Chloe Zhang
Polymer clay is a fun and versatile material for crafting, but attaching it to plastic can be challenging due to its flexible and plastic nature. Various methods can be used to join polymer clay to plastic, such as using glues like epoxy, super glue, or liquid clay. The type of glue used depends on the specific situation, as some glues may not cure fully or may degrade the clay. Gluing polymer clay to plastic can be done before or after baking, but it is essential to ensure a strong bond by using the appropriate glue and technique. The flexibility of plastic and the potential for chemical reactions between the clay and plastic over time are factors that add to the complexity of the task.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of polymer clay | Sculpey Premo, Fimo Professional, Fimo Soft, Cernit Number One, Kato Polyclay, Souffle by Sculpey |
| Baking temperatures | Sculpey Premo: 275 F, Fimo: 230 F |
| Storage | Plastic wrap, air-tight containers like mason jars |
| Tools | Toothpicks, aluminium foil, old toothbrushes |
| Bonding agents | Liquid clay, Bake and Bond, Fimo Liquid Gel, Genesis Thick Medium, instant glue, super glue, epoxy glue |
| Surfaces | Polymer clay can be attached to wood, paper, fabric, metal, ceramic, glass, plastic, and rubber |
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What You'll Learn
Use a strong white glue or PVA glue
When attaching polymer clay to plastic, it is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each glue has its fans and critics. Some glues do not cure fully when used on polymer clay, while others may degrade the clay and make it sticky. That being said, a strong white glue or PVA glue, such as Weldbond, can be used to attach polymer clay to plastic.
Before gluing, it is important to condition the clay by smushing it around until it is pliable and smooth. This can be done by hand or with a pasta machine. Additionally, the clay should be wrapped in plastic wrap to ensure safe storage. Once the clay is prepared, follow these steps to attach it to plastic using white glue or PVA glue:
- Clean the plastic surface to ensure there is no dust or debris that may interfere with the bond.
- Apply a thin layer of white glue or PVA glue to the plastic surface.
- Place the polymer clay onto the glued area and hold it in place for a few seconds to ensure a strong bond.
- Allow the glue to dry completely before handling the project further.
It is important to note that while white glue or PVA glue can be used to attach polymer clay to plastic, it may not create a permanent bond. For a more durable solution, consider using a two-part epoxy glue or a liquid polymer clay as an adhesive. Additionally, when working with polymer clay, it is important to be mindful of the storage containers and tools used, as the chemicals in the clay can react with certain types of plastics over time, causing softening or melting.
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Try a gel superglue, like Loctite Control Gel
When attaching polymer clay to plastic, it's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and the specific type of polymer clay and plastic you're working with will impact the effectiveness of different adhesives. That being said, a gel superglue like Loctite Control Gel can be a good option for bonding baked polymer clay to itself. This type of glue is especially useful if you can't rebake the clay, as it doesn't require heat to set.
Loctite Control Gel is a strong adhesive that can create a durable bond between baked polymer clay pieces. It's important to note that different brands of polymer clay may require different adhesives, so it's always a good idea to test the glue on a small area first to ensure compatibility and avoid any unwanted reactions.
When using Loctite Control Gel or any other gel superglue, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. Make sure the surfaces you're bonding are clean and dry before applying the glue. This type of glue typically sets quickly, so you'll want to work carefully and deliberately to ensure proper alignment before the glue dries.
Keep in mind that while gel superglues like Loctite Control Gel can be effective for bonding polymer clay to itself, they may not be the best choice for bonding polymer clay to other materials. The unique properties of polymer clay, such as its flexibility, can make it challenging to create a durable bond with certain surfaces. In those cases, you may need to explore other adhesives or bonding techniques, such as using liquid clay or creating an armature with toothpicks or wire for additional support.
Additionally, it's worth noting that the chemicals in raw polymer clay can react with certain types of plastics over time, softening or even melting them. This is something to be mindful of when choosing the surface you want to attach your polymer clay to, as well as when storing your clay in its raw state. Always use plastic wrap or wax paper to separate raw polymer clay from other materials, especially wood.
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Use a two-part epoxy glue
Polymer clay is plastic and flexible, which makes creating a durable bond challenging. However, epoxy glues work very well with polymer clay. They bond well and hold tight.
