with the fine blade. Cut out a hole for earrings in this step or after cooking with a drill.
  3. Cut out the paper you want to transfer and firmly smooth it into the clay
  4. Apply a generous amount of hand sanitizer with the cotton pad rubbing vigorously on all edges for a few minutes.
  5. Let dry for 1 hour
  6. Bake as per clay direction
  7. Let cool for 1 hour
  8. Dip in water, peel and rub off the image - It doesn't rub off easy
  9. Sand the bottom using wet-dry sandpaper and 100% acetone & drill a hole if desired
  10. Seal with the desired sealant, or leave it as is. 
Questions:

Q: Do I need to use a tile or can I just use parchment paper?
A: If you use a 3D-printed cutter - yes, metal - no. Ceramic tiles allow the material to stick to the tile rather than the 3D-printed cutter. 

Q: Why should I leave space around my cuts?
A: If you try to cut out a very specific shape like a circle and try to transfer it then it can stretch. If you leave space you don't need to do so. Leave enough space for the paper overhang and for your fingers to run around the edges.

Q: How do I keep the UV resin from sticking to materials underneath it?
A: Use materials that won't stick to resin such as wax, polyethylene plastic (sandwich bags), and silicone mats. I use Let's Resin UV Resin with the gel nail kit I purchased ages ago, but it is also sold as a kit that includes a mat. 

Q: What tools are best for sanding?
A: For edges, use a nail drill (dremel) that can be sold with most gel nail kits. The important part is the tips, use wool felt tips for gentle edge sanding, and go slow!
For the flat parts, rotary sanders can be used, but the grits need to be fairly fine grit since they usually can't be reduced too much in speed. Regular wet-dry sandpaper also works for hand sanding which allows the most control, you can use it with acetone. Rotary disks grits that work best for:
Flat surfaces - 800, 1500 and 2400
Curved Surfaces - 2400
Fine Finishing - 3600, 4000 and 6000

 

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