Epoxies are a general class of adhesives and coatings where you combine equal parts of two resins to create an activated product that hardens within seconds to hours, depending on the formulation. The longer the setting time, the stronger the bond. You can use a toothpick to mix the two resins together and then apply them to your project.
Epoxy glues are often packaged in a double syringe form that dispenses equal amounts of each resin component. You probably have tubes of epoxy glue in your garage or workshop as it’s an excellent all-around glue for bonding all sorts of things.
While epoxy glues work well with polymer clay, bond failures can still occur. If you're looking for a stronger epoxy glue, consider a plastic-specific epoxy, Devcon, or Epoxy 330.
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Try a liquid clay, like Bake & Bond
When working with polymer clay, you may need to attach raw clay to raw clay, raw clay to baked clay, or baked clay to baked clay. While there are several methods to do this, one option is to use a liquid clay product like Bake & Bond.
Bake & Bond is a type of liquid clay adhesive that can be used to join polymer clay pieces together. It is applied to the clay before baking and helps to create a strong bond between the pieces. This product can be used to adhere raw clay to raw clay, raw clay to baked clay, and baked clay to baked clay. It can also be used to adhere clay to porous materials, such as wood, paper, and canvas.
To use Bake & Bond, simply add some of the liquid clay to the joints or layers of your clay creation. You can use it to join two pieces of raw clay or to attach raw clay to baked clay. Once you have applied the Bake & Bond, you will need to bake your creation in the oven. The baking process will vary depending on the size of your project, but generally, you will bake it in your home or toaster oven at 275 °F for about 30 minutes.
Bake & Bond is known for its strength and ability to keep clay pieces securely in place. It is also non-toxic and safe to use in your home oven. The formula dries clear, so you don't have to worry about it affecting the appearance of your clay project.
Using liquid clay like Bake & Bond is an effective way to attach polymer clay pieces together, providing a strong and secure bond. It is a versatile option that can be used for various types of projects and can be baked along with your clay creation, ensuring a durable finish.
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Use an instant glue like Super Glue
When it comes to attaching polymer clay to plastic, one option is to use an instant glue like Super Glue. Super Glue is a brand name for a class of glue made from cyanoacrylate, often referred to as "CA". It cures almost instantly and can act as both a glue and a sealer for polymer clay.
However, it's important to note that Super Glue is brittle and not suitable for bonding materials that need to flex, such as plastic or rubber. When used to attach polymer clay to plastic, the bond will eventually fail over time with wear and tear. Nonetheless, it can be a quick and convenient solution for temporary bonds.
To use Super Glue effectively, make sure the surfaces of both the polymer clay and the plastic are clean and dry. Apply a small amount of Super Glue to one or both of the surfaces, being careful not to use too much to avoid excess glue seeping out and creating a messy bond. Press the two surfaces together firmly and hold them in place for a few seconds to allow the glue to cure and form a strong bond.
It's important to work quickly when using Super Glue, as it cures very fast. Additionally, be cautious not to glue your fingers together, as it is known for doing so! Super Glue is readily available in small tubes, making it convenient for small projects.
While Super Glue may not be the ideal solution for a permanent or flexible bond, it can certainly be useful for quick fixes or temporary attachments when working with polymer clay and plastic.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no perfect glue for all uses. Polymer clay is flexible, making a durable bond challenging. However, epoxy glues work very well with polymer clay. A plastic-specific epoxy glue, Devcon, and Epoxy 330 are recommended.
When bonding raw polymer clay to itself, use any bakeable glue or liquid clay to enhance the bond. Fimo Liquid Gel gives the strongest bond.
The best way to bond baked to baked is to use Genesis Thick Medium with a raw clay bridge. However, Genesis is no longer available, so Fimo Liquid Gel is a good alternative.
Super Glue is a class of glue made from cyanoacrylate. It is a very brittle glue and doesn't work well for anything that will flex, such as plastic or rubber. Therefore, it is not recommended for attaching polymer clay to plastic.
Avoid using wooden tools such as a rolling pin or working on a butcher block as the chemicals in the clay can react with some types of wood over time, softening and sometimes even melting them.